Lake Tekapo, South Island, New Zealand (with Map & Photos)

Lake Tekapo is considered one of the most beautiful lakes in New Zealand. Its “highlight” is the purest blue color. It becomes even more beautiful when lupine flowers begin to bloom on the shore, the sight is very bewitching.

Lake Tekapo New Zealand
Lake Tekapo New Zealand

General Information


Lake Tekapo is located next to two other lakes - Ohau and Pukaki, is the second largest among them. Glaciers became the reason for the appearance of Tekapo - the lake is filled mainly with melting water of crystal clearness. Thanks to this, the water is of an amazingly beautiful blue color, which seems even brighter and more attractive against the background of green hills, snow-capped mountains and flowering plants.

Lake Tekapo New Zealand
Lake Tekapo New Zealand

The total area of ​​Lake Tekapo is 87 square kilometers, it is located at an altitude of 700 meters above sea level. The city of Lake Tekapo, where all the tourists who come to this paradise go, is located in the southern part of the reservoir. By the way, the southern coast of the lake has become part of the regional park of the same name. There are several comfortable hotels for travelers here.

For a whole month Lake Tekapo is surrounded by a bright carpet of blooming lupins of different colors - purple, blue, pink, orange, white and yellow, and it is not uncommon to find a combination of two colors, which is very unusual. One of the most exotic flowers in this place is a species of lupins - Lupinus polyphyllus or Russell's lupine. Blooming lupins make the landscape around the lake, albeit not for long, but incredibly beautiful, almost fabulous.

Lake Tekapo New Zealand
Lake Tekapo New Zealand

Lupine leaves are divided into processes and resemble fingers on a hand. Tough seed heads ripen and explode in the summer heat, releasing many dark brown seeds that fall asleep for the winter to come alive with renewed vigor in the summer.

The flowering period of lupins occurs from mid-November to December, it is during this period that photographers rush to get here to take wonderful pictures.

Lake Tekapo New Zealand
Lake Tekapo New Zealand

Near the Lake Tekapo is the Church of the Good Shepherd, built in 1935 and considered one of the most photographed buildings in New Zealand. In 2002, it was inscribed on the New Zealand Historic Heritage List.

The name of the lake is believed to be of Maori origin, with its correct form being Takapo, not Tekapo. Translated from the Maori language, “taka” means “mat for sleeping”, and “po” means “night”. Lake Tekapo has become very popular due to the beauty of the lake itself with the incredibly blue color of the water in it. The beauty of Lake Tekapo is most pronounced in November-December, this is the best time to enjoy the beauty of this lake.

Lake Tekapo Map