Reviews of Church of the Good Shepherd. (Church) in Christchurch (Canterbury).
Church of the Good Shepherd
Pioneer Drive, Lake Tekapo 7999, New Zealand
Description
Information of Church of the Good Shepherd, Church in Christchurch (Canterbury)
Here you can see the location, open hours, popular times, contact, photos and real reviews done by the users.
We still don't have any reviews on this place
Map
Open hours of Church of the Good Shepherd
Sunday
4–5pm
Monday
Closed
Tuesday
9am–8pm
Wednesday
Closed
Thursday
Closed
Friday
Closed
Saturday
Closed
Reviews of Church of the Good Shepherd
A.
Beautiful place and i think the most picturesque cathedral in whole of NZ. My pictures doesn't justify the beauty of the cathedral. I visited during summer time and it was really beautiful. Its super close to lake tekapo and the small township. Must see if you are in the area
J.
Possibly the most beautiful place I've ever seen. The water color, the hills and the mountains as background, with this church in the perfect spot. It is gorgeous. My pictures couldn't capture the whole thing, but my mind has it. I will definitely add this place as a stop whenever I'm around south island. My goal now is to visit this church during other seasons.
Truly a blessing.
M.
Beautiful- lives up to its quaint reputation.
The lake and flowers make the setting idyllic and so easy to take great pictures
D.
Finally visited the the church and at a time where you can take photos without photo bombs, unimaginable. It is as beautiful as the hype suggest, do take the time to enjoy the view and not just focus on taking the photos.
T.
Easy walking around the church . 6 mins bike ride from the NZMCA park using the bike trail , then another 5 minutes biking to the Tekapo Springs.
D.
The iconic Church of the Good Shepherd locates on the shore of the breathtakingly blue waters of Lake Tekapo and framed by the Southern Alps.
What it lacks in size it more than makes up for in appearance. The charming stone façade is the perfect piece of Mackenzie heritage to sit pride of place in any picture, adding perspective to the wide-open landscape.
Built as a memorial to the pioneers of the Mackenzie region, the Church has been home to thousands of weddings and has seen more than its fair share of visitors to its grounds. The foundation stone was laid by HRH the Duke of Gloucester, on January 15 1935. The builders of the Church were instructed that the site was to be left undisturbed and that even the matagouri bushes surrounding the building were to remain.
Every season the surrounding scenery changes and photographers are presented with new images to capture.
Close by the Church of the Good Shepherd is a bronze sheepdog statue, a tribute to the hardy dogs “without the help of which the grazing of this mountain country would be impossible”. This well-recognised statue was commissioned by the residents of the Mackenzie region on 7 March 1968.
* Some photos courtesy of Internet and Facebook. Thanks!
N.
Been here 4 years ago (winter).
Beautiful historical church with iconic view in Lake Tekapo.
Actually the view & the church far more beautiful than my photos 😆
D.
Stillness is where we find harmony. It's a beautiful place so far.
L.
It's been on my bucket list for so long and I finally made it here. So pretty and amazing at night if your thinking of star gazing. I wish I could stay longer the surrounding scenery changes constantly .
R.
Beautiful place. Nowhere near as remote or as alone like most photos. Right next to the town. But still worthwhile visiting
M.
A great place to stop and get some amazing photographs when you are in the Lake Tekapo area.
There is parking at the church, and another parking area across the bridge.
We parked here and walked across the bridge.
The views of the lake and the surrounding mountains were breathtaking, and I was happy that we took the time to check this off of our list!!
j.
This heavenly beautiful landscape is the one of the most attractive mind soothing spot of NZ, Feel refreshed, unwind and get your autonomy back from life monotomy.
M.
Famous NZ landmark for good reason. Beautiful building on a picture perfect lake. Wasn’t too many tourists at lunchtime on a Tuesday in early November. The bridge to the building is a great architectural feature and the water below is a bright light blue. Lots of parking and close to the township and all amenities. Well worth a visit.
W.
Iconic views and definitely the most recognised tourist spot in the area. A must visit and if you are lucky, the lupins are plentiful when it is the right time of the year. Unfortunately there were not as many when I went in early January. Toilets (Paid) are across the bridge on the other side
O.
Iconic view, beautiful historical church to stop when visiting Lake Tekapo
F.
Amazing historical church to stop by when in Lake Tekapo.. beautiful landscape situated beside the lake, and the church that still offers regular Sunday services where they welcome worshippers all over the world.. We came on a Sunday afternoon and the ground was filled with many tourist coming through Tekapo..
T.
Stunning location for this heritage site on the edge of Lake Tekapo. The stone church is currently only open on Sundays when there is a service. Tekapo is a fantastic place to spend a few days. It's known for dark skies and for star gazing, with St John's observatory nearby. There are also hot pools on the lakefront. It's a great place for hiking, cycling, or even horseback riding.
H.
We had the fortune to visit in Jan21 when there were very few overseas tourists in the county, and therefore it wasn't so busy, but still very difficult to get a good shot of the church without people in it.
Amazing view in and around the church, but please respect no photos inside, at the churches request.
The lupins were in bloom, pretty despite being a weed.
V.
Beautiful picturesque place. Nice Church. Car parking, Public toilet options here. If you are a good photographer, you can capture the best natural views in your life. When you visit in the summertime, don't forget to apply sunscreen and also you can see Lupins flowers here(December- January).
A.
Definitely a beautiful spot in South Island. Its picturesque in all seasons.
R.
This is an iconic place and one of the most photographed churches in the entire country probably.
Very small in terms of size, it makes up for its size by its awesome location and timeless feel.
The stone facade is very beautiful and unique.
The location overlooking Lake Tekapo and multi colored lupin flowers growing nearby make it a very beautiful place.
Apart from tourists, this place is equally popular with photographers and star gazers.
Ample parking is available nearby and is easily accessible.
Church opening times can be checked on their website to be able to view inside.
We couldn't visit inside since it was closed at that time.
A very highly recommended place overall and a must visit when in the area.
M.
Best during winter! Morning probably the best time to take pictures.
C.
Iconic landmark that I have visited many times before. New pathways around it. Some of the surfaces are uneven but if you have problems with this you would stick to the smooth pathways. This adds character to the place. Met some lovely people from around the country. I think people feel very privileged to be able to travel.
