Located in the heart of the South Island is Lake Tekapo. This is easily one of the most breathtaking lakes in New Zealand, famous for its turquoise water, dramatic mountain backdrop and world-renowned stargazing. I most recently visited in early 2025, and having visited four times, I can safely say that staying here feels like living in a dream.  I don’t know if there's anything quite as magical as sitting on the lake’s edge at sunset, watching golden-hour light reflect off the mountains and sparkle across the water.

Lake Tekapo is the name for both the lake and the small town on its shores (sometimes just called ‘Tekapo’). They are in the Mackenzie region, about halfway between Christchurch and Queenstown and just over an hour from Aoraki/Mount Cook.

Because of its location, Lake Tekapo is an outdoor lover’s dream and the perfect place to relax. The area is part of the Aoraki Mackenzie Dark Sky Reserve, which makes it a must-visit for photographers and aurora hunters.

When we visited with our campervan, we set up our camping chairs, pulled out our duvets and gazed up at the stars at midnight. If you don’t have a campervan or would like to take stargazing to the next level, you can head up to Mt John Observatory with the Dark Sky Project.

There are plenty of other things to do in Tekapo. The most popular is the Church of the Good Shepherd, one of the most photographed places in Aotearoa. If you want to relax, visit Tekapo Springs or hike the Mount John Summit Track for some of the most incredible panoramic views in the region.

If you time your visit with spring or early summer, you'll be treated to a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The wild lupins are in full bloom and turn the landscape into a fairytale-like scene straight out of a storybook.

If you plan to stay overnight in Tekapo, I highly recommend Lakes Edge Holiday Park. Located on the shores of Lake Tekapo, the campground offers powered and unpowered sites, cabins, and a full-service lodge, depending on your travel style. We spent an extra night here because we loved it so much!