Trip Planner:   South Pacific  /  New Zealand  /  South Island  /  Canterbury Region  /  Mackenzie District  /  Lake Tekapo  /  Historic Sites  /  Church of the Good Shepherd

Church of the Good Shepherd, Lake Tekapo

4.4
#1 of 57 in Sightseeing in Canterbury Region
Church Tourist Spot
Experience the scenic surroundings of Lake Tekapo by visiting Church of the Good Shepherd, one of New Zealand's most famous and photographed churches. Dating back to the 1930s, the church sits on the shore of the lake and commemorates the pioneers of Mackenzie County. Recognizable by its unassuming yet charming design, the church blends with its natural surroundings and only locally available materials were used during its construction. Once inside, take in impressive views of the lake through the windows--deliberately left without stained glass for this very purpose. The church welcomes visitors and worshipers throughout the year. Choose to start, finish, or center your holiday on a trip to Church of the Good Shepherd by using our Lake Tekapo itinerary planner.
Create an itinerary including Church of the Good Shepherd
map
Related Tours to Book
Queenstown to Christchurch via Mount Cook Full-Day Tour BOOK WITH VIATOR FROM $178
Christchurch to Queenstown via Mount Cook One-Way Tour BOOK WITH VIATOR FROM $221
Explore Mount Cook from Christchurch BOOK WITH VIATOR FROM $270
Mount Cook to Christchurch Tour BOOK WITH VIATOR FROM $116
Christchurch to Mount Cook One-Way Tour BOOK WITH VIATOR FROM $156
View more tours
Reviews
TripAdvisor Traveler Rating
1,354 reviews
Google
4.6
TripAdvisor
  • We stayed just a few houses away from this gem and i still could not manage to get a lovely pic of the church. From the early am's buses full of tourists decend upon this place. Yes is is beautiful, y...  more »
  • When you see the pictures of the church and the lake in the back you really think it´ll be very beautiful. The lake yes but the church is average and more used for a photoshooting spot for Chinese. Al...  more »
  • Always come back for a look. Amazing how such a small building can create so much interest. if your luck it will be open and you can take a bit of time out.  more »
View more on TripAdvisor »
Google
  • Do you like Churches? Neither do I but this one will bedazzle you. Set in a very nice area of town complimented by a gorgeous backdrop of awe inspiring scenery is this lovely and charming church. For a non-lover of churches, this one is special probably because its a very photogenic church with a lot of appeal. Very worthy of your time and visit.
  • Overly crowded place with rude tourists especially at night - Vying for photo spots and shouting for using lights to navigate the path after dark. If only everyone can peace out. Otherwise, it's a nice place to enjoy the church and the lake.
  • Great viewpoint. Better viewpoints of the lake around but this one is easiest to stop by.
  • Love this spot, the scenery is amazing. We have some lovely photos from here,
  • Beautiful little church on the shore of lake tekapo. Amazing place to sit and think of loved ones (especially as we was so far from home) beautiful clear water of lake tekapo behind. Can get very busy in warmer weather (which challenges to get a decent snap of the church with surroundings.
View more on Google »

Plan your trip to Lake Tekapo

  • Get a personalized plan

    A complete day-by-day itinerary
    based on your preferences

  • Customize it

    Refine your plan. We'll find the
    best routes and schedules

  • Book it

    Choose from the best hotels
    and activities. Up to 50% off

  • Manage it

    Everything in one place.
    Everyone on the same page.