C.
This church was our little break area whilst we were on the tour here. It was a very beautiful little area to have a look at and take pictures. I can see why they built a church here - the scenery kind of makes you sit and contemplate life etc. It's well worth a visit here. It's very pretty and I liked it.
Visited again here about 2 years later, they've added a big stone and concrete step to the walkway but the church itself still stands as beautiful as before.
A.
This church has arguably the best view in the house. It is small but very unique and open from 9 am to 8 pm in summer and 10 am to 4 pm in winter. The church has best view at a sun set. Highly recommended please if you are visiting Lake Tekapo. I am sure you'll not regret it.
D.
On the shore of the spectacular Lake Tekapo and surrounded by the Southern Alps nestles the iconic Church of the Good Shepherd. This church is a 'must visit' when you're in Lake Tekapo. I guess it could be the primary reason many people flock to the town. It is a great pity that the church is not open to the public on a regular basis, but it's understandable in this time when some people don't respect it.
D.
The Church is best visited either early or late in the day because of the bus loads of tourists that are there throughout the day.
It is a beautiful stone church overlooking the glorious azure blue/green Lake Tekapo.
R.
If you are in Lake tekapo or driving through stopover for some stunning photos. The church and the landscape around are just breath taking.
H.
One of the beautiful and colourful place I’ve been to. Lavender fields and amazingly turquoise colored lake. Beautiful bridge and sunset. It was drizzling when I went, but a rainbow appeared and I got a rare shot of the lake with the rainbow. Can be quite cold due to the breeze and weather.
N.
Beautiful beautiful view of the lake. Got plenty of car parks near the church. But if you go in summer, it will be quite busy. But there are plenty beautiful lupins to see in summer. In winter, there’s not much people over there. The water was shallower too! Could even step on the rocks in the lake.
R.
Wonderful place with perfect view around the church. Do recommend that you get inside the church too. This place is just in Lake Tekapo. I suggest that you drop by on your way to Mt. Cook. Other places yo visit around the area are the following: Shepherd dog, Lupin farm, Tekapo Spring, the wonderful bridge. Enjoy the scenic view!
H.
Lovely spot for a photo, but everyone else thinks so too so it's quite hard to get a pic with no one else in it. The walkway is great, you could potentially walk all the way from St Johns Hill to the regional park.
W.
It is a scenic place and can get pretty crowded with tourists during the day. Parking space not be plenty on site but many people chose to park along the road side. The access to the lake is nearby and it is worth the time to walk up to the lake through the rocks to look at the clear and beautiful Lake Tekapo.
K.
Pics are from month of Dec 1st week. Outside is scenic and beautiful. Inside the church is peaceful and calming . A sense of serenity . The lupin flowers are a sight to behold . So pretty. The colour of the water and sky is vibrant .
A.
This tiny little church is looking nice and cozy. They're old and has been here longer than you think.
However please don't disturb their services especially on Sunday if you're a tourist and just want to snapping a photos. They already got a fame they didn't want so please don't destroy what they're.
K.
It is a fairly old church for the area. It has been added to all the mega bus tour routes so very rare there will be a good photo. Also it is north facing so photos are not the best. Check out the pin drop “Sunset Rock” and hang out there 20 minutes after sunset for some photos below (April 2018).
T.
Nice old church. But keep in mind that's a tourist hotspot. There will come people until deep in the night.
D.
Beautiful setting. Was a shame the number of persons there at the time could not get many decent photos without waiting for a spurt of no one standing in front of your camera view. Beautiful spot to stop for a moment and take it all in
T.
What a sight... It looks more like a painting, or something out of a movie set than a real place.
M.
Breathtaking and lovely surrounding. The wind was chilled, the sky glowing in a nostalgic blue-violet hues. The snow-capped mountains gleamer in gold while reflecting the last streaks of sunlight that peacefully sets in the west.
V.
Lovely little church with an amazing view over Lake Tepako. Only open for Sunday services.
P.
Picturesque place. If go inside the church and look through the window than you will see the mountains covered with snow which gives a feel of scenery hanging onto the wall. Very unique. Lake Tekapo is very famous place in the south island after Queenstown. The lake is very big, spread in couple of kilometres. In spring and summer sessions is peak time, might be crowded in this time. There are so many places nearby which you can cover in one day. Actually Lake Tekapo is a weekend trip for Christchurch people. Generally they come here to spend some quality time.
J.
Lovely little church with spectacular backdrop of Lake Tekapo. No pics inside the church but most people come here to take pics with the gorgeously hued lupins and Lake Tekapo. Views are simply spectacular
L.
I did not even get out of my vehicle once seeing the lack of masks from visitors there, mingling closely with others. Thankfully I had been previous to Covid.
C.
This is our second visit after the first visit 12 years ago, the church building remained the same and well maintained, the first 2 pictures were taken 12 years ago. This small and beautiful stone church remain the popular tourist spot for taking postcard photo and the obvious different is that it getting a lot more crowded with tourist now and not easy to find good opportunity to take photo. This round we were lucky enough to have Lupine as our foreground and a married couple as our subject.
S.
Beautiful setting. Sadly we did not get to see inside the church
L.
What it lacks in size it more than makes up for in appearance. The charming stone facade is the perfect piece of Mackenzie heritage.
Built as a memorial to the pioneers of the Mackenzie region, the Church has been home to thousands of weddings. The foundation stone was laid by HRH the Duke of Gloucester, on January 15 1935. The builders of the Church were instructed that the site was to be left undisturbed and that even the matagouri bushes surrounding the building were to remain.
Close by the Church of the Good Shepherd is a bronze sheepdog statue, a tribute to the hardy dogs “without the help of which the grazing of this mountain country would be impossible”. This well-recognized statue was commissioned by the residents of the Mackenzie region on 7 March 1968.
R.
A must see in Tekapo, so it’s usually swarming with tourists. Offers lovely views over the lake. The one disappointing factor is that the town (and all its lights) is so close by, which makes this International Dark Sky Observatory area a bit difficult to appreciate. There are no mandates in the town to limit light emissions past a certain time, so if you’re coming to the church to stargaze or do
some astrophotography, be aware that you’ll be battling headlights and some nearby light pollution.
