Day 1: Lake Tekapo

Our first stop of the day was Lake Tekapo; it was also our first taste of New Zealand landscape in the south island. The name Tekapo derives from Maori words Taka (sleeping mat) and Po (night). With Mt. Cook in the background and the lake surrounding the foreground it made for some breathtaking landscape.

Prized sheep dog statue with the following enscription, “This monument was erected by the runholders of the Mackenzie County and those who also appreciate the value of the collie dog, without the help of which, the grazing of this mountain county would be impossible."

Next to the lake was a little church called the Church of the Good Shepherd. It was built in 1935 as a memorial to the pioneers of Mackenzie Country who worked very hard to make the land suitable for human habitation.

According to a woman who helps run the church there are 3 different faiths (Catholic, Protestant and one other that I can't remember) who worship regularly in the church and it's a popular location for weddings.

After a quick group photo in front of the lake we were on the bus again heading towards Lake Ohau for our first night.

View More Photos from Lake Tekapo