Lake Tekapo
A milky turquoise lake in the Mackenzie Country, coloured by glacial flour, with snowy Alps behind. Visitors walk the shore, see the Church of the Good Shepherd and stargaze under dark skies.
Lake Tekapo and Aoraki/Mount Cook
A dark-sky reserve with starry skies, turquoise lakes and walks at the foot of the country's highest mountain.
Attractive locations
Church of the Good Shepherd
A small stone church on the shore of Lake Tekapo. The window behind the altar frames the lake and mountains, which makes it a favourite subject for photographers.
Mount John University Observatory
An astronomical observatory on a hill above the lake. The area is part of an international dark sky reserve, so it is one of the best places in the country for stargazing.
Lake Pukaki
A large glacier-fed lake with milky turquoise water and clear views of Aoraki / Mount Cook at its far end. Lookouts and picnic spots along the shore make easy stops on the drive.
Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park
A national park around New Zealand's highest mountain, with glaciers, alpine valleys and day walks suited to many abilities. It is a leading place for mountain scenery in the country.
Tasman Lake
A cold glacial lake at the foot of the Tasman Glacier, scattered with icebergs that have broken off the ice. A short walk leads to viewpoints, and boat trips run on the lake.
Hooker Valley Track
A well-made walking track near Aoraki/Mount Cook village, crossing swing bridges to a glacial lake with views of the mountain. Most walkers need a few hours for the return trip.
Airports
Timaru Airport TIU
It is about 72 km in a straight line from Lake Tekapo and Aoraki/Mount Cook.
Wanaka Airport WKA
It is about 137 km in a straight line from Lake Tekapo and Aoraki/Mount Cook.
Hokitika Airfield HKK
It is about 137 km in a straight line from Lake Tekapo and Aoraki/Mount Cook.
Scams and safe taxis
Taxi and scam advice for this country is on the New Zealand page
Weather by month
Each month shows its average temperature in °C and its mm of rain per month.
- Jan12.6 °C104 mm
- Feb12.7 °C85 mm
- Mar10.6 °C85 mm
- Apr7.2 °C92 mm
- May4.3 °C100 mm
- Jun1.4 °C95 mm
- Jul0.7 °C86 mm
- Aug2.1 °C88 mm
- Sep4.3 °C89 mm
- Oct6.1 °C103 mm
- Nov8.6 °C104 mm
- Dec11.1 °C113 mm
Driest months: Feb, Mar, Jul. Wettest months: Jan, Nov, Dec.
Costs
Prices here are about 86% of US prices (World Bank, 2025). This compares a country's overall prices, not the cost of a trip.
Who can help
Emergency
111 for police, fire and ambulance.
local government
New Zealand Police (111 and 105)
Helps with: National police. Call 111 when you need an emergency response from Police, Fire or Ambulance. Call 105 to report things that do not need urgent police help.
Who qualifies: Anyone in New Zealand, including visitors.
Phone: 111
ngo
New Zealand Red Cross
Helps with: New Zealand's national Red Cross society. Contact its national office in Wellington by phone or post for its humanitarian services.
Who qualifies: People in New Zealand who need its services.
Phone: 0800 733 27677
Address: 69 Molesworth Street, Thorndon, Wellington
embassy
Diplomatic missions in New Zealand (MFAT order of precedence)
Helps with: For a lost passport or serious trouble, contact your own country's embassy. The foreign ministry page lists heads of mission in New Zealand and the city each is based in.
Who qualifies: Citizens of each country, through their own embassy or high commission.