A.
A nice wee church, well photographed. Beautiful and well preserved, would make God shine with 😊 happiness.
M.
Wow , what a picture, well built , great place for photos
Y.
Good to stop here to stretch our legs while our way to Christchurch from Queenstown. There is a little information centre close by where you can get some coffee too. Also there are well mentioned toilets too. Nice view of Lake from Carpark. We were lucky as there was a wedding going on. Good place
p.
Very scenic and well maintened place. Much better than expected. You can enjoy quick stroll along the lake. Good location for pre wedding shoots.
F.
Very quaint and very nice church. They have service on Sundays I think. A popular photo spot both day and night.
On a clear night you can take a photo of the milky way above the church. On a night with no moon you can probably see the milky way with the naked eye.
B.
An interesting attraction to see at Lake Tekapo is the historic Church of the Good Shepard which is situated beautifully next to the lake shore.
In short, this is a single room stone church built in 1935. Surrounded by matagouri bushes, the beautiful lake with snow peaked mountains in the distance, it is a very attractive building to see and photograph, especially when weather conditions are favourable. Give the church 5-10 minutes to see and take pictures of the church building.
There is a large parking area for buses and smaller vehicles just before the Church of the Good Shepard. You can also see the interesting Collie (sheepdog) Monument 40-50 metres past the church along Pioneer Drive.
G.
A very lovely church! The building is made from stones and looks perfectly arranged in front of the lake. The scenery is amazing and you can have a look from the inside.
B.
Beautiful little Church in the middle of a stunning scenery. It is just awesome. This place is not only beautiful but also good to take a short break for spiritual refueling.
S.
A must-do quick stop on your way through Tekapo. A cute little church overlooking the lake. If you've parked by the shops and cafes there's a well marked walking trail.
G.
I went to Church of the Good Shepherd to see the sunrise and I felt blessed! It was very cold, but the scenery was wonderful... The sky was colorful, the mountains were reflecting on the lake! I also saw some rabbits around the church. I recommend it to everyone.
S.
One of the most photographed buildings in NZ. Gorgeous little church and worth checking out if you're in Lake Tekapo or driving through.
L.
Nice place. But too busy!! It’s really difficult to take picture of this church without a person 😂😂 and also it’s under construction. That means there are fences around that church. It’s really ugly. Hmmmm don’t know I might not visit here again.
S.
When I visited here in late December 2020, the social media star, lupins which are weeds with purple flowers were almost disappearing. Even without the photogenic lupins, this old stone church in the Lake Tekapo’s waterfront has a heavenly location. Very close to the sheepdog statue. A must visit.
C.
This place is incredible! The view is simply stunning and the colour of the water is just unreal!
You don’t need to be a professional photographer to take good pics in this place.
The church is well preserved and it’s a nice place to meditate and pray. I definitely recommend visiting this place!
N.
I didn't actually take any pictures of the church because it was absolutely crawling with people. Still it was cool to read a little about it and it is really beautiful. Lake Tekapo behind makes for some incredible photography.
Be aware, it, like most tourist hot spots in NZ, is a drone free zone.
Also lake Tekapo is really cold in winter, so wear an extra layer to keep warm.
T.
Oh my lord, beautiful blue waters (photos do no justice to this place) xxx
Visit it yourselves 🏞
J.
Nice little stone church on a beautiful spot. Its charm make this place so much popular that is sometimes very crowded. There are buses full of tourist stopping literally in front of the church every five minutes. Sometimes very hard to take a picture without a selfiestick in your way. After all worth a visit.
S.
The colours of this place is just amazing. Really good place to stop and do a picnic before your next stop.
K.
This church has stunning views out to lake tekapo, and on a nice wind-free day it makes for a great walk.
B.
Very touristy place. Yes it is nice with the lake and the mountains in the background but I think it is not the same with so many people around you trying to take selfies from every corner..
B.
1 of the most beautiful places I have ever travelled to! Lake Tekapo is absolutely gorgeous and to see that colour blue was a amazing. The church is gorgeous if you ever get a chance stop by and have a walk around just be respectful of the church the people around you. I recommend every to make a stop to see it in all its beauty
W.
Basically all view from lake Tekapo area is very beautiful. The sky are clear and you are able to see stars during night time.
N.
This small church is worth visiting when lake Tekapo! It is a famous and popular location for star gazing. We went there at night but it was too cloudy so we didnt manage to see any stars. We visited again the next morning and it was crowded as expected. It was hard to take a photo with the church alone. We went into the church and it was serene, a big contrast to the outside of the church. It was a small but peaceful church overlooking Lake Tekapo, love the view! Im glad that they dont allow photos inside so that everyone can enjoy that sacred moment with God.
R.
The place is so serene.. the scenenic view is captivating as well especially the lake.. it is so blue..
A.
One of my absolute FAVOURITE places in NZ! Beautiful little church on the shore of Lake Tekapo, situated in the MacKenzie Basin. Whether you're there during the day for the azure blue backstop of the lake, or at night for the incredible, starry night sky, by all means make this a place to stop over on a holiday. Photographers, take note. Be there at the golden hour!
Can be booked for weddings.
N.
We were lucky there weren't many people there when we arrived. The views are breath taking and the stars at night a just stunning.
P.
What can I say? A sanctuary, to sit and enjoy the presence of God while gazing out across the lake and mountains, His creation. Man and God working together.
l.
Iconic place if ever in Tekapo, missed the chance to see it from the inside, cute church on outside. Can try and take some night photos, my photography skills not up to scratch but good attempt...
A.
Beautiful spot with a spectacular view. We went in winter time and it was awesome. Only annoying part about this stop is that there were lots of tourists around so would keep that in mind if you visit.
J.
Much closer to the rest of the town that looks like in pictures. Really small church but not as romantic and isolated as you might have been told.
Y.
This place doesn’t look like and certainly doesn’t feel like it’s from this earth. You would love it if you are a photographer around at 7- 9 the milky way is just behind the back door of the church.
W.
Awesome scenic lake view and surrounding the Church, in order to avoid other tourists in your photo, do recommend go there early in the morning. Photo attached to give you idea of how difficult to get a decent picture without other tourists, even on a cloudy day lol.
