CNN Traveler ranks the most beautiful lakes in the world. And Lake Tekapo, New Zealand is proud to be on this list! Let’s enjoy the beauty of this lake!
1. What is CNN traveler’s list of the 30 best lakes in the world?
With its crystalline surface and rainbow of colors, a gorgeous lake can display some of water’s most captivating characteristics. Some of the amazing natural and man-made beauties found all throughout the world, from Australia to Siberia, Malawi to Pakistan, may even make you forget about beaches entirely.
You can see a full list at here
2. Why is Lake Tekapo, New Zealand, on this list?
While there are many lakes in New Zealand with blue waters and mountain backdrops, Lake Tekapo is notable for the purple, pink, and blue-hued lupins that line its shoreline. The vibrant flowers (which bloom from mid-November to December) contribute to one of the most stunning panoramas in the country.
The lake is also part of the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve, making it one of the best spots in the southern hemisphere to stargaze. It’s certainly worth scheduling overnight lodgings (there are lots of villas and lodges in the region) only to see the night sky.
- See more: Lake Tarawera: Visit One Of New Zealand’s Most Picturesque Lakes
3. Activities in Lake Tekapo, New Zealand
3.1. Go astronomical observing in Lake Tekapo
Lake Tekapo’s famous night sky is spectacular, providing the ideal opportunity to see the stars and other wonders of the night sky.
The area is one of New Zealand’s only Dark Sky Reserves and the largest in the Southern Hemisphere. The Aoraki/Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve is another name for it. So, without a doubt, Tekapo is one of the top sites in New Zealand to go stargazing.
3.2. Lake Tekapo: Enjoy the vibrant lupins
Lupin season in New Zealand boosts tourism in several locations of the country. The beaches of Lake Tekapo are a popular location for photographing lupins. Because of the popularity of social media, millions of people rush to Lake Tekapo during lupin season to capture these stunningly beautiful flowers.
3.3. Take a look at Lake Pukaki’s blue water.
Over an hour’s drive from Queenstown, you’ll arrive to the Gatorade-blue waters of Lake Pukaki, certainly one of the most stunning spots on the South Island. Lake Pukaki, unlike Tekapo, has no town and no facilities (just toilets).
You can tour the lake’s shore and take numerous photographs here. On a clear day, Mount Cook can be seen in the distance. Thousands of these beautiful flowers can be found along the lake’s side during lupin season (late November to early February).
3.4. Mount John Summit Hike
The track begins shortly before Tekapo Springs and is clearly marked. There are two ways to reach the summit. The quickest route is the circuit track, which climbs quickly through primarily forested terrain. This track should take about 1.5 hours to finish.
3.5. Photograph the Good Shepherd’s Church
One of my favorite sites to photograph on the South Island is this charming tiny church.
Lake Tekapo surrounds the Church of the Good Shepherd and, on a clear day, Mount Cook. As a result, this chapel is extremely famous among travelers.
3.6. Mount Cook National Park is a must-see.
The drive from Tekapo to Mount Cook is worthwhile in and of itself. It’s a one-hour and fifteen-minute drive, and it’s widely regarded as one of the most beautiful drives in the world, as well as one of the most epic road excursions on the South Island.
Mount Cook can be seen on a clear day from this twisting route. The road follows the shoreline of Lake Pukaki and provides excellent photo opportunities. If you want to take shots, be sure you pull in carefully.
4. Seven Interesting Facts About Lake Tekapo
Lake Tekapo is a charming town that shares its name with the lake on which it is situated. The stunning scenery attracts visitors all year. Here are seven fascinating facts about the famed lake.
- Lake Tekapo is the second largest of the three leading lakes that run through the South Island, after Lake Pukaki and Lake Ohau.
- The lake is roughly 27 kilometers long. The typical depth is 69m.
- The water flows from the Southern Alps, which are fed by enormous mountain glaciers. Particles from the glaciers trickle down towards the lake and combine with the warmer waters, creating a permanent turquoise appearance.
- Lake Tekapo has a population of 369 people as of 2013.
- Lake Tekapo receives 2180 hours of sunshine each year, which is 200 hours more than the national average!
- The iconic dog statue on the lake’s shore was created in 1968 as a memorial to all Mackenzie working collie dogs.
- The landmark Church of the Good Shepherd, erected in 1935, may be found on the lake’s banks.