Best things to do in Lake Tekapo

Popular
Lake Tekapo
Lake Tekapo
Visit for: 3​h
©
Tekapo Springs
Lake Tekapo
Visit for: 2​h 30​min
Earth and Sky
Lake Tekapo
Visit for: 2​h 30​min
Side Trips
©
Fox Glacier
Fox Glacier
Visit for: 4​h
©
Aoraki/Mt. Cook
Mt. Cook Village
Visit for: 3​h 30​min
©
Hooker Valley Track
Aoraki Mount Cook National Park (Te Wahipounamu)
Visit for: 3​h 30​min
Hidden Gems
©
Helicopter Tours
Lake Tekapo
Visit for: 1​h
Roundhill Ski Area
Lake Tekapo
Visit for: 8​h
Nature & Wildlife Tours
Lake Tekapo
Visit for: 3​h 30​min
Sightseeing
©
Mount John University Observatory
Lake Tekapo
Visit for: 1​h 30​min
Mackenzie Sheep Dog Statue
Lake Tekapo
Visit for: 1​h
Golf
©
The Cairns Golf Course
Lake Tekapo
Visit for: 3​h 30​min
Nearby
Air Safaris
Lake Tekapo
Visit for: 1​h 30​min
Don't Miss a Thing. See & Do More.

Where to stay in Lake Tekapo

Because of its humble size, the small town of Lake Tekapo has a limited amount of accommodations. That said, among the available lodgings you'll find a good variety of options, from scenic resorts and cottages to youth hostels and budget accommodations. Motels provide a good option along the side of the roads leading to and from the town.
CHECK IN - CHECK OUT
TripAdvisor
Millions of travel reviews
on TripAdvisor

Plans in Lake Tekapo by other users

12 days in New Zealand BY A USER FROM AUSTRALIA September, teens, kids, popular PREFERENCES: September, teens, kids ATTRACTION STYLE: Popular PACE: Medium 17 days in New Zealand BY A USER FROM NEW ZEALAND August, culture, outdoors, relaxing, beaches, hidden gems PREFERENCES: August, culture, outdoors, relaxing, beaches ATTRACTION STYLE: Hidden gems PACE: Medium 60 days in New Zealand BY A USER FROM HUNGARY November, popular & hidden gems PREFERENCES: November ATTRACTION STYLE: Popular & hidden gems PACE: Medium 25 days in New Zealand BY A USER FROM UNITED KINGDOM November, fast-paced, hidden gems PREFERENCES: November ATTRACTION STYLE: Hidden gems PACE: Fast-paced 20 days in New Zealand BY A USER FROM AUSTRALIA October, popular PREFERENCES: October ATTRACTION STYLE: Popular PACE: Medium 46 days in New Zealand BY A USER FROM BELGIUM July, culture, outdoors, relaxing, romantic, beaches, historic sites, fast-paced, popular & hidden gems PREFERENCES: July, culture, outdoors, relaxing, romantic, beaches, historic sites ATTRACTION STYLE: Popular & hidden gems PACE: Fast-paced 16 days in New Zealand BY A USER FROM SINGAPORE October, popular PREFERENCES: October ATTRACTION STYLE: Popular PACE: Medium 8 days in New Zealand BY A USER FROM MALAYSIA September, hidden gems PREFERENCES: September ATTRACTION STYLE: Hidden gems PACE: Medium 12 days in New Zealand BY A USER FROM SINGAPORE December, kids, popular PREFERENCES: December, kids ATTRACTION STYLE: Popular PACE: Medium 56 days in South Pacific & Asia BY A USER FROM CANADA June, culture, outdoors, romantic, historic sites, popular & hidden gems PREFERENCES: June, culture, outdoors, romantic, historic sites ATTRACTION STYLE: Popular & hidden gems PACE: Medium 60 days in Australia & New Zealand BY A USER FROM EGYPT August, fast-paced, popular & hidden gems PREFERENCES: August ATTRACTION STYLE: Popular & hidden gems PACE: Fast-paced 2 days in Lake Tekapo BY A USER FROM HONG KONG September, culture, outdoors, relaxing, romantic, historic sites, museums, popular & hidden gems PREFERENCES: September, culture, outdoors, relaxing, romantic, historic sites, museums ATTRACTION STYLE: Popular & hidden gems PACE: Medium
View more plans