R.
Not religious but the only church I’d rather visit for the location and the views.
j.
Beautiful views and good place to stop to relax or have a picnic.
L.
The Church was simply beautiful! You can't take picture inside the Church. But when you walk in it will take your breath away and it will wow you. Well, it did to me.
D.
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.
X.
Good place to hide from the insane wind, nice music.
Don’t ever dream of taking a postcard like photo of it. In the day time-too many people; in the night-its fenced off. Take from far if you must. For stars, don’t waste time too, go further where there are less crowd
S.
Perfect location, you can spend about an hour here scouting the area. Its right by the lake and you can get great photos depending on the weather
K.
I was lucky to attend the Sunday mass
Connect with God with beautiful environment
Blue lake and snow clad mountain
S.
What a wonderful place. Right on the doorstep of Mt Cook which is not far away. A beautiful little church, perched right on the side of the lake. A definite viewing required if you're in the area.
N.
Beautiful place. Perfect for photos.
The nearest washroom is very far away so must plan properly when visiting
T.
Beautiful little church set in the most amazing scenery definitely worth a quick stopover on your way through Tekapo and right next to the statue honouring the border collie, I must do photoshoot for any dog lovers
L.
Beautiful instal friendly spot. This church is an amazing place. There is a restriction, so no flights with drones around.
s.
One of the most beautiful Church s in NZ.. photographers favourite Spot .. But you need some Luck to get a good photo without tourists around it . This is the backside view of the church . It looks beautiful from all corners ...
I.
A beautiful lake that is azure blue when the sun shines on it. The Church overlooks this lake and the altar window frames this wonderful view.
A.
Small church with an scenic backdrop of Lake Tekapo. Open to the public during the day and they accept in kind donations. Worth a quick stop while you're in town.
Y.
The third time visiting the Church of the Good Shepherd! Still amazing! Not many visitors. Only two of us when we were there, which is a bit sad due to the COVID19. Hope the world can gets better and back to normal soon. Hope to see the church gets tons of people!
B.
One of my absolute most favourite places in NZ. A beautiful little church with the most amazing lake surrounding it.
M.
Beautiful old church with a stunning outlook. Unfortunately it's now insta famous so sadly it's hard to enjoy while busloads of people with selfie sticks climb all over it.
p.
I guess it's everyone's bucket list place, such a precious monument. Enjoyed place well. Should go once if you're visiting south island ✌.
E.
it was a very lovely old church stood beside the blue waters of Lake Tekapo. The area can very rather crowded so taking pictures of it or with it can be quite hard.
Worth your time to visit though and spending 1-2 hours exploring the area around
C.
Awesome spot with amazing views all around. Great for astrophotography too. Busy at all times. Technically you can only walk up to the church between 9am and 9pm. A bunch of photographers got shouted at by a cranky old lady for being on church grounds before 9am.
Also very late opening. Probably about 60 people there waiting at 9.30am for it to open on the morning I was there. Would be 5 stars other than this.
There’s also a slightly intimidating guy who stands immediately inside the door of the church looking for donations to enter. You don’t have to pay but certainly feel pressured.
In short would be a perfect little gem if not for the people looking after the church.
R.
My 4th time here, way crowded today compared to how it was 6 years ago. It was alright but the crowd sort of ruined the experience. The view is as beautiful as always.
M.
Beautiful stone building with gorgeous views
j.
What a beautiful seating for a church. So very popular it was hard to get a photo with no people in it.
K.
This place was magical over 20 years ago but the surrounding developments have unfortunately changed this. Inside, it is still peaceful reprieve from the tourists solely focussed on the next best selfie.
D.
A nice place that is definitely worth visit during the day when the sky is nice or at night when you can see amazing stars. A lot of tourists there
V.
Didn't expect there were just a few people there. The view is amazing.
d.
My daughter had her wedding at this church. It is one of the most memorable places I have been to. We stayed at one of the cottages accross the road and was able to walk around the church at night when there was no one around. It is actually more beautifull than the pictures portray.
S.
If you're passing out here to visit lake tekapo, then this is a perfect vista point. Great photo opportunities and cute little church building.
C.
A tourist attraction. Good to check out just to say you have done it. Wouldn't make a trip just to see it unless you're passing
S.
Beautiful spot to view the lake and take great pictite pictures
N.
Didn't really get a chance to go inside the church. I went there to click a photograph because it is one of the iconic pictures of New Zealand. It was better at the night under the starry sky :)
m.
Must see! A bit crowded with tourists so it is a bit hard to get a perfect picture of the church and the surroundin.
S.
Quaint well kept and presented stone church on the lakefront at Lake Tekapo. Not open middle day at the time of our visit.
P.
So nice view of tekapo lake, such a good location of the church, very recommend
K.
Not as remote as I imagined from all the pictures I had seen. An easy walk from Tekapo over a rather cool pedestrian bridge.
C.
Beautiful and serene church, calm and peaceful place of worship.
One of the most beautiful church in the world, if not the most beautiful!
Thank God for His creation. This is indeed God zone 😊❤️
E.
A little quaint church over looking a beautiful lake, a must place to visit and have nice walk along the lake side
A.
Yes it’s small and yes there’s a lot of tourists, and in October you don’t get all the lupins, but it’s still a very cute little church with a great view of the lakes. When you go inside, it’s very calming and puts a smile on your face.
C.
Crowded! But church sits at a spot with wonderful foreground & background. Took my pics during sunset. Gorgeous.
N.
The view on the lake is pretty good, but the 2 days we stay were cloudy so no milkyway for us
J.
Lovely little spot for photography. No wonder it's an Instagram sensation!
Alas, the grounds are locked at night now, which limits astrophotography a little (unless you wish to jump the fence)
PS. Be sure to grab an excellent burger at Our Dog Friday in town. They are excellent.
F.
Great to visit this little place, you can go inside between certain hours depending on the season but no photography within the church itself. Easy to swing by, even for a quick pit stop if Lake Tekapo isn't your final destination 😁
T.
Nice church located at an awesome spot. A lot of tourists and a car park right next to it which is a no go!
s.
Lovely place to visit the scenery is just perfect
K.
