The Church of the Good Shepherd has become one of those classic Lake Tekapo photo spots, and it’s easy to see why. Perched right by the lake with the mountains behind it, the view’s pretty cute, especially at sunrise or sunset when the light hits just right.

It was built back in 1935 as a tribute to the early settlers of the Mackenzie region, and it’s still used for small services and weddings. These days it gets a steady stream of tourists, but even with the crowds, it’s worth a stop. The church itself is tiny and simple, built from local stone, and it’s got a peaceful vibe to it if you catch it during a quiet moment.

If you're visiting between mid-November and early December, you'll see the lupins blooming all around the lake, making the whole place look even more magical. Outside of lupin season, the rocky shoreline still has its charm, with loads of little rock stacks that people have built over time.