Lake Tekapo is one of those lakes that actually lives up to the hype. The colour’s this unreal milky turquoise thanks to glacial silt, and with the mountains behind it, the whole place feels pretty peaceful. It’s a great spot to just sit by the water and take it all in, especially early in the morning or late in the arvo when it’s a bit quieter.

If you're here around late spring, the lupins bloom all along the edge of the lake and add a splash of colour, which is always a nice surprise. On a still day, the reflections are spot on, too.

It’s also one of the best lakes in the country for stargazing since it's part of a Dark Sky Reserve. If the sky’s clear and you’re away from the lights, you’ll see more stars than you probably ever have.