Stunning . Stayed directly opposite the sculpture (dog) rental holiday home . Stunning viewing amazing turquoise blue lake . Quaint pretty little church
D.
Gorgeous Views from Inside the Church and very Pleasant Feeling.
C.
Interesting, but we couldn’t get in
T.
A beautiful church located at a lovely spot Lake Tekapo. Its small and simple. Its pure and proper.
Lots of construction is going on around the church: fence, plants, parking area.
M.
Quaint and cosy little church by the lake. They have masses as well if weather permits. We enjoyed the view by the lake.
I.
Loved it, I touched the church for the first time and after many visits.
J.
Built in 1935. This Modest Stone Church was built firstly to the Glory of God and secondly, as a memorial to the pioneers of the district.
J.
Quaint little church. Worth visiting. Great view of the lake from inside of church. Can get crowded with tourists. Probably one of the best area around Lake Tekapo for photography.
R.
Sad to see the lost tranquility and pristine aura of the place. The awesome view lost some of its luster. So sad to see modern commercial sites rising everywhere around this area.
s.
Amazing view both day and night, totally one trip each. Highly recommend.
S.
A truly beautiful part of the country. Quiet and peaceful, and stunning scenery.
L.
Good for photo taking of Lake Tekapo and the church itself. Usually quite crowded with tourist as not much other stuff around. And it is the most photographed NZ building.
P.
One on NZ's most iconic stone church's set on beautiful lake Tekepo stunning!
P.
Was there on a stunning day, so beautiful against the lake.
M.
I don't mind going to this church every Sunday. The surrounding is just so beautiful, with the sun shine behind it, and the alps capped with snow in the distance make it picture perfect. I wish i can get in and hear the accoustic of the church. And i bet that anyone would love to have their wedding in this church.
A.
Built as a memorial to the pioneers of the Mackenzie region, the Church has been home to thousands of weddings and has seen more than its fair share of visitors to its grounds. The foundation stone was laid by HRH the Duke of Gloucester, on January 15 1935. The builders of the Church were instructed that the site was to be left undisturbed and that even the matagouri bushes surrounding the building were to remain.
N.
Place for : historical site and photo
One look at it, the stone, the woods, the bell, this church has its own story.
A church, with a lake and dog statue behind it, it must hold it's own histort
The sun rise behind the lake, shine to the church right at the back, so make sure u know when to come and grab some shots
S.
So beautiful, didn't want to keave.
W.
A wonderful attraction that has an amazing backdrop and is perfect for viewing the stars at night (you have to stand outside the gate though). Worth going twice. Once in the day and once in the night
P.
A must do.....take yourself back in time and imagine who built it and empty surroundings there must have been
J.
If you’ve ever seen any advertising for New Zealand tourism overseas. You’ll know this location very well!
Perched on the edge of Lake Tekapo and boarded by the mountains this church is not just a active place of worship but one of the most picture perfect locations in the country.
Just be prepared to wait to get your stunning shot for a while as the entire building is constantly swarming with tourists trying to get their photo.
E.
A small church with great Tekapo lake view. Surrounded by blue sky and blue lake. Nice to walk around. Peaceful feeling, just relax your mind, and enjoy the view.
A.
Stunning Views. Only a short walk from Lake Tekapo Main Street across the bridge. A very quaint Church and then the statue of the Sheep Dog to
L.
Overrated tourist place. Too much tourists on a small town. If you like quiet place then this place is not suitable for you. Nothing much to do here also.
J.
Great location, can be a bit windy. Maker sure you visit on a clear night
S.
Beautiful setting.. popular though.. so photos are difficult..
D.
Loads of tourists at all times but beautiful spot to stop for a gram. Give the dog some love too
D.
If you time it well to visit the grounds and or inside, you'll love it more. Must visit if you're in the area.
F.
Perfect spot just in the heart of Lake Tékapo, make an effort waking up early to gaze at the sunrise 😉
C.
Great seneic view in the Church. Nice and peaceful place to rest
D.
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.
A.
There was a church here?!? The scenery is so stunning you don't nitice anything else.
G.
Amazing place to visit right next to the beautiful milky turquoise lake.
T.
Amazing place, has a great view out the back of the church. Found it very peaceful and would totally recommend it to anyone that finds a connection to the place or just wants to see an amazing view
J.
You have to go into the church no matter how long queue you need to wait. The peace will touch you deeply.
Y.
Beautiful small church overlooking Lake Tekapo! Very good feelin if you come in and sit and pray. So many Tourists and they were very loud.
J.
Probably one of the most beautiful place I’ve ever seen so far. Definitely a must see in NZ.
M.
It's smaller than expected and very crowded with people visiting. But the lakeside view is very nice and a good place for a photo and swim.
T.
This is one of my favourite places in NZ... the church is spectacular because of its location and building .. This place get crowded by tourists....Please clear for others once you have taken photos.... 👍🏻
S.
It was really amazing and the view is incredible of the super blue lake in front of the mountains, such a great feeling inside the old church. On your drive, stop by and see!
K.
Is definitely as amazing as the photos at night with the right lens it's a stunning masterpiece any time of day winter, spring, Autumn or summer check it out for yourself high recommended especially of course December when the Lupin flower blooms.
S.
I absolutely loved the ambience. Lovely gardens and with the lake in the background (perfect) 👌
J.
Lady helping guide tourists was super friendly and polite. I really enjoyed the chat and she patiently answered all my questions. Fascinating place and definitely the best place to worship at Sunday 4pm!
J.
Stunning scenery and Church
G.
If you can get a photo here with nobody in it, it would be amazing!
For such a small town, this place must have had every passing bus stop here.
C.
Cute church with magnificent view!
R.
What a beautiful church surrounded by fantastic view's
J.
Beautiful as always, tourists please don't litter and help maintain this sanctuary.
t.
From Japan:)
One of the most beautiful scenes I have ever seen.... I never forget the night sky.
S.
Very positive experience.
Breathtaking views.
Very cold and windy though!
k.
a nice church with even nicer backdrop! too many tourist though...
V.
Good spot for a few days pictures and a some picnic or a lazy lunch after the tour to Mount John Observatory.
B.
Lake tekapo is a nice stop if you're driving thru. The lake is very clear and a good spot for some pictures. They have various Small eateries to grab something during your break. I felt that some of the other lakes on my drive were more scenic and crystal blue in color.
L.
This is one of the most picturesque locations in New Zealand. A “must see” for anyone visiting South Island. As a result of controlled light pollution, the night sky is absolutely stunning.
M.
Beautiful. A wedding was taking place in the chapel as we arrived, cannot imagine a more beautiful service.
A.
One of most beautiful place I have visited in my life!
J.
Beautiful place but really crowded most of the time, killed the beauty of it. They had a wedding here though it was nice!
H.
It's not worth coming here but everyone does. What an awesome place!!
G.
A good place to take photos.
S.
A very peaceful church when you walked and surrounded by spectacular view
J.
A very special place to see for the first time
D.
Great little church with fantastic views. Only disappointment is the multiple bus loads of tourists which flood the place.
F.
Stunning views. Awesome stone church.
W.
Lake tekapo is very nice and beautiful. Will come back if visit south island.
K.
Quaint church with a stunning view of Lake Tekapo. No photos inside the church though. There's a guy inside to make sure you don't.
г.
Nice view! Weekday visits are better as not too many people.
C.
Amazing views of Lake Tekapo and surrounding snow-capped mountains. Beautiful sunset view and photos!
R.
Another photo of the most photographed church in NZ (apparently)
J.
Great little spot for taking a pic. Can get busy with tourists but wait 10 minutes and you can get a clear shot.
W.
Stunning views of the lake
E.
Gorgeous views abound from this church that was built in 1935 and features a window that looks directly onto the lake.
S.
Well, no one can miss this little cute church in Lake Tekapo. There are plenty of photos online for you to grab the idea of it's look. Just to mindful, you have to pay for the toilet use here, very rare in Aotearoa.
B.
Absolutely stunning views especially at sunrise. The view of the mountains and lake Tepako will take your breath away
A.
History place to visit, too crowded when the tour buses arrived.
J.
Must visit, beautiful view and good place for pre wedding photos.
W.
Not that great, but worth it if you walk past to the beautiful view of the lake beyond.
s.
Sunday Service was wonderful in such a beautiful location with a mixture of tourists and local residents who made us feel welcome... A must visit in Lake Tekapo... 🙏😇
M.
Very calm mind relaxing beautiful place.parking available.
W.
Lovely place. Sacred place don't be naughty he is watching
S.
Beautiful spectacular views
D.
It’s no doubt that here is the excellent place you must visit in NZ. What’s more, I would like to recommend Lake Pukaki to see the stars if you just use your eyes as there are too many people seeing stars sometimes.
J.
Beautiful church in front of a beautiful lake! Enjoyed going back at night time to get some nice starry pix!
L.
Always love visiting this area. So relaxing and serene
R.
A must see in Tekapu. Beautiful church and very peaceful
R.
Seren place. So mesmerizing view from the church. I kind a lost in meditation for a minute while sitting there.
D.
Has a nice track for an afternoon walk. The church itself however is very touristic...
R.
Good view point in Lake tekapo
M.
Really pretty church, with stunning surroundings.
G.
Travel to New Zealand South Island would not be complete without a visit to the perennial favorite spot - Church of the Good Shepherd. Both the sunrise and night scenes offer scintillating view to the discerning traveller.
P.
Iconic church of New Zealand. It's good place to finish your coffee walk.
A.
Very nice place those who like to have photographs it’s nice
K.
During the two week South Island trip, I had a reason for taking Lake Tekapo as my last itinerary. But Lake Tekapo wasn't as nice as I expected.
F.
With a great deal less tourists it is a peaceful and beautiful place to visit
L.
Good area for pics and great information for kids and stargazers.Not much else available during the wee hours for stargazers. Well worth the night chill though.
J.
It was closed. Views were still good though!
김.
we can't see the stars by naked eyes but galaxy can be
D.
Beautiful spot near the lake, can get crowded with busloads of tourists. Good facilities nearby.
M.
Beautiful spot, stunning views from this old church
N.
Lake Tekapo, Central Otago. Such a beautiful, beautiful piece of New Zealand ✨ Totally recommend anyone a visit and night here! You definitely need to stargaze of an evening.
Just untouched paradise ♥️
The Church of the Good Shepherd is just amazingly gorgeous!
S.
Love visiting here! Such a great view and a good place to wander along the shore
R.
Beautiful scenary but open twice a week only
S.
Not sure why the church is closed if its truely a church then they would keep the door open as its a place to pray a place for god
Y.
Too many people,but the view is stunning
C.
Always picture perfect anytime you visit Lake Tekapo.
A.
Very windy today so sheltered in the church. Hymns were being played so had the atmosphere of a peaceful shelter.
C.
Scenery is breathtaking with the church in the foreground.
Worth a stop if you are in Lake Tekapo.
S.
Nice place for stargazing if you are lucky with good weather!
A.
Beautiful views during sunrise. Flocked by heaps of tourists
s.
Great opportunity to get some photos with no overseas tourists around. Pity about the orange cones.
R.
Lovely place with an amazing view. Quaint little church with a lovely backdrop. Only issue was the crowd. If you want to take some nice pictures, I'd recommend getting there early just after sunrise or just after the gates close and take pictures from afar. The backdrop of Tekapo lake is beautiful.
黃.
Excellent view for the lake!
J.
Feels like a paradise
M.
Lovely spot and worth the time to visit.
D.
Lovely church. Very picturesque. Good for photos during sunset
S.
This is a small and beautiful church which is very close to Lake Tekapo. The landscape is very beautiful.
k.
Gorgeous view from the church.
T.
Beautiful views of the lake. Cute little church. Just a quick stop not much to see/do
R.
The place is mesmerising with beautiful view of mountains lake pretty town
R.
A nice place to visit but tourists have ruined it for the locals
B.
Nice and famous spots though it is very crowded with tourists in the summer seasons.
A.
A must see and photograph. Went in December . The lupins are beautiful
Y.
Beautiful church and scenery indeed.
Crowded, get ur own space for photosession or u ll get photobomb 😂
S.
Very nice place. This historical church is stunning on the hill over the lake Tekapo. From the point of church the view on lake is beautiful.
R.
It got such amazing view, it's absolutely stunning when there's less people around.
A.
It's a wonderful place which I would strongly recommend that you look at.
K.
It’s very crowded place. I saw many tourist buses... too many people make this church nothing special...
М.
Cute little church in old style with amazing view
T.
Really nice atmosphere. Like you're so close to the sky. Many place to visit.
R.
Nice place to visit. Good for anyone who loves nature. "PICTURESQUE"
L.
Nice and lovely place, especially when the lulupin wild flower are blooming 💜💜💜💜💜💜
A.
A small romantic church with a great view. Avoid peak times, gets very touristy.
M.
Classic church!! Very nice kowhai of very colours - pink, purple, light blue and so on all on the river banks. There is a arch bridge along the high way. Mountain ranges at back drop with lake between. Fantastic place to take photos. Nice!!!!
J.
Historical monument, just off the main highway. Worth the stop!
k.
A great place to take wedding photos
D.
Nice old place very popular with tourists though never seen so many people trying to get into a hurch
L.
Was a part of my wife's bucket list pulled it off at Last will be a day to remember
E.
Beautiful church. Very peaceful. I also wanted to see the violet flowers which I couldn’t maybe because I visited in June(start of winter). I could also see the Milky Way and stars in the night after 10pm. The sight was amazing breathtaking and no words to explain. Its a must see. It was cloudy so couldn’t view the aurora activities.
M.
Really lovely spot yo visit. We are from Napier.
C.
Small but beautiful little church. A quick viewing and close to town centre. Faithful collie statue is a few steps away. Lovely stroll along the lake. Good photo op. And can be an inspiring place for a prayer, if u do that sort of thing.
E.
Best scenic place in world. love this place
T.
Beautiful church which creates a perfect scenery with the lake Tekapo behind.
T.
Loverly to see this building in such great condition.
W.
Just a church, go there to feed your IG
R.
Cool little church and an amazingly coloured lake!
E.
I was there during January 2019, the Lake was so beautiful that it looks like a painting itself. The sky and the water are so blue and calm despite of the wind. Church of the Good Shepherd is a small chapel standing on the side of the lake . It took only 5 minutes just walking into the church and take a look, but if you stand beside it and feel yourself standing there with a clear starry night and the lake you can understand why the early explorers want to build a church at this spot.
T.
It's very worthy
experience to visit this Church
W.
Beautiful place
Beautiful flowers
Beautiful lake
Amazing!
L.
nice place to have a look
L.
Great view!!
A.
Lovely church. Great location. Unfortunately not open on all days due to lack of volunteers. Anglican Eucharistic every Sunday 4pm Catholic Mass last Sunday of the month at 6pm
D.
The view from the window inside this church was speechless...... Unfortunately, it is prohibitted to take a photo inside.
C.
Tiny church but do iconic.. the surrounding surreal ❤
C.
Just stunning..and what a beautiful church ..to pray it
J.
Very beautiful, serene & able to sit inside & think & give thanks
G.
Or though extremely busy it is a lovely place to be
G.
Definitely one of the photo-worthy spots at Lake Tekapo. Simple church yet active church for you to take photos with. The church doesn't allow photo taking inside, but standing at the door just right outside is fine. Definitely do visit this place at night again if you're keen to take photos of the stars at night; makes a great combo, but you can't go into the church at night.
M.
The scenery is nothing but spectacular. It's amazing to stare at the turquoise, serene water. I could live here and be in awe of it's beauty.
R.
Had always assumed that the church was located in the country not in Tekapo village. It's been a long time wanting to see it but seeing friends and family's photos of the church and grounds was always packed with tourists. So with covid restrictions we were lucky enough to have bugga all people around to get in the way. The church and surrounding area are just as picturesque in reality as it is in all the photos. Enjoy.
C.
Beautiful little church. Has been closed since Covid but we were lucky to have a short tour.
S.
Amazing view and architecture 😍
B.
Beautiful small stone church on the edge of Lake Tekapo. Very peaceful, in breathtaking natural surroundings.
B.
It's a stunning church, but way over crowded and now surrounded by an ugly metal fence that locks at night. Technically not allowed to take photos of the church at night anymore, but if you're sneaky, you'll be able to work a good angle while staying behind the fence.
If you've never been before, it's worth checking out. But if you've seen it, there's really not much point in going back. Too many people around, no matter what time of day or night.
C.
Vintage church standing as a standalone building made up entirely of rocks. Multitude of visitors flock this building from early morning. Surrounded by hills on all sides and lake Tekapo, this church offers a visual treat to visitors and a great opportunity for still photography. Definitely recommend a visit to this place.
A.
This place is beautiful. And everyone thinks so. Hence the crowds and buses that seem to be constantly there. It’s a 5 star location but is obviously subject to the crowds.
Head there after sunset. Buses take off as soon as the sun sets and you can enjoy the beautiful soft light for the next 30 mins.
Walk down to the lake too.
J.
Recommend the place most should to visit when you are going to South Island.
E.
Very famous place to see the church and stars
S.
Lovely little church on the lake
楊.
Good place is a very beautiful place
J.
Great place to stop and see the lake, but also THE MOST POPULAR place to stop! Good luck trying to get ANY pictures of the church with the lake in the background. I got shooed away by a few people as I stood still looking my beautiful surroundings. This location has an extremely heavy tourist-gravity! Pulling in every single tourist within 100km to its scenic vantage point.
S.
I don't think anyone could not find this church beautiful, with it's warm rustic stone, built in solitary splendor in amazing location.
K.
On the shores of Lake Tekapō amongst the natural beauty of the lake and the Southern Alps, Truly the scenery is nothing but spectacular, the Church of the Good Shepherd. Built in 1935 as a memorial to the pioneers of the Mackenzie region, highly recommended.
S.
A gorgeous combination of human and natural history worth spending time in. Unfortunately, the tour companies are cashing in and dumping busloads in front of the church every few minutes. Almost impossible to get photos without people standing in the way taking selfies. Frustrating!
D.
Beautiful place to visit, well kept garden and church has been well maintained over the years. Beautiful backdrop for photos especially sunrise and during late November, early December for the lupins. Lots of parking for buses, campervan and car. A very short walk to the Dog Statue.
K.
It is a beautiful tranquil place to visit when at Lake Tekapo.
J.
Came during summer. Simply stunning. Water is very blue. Quite a touristy area though with everyone competing to take a photo with no one else in the background. Across the road there were some nice wild flowers which everyone was taking photos with too. Would definitely recommend visiting. Ample parking available and public toilets nearby are very good
J.
Great viewpoint. Better viewpoints of the lake around but this one is easiest to stop by.
J.
Famous spot at Tekapo in the South Island - Beautiful spot, but can be very busy and overcrowded.
K.
That iconic church beside the famous lake Tekapo and place to catch the stars if you are here at night. Can have a stroll along lake Tekapo with the beautiful waters. Decent amount of parking spaces but note there’s no toilet facilities here and there’s currently constructions here, so some parking spaces are closed.
A.
Lovely church .. Attended the service that's held at 4pm on sunday afternoon and it was lovey....
F.
Beautiful building set to a stunning backdrop. For those after a great photo this is a fantastic stop. Or even if you're interested in history the church has a story for you.
D.
It's a small church and built long back in 1930s. 3 days back I crossed this place it was covered with snow. After 3 days no snow and it's a sunny beautiful day. Pics speak for themselves. It's so beautiful with lake Tekapo in the background of church. Mesmerising views.
S.
Have visited this place a few times over the years. Unfortunately, it has gotten a lot busier than before. But if you are after the serenity of the place try going really early or rather late( but while the sun is still up)
The Chuch is still beautiful and scenic, though this time some construction work was going on around it. The authorities have fenced the area around it. I thought that took away the beauty a little.
It used to be really serene and one of the calmest place that I have visited.
They allowed photos to be taken inside if I remember correctly( not sure, that ws more than 10 years back) and now they do not and I do understand that. It is a place of worship.
There is enough parking around, and I found it really well managed , given the amount of people who visit each day.
It is good idea to stay at Mount cook village and drive here or stop here for lunch and then head to Mount cook if you are driving from Queenstown. The place have a lot of eateries. A good place to fill up on gas or grab some grocery before leaving/arriving at mount cook.
M.
So beautiful, worth a stop
M.
I love good scenery as much as the next person, but I wasn't impressed with this place. For one, it's very, very tiny. Secondly, it's literally always crawling with people. Morning, afternoon, evening, night (in the middle of winter) we couldn't find a place to just enjoy it nor get a picture of the church itself. I'd recommend just walking the shores of the lake, look at the church, then walk by. Lake Tekapo is amazing enough!
G.
Very touristy. Next to the main road. Well looked after. Wish we could have gone inside. Take your walking shoes and have a good look around tekapo.
A.
Love visiting iconic stops & along with The Church of the Good Shepherd this is a must see. The back drop of Lake Tekapo & mountains is well worth the stop.
h.
Good architecture and landscape surroundings. But too many tourists. Wait until sunset time, if you want take picture of the church without human. Climb up the wall outside the church complex, and you can good picture. No Drone in this area.
J.
Nice place to take good photos.
b.
Very spitual, a place of great peace despite crowds of tourists.
C.
This is a must whenever we visit this area. A very solemn and special place for me. When you visit please respect the rules of the location and take away nothing but photos and memories. Spend long enough here and you will come to appreciate what I'm on about. This is so much more than a pretty church on a lake.
H.
The church is closed until further notice except for Sunday service. A simple but pretty stone building adds human features to the scene of glacial lake and surrounding mountains
C.
A great spot to take photos and just take in the nature around. Whether it's spring or autumn or winter, the place never ceases to amaze. Do take note that the church is a functional church, and to pay due respect.
L.
Very beautiful place. No photos aloud as it a place of worship , which is a little daft as isn't god almighty to be shared with the world. But hey ho the view through the inside window is a real Corker. Be sure to check it out , 3 Star as no photos otherwise 5
V.
This place is an obvious plant from the Illuminati or superior alien race... it’s too perfect. The pristine turquoise lake is very suspicious too.
s.
An old historical icon drawing lot of budding photographers to try different techniques. The church looks very varied in a variety of lighting conditions. Surrounding places including the bridge are really nice.
J.
Must visit for all travelers visiting South Island 🤗 Small town but worth the view.
R.
Awesome views not far from the town with plenty of shops etc
S.
Great photo spot
l.
Beautiful but so busy. Best early morning
K.
Area is beautiful. Church is small but definitely historical . You're not allowed to take pictures inside the church. Unfortunately, theres a window and some disrespectful people go to that window to take pictures of the inside from the outside.
Views are breath taking!
R.
Great church right in front of water. You cannot take photos inside the church but outside is no problem. Donation is appreciated. Come as early as possible to avoid people everywhere. This is a hot spot for tourist and you will find Chinese people are the majority. It is not easy to shoot galaxy at night as there are still many people around the site even after 12am. Yes, 12am. The light from the torch is a big challenge and I failed to have galaxy in my camera. Enjoy and good luck :)
T.
Still as beautiful as ever. Same views as on my school trip 50+ years age.
P.
Probably best known landmark of Tekapo. Good spot for taking photography.
A.
Very serene spot with a spectacular view. Quite calming too because there are no photo or video taking allowed within the Church, so not as much people inside. Good place to just be in awe and pray. Appreciate the lovely music as well. (The Heart of Worship was playing back then)
F.
Beautiful instagramable old church. Not sure if it's still uses for church service.
V.
Free attraction. Church opens 9am to 5pm. Excellent place to take photos. If you are a stargazer or night photographer must visit and take milky way photos here.
K.
The most wonderful, peaceful location in New Zealand.
W.
Nice little church on the lake of Tekapo. Definitely give it a look. It's very very peaceful and serene. You will definitely want to take a minute and enjoy the atmosphere as you watch the teal colored Tekapo through this humble little church.
c.
Amazing water color and wonderful bridge
T.
Beautiful little church, come early if you want to beat the crowds.
L.
Such a beautiful place for a beautiful building.
K.
Awesome as usual. Beautiful day at Tekapo so how could you not enjoy. Saw salmon swimming under the bridge.
y.
Beautiful church with amazing views.
S.
👍
v.
I don't really get this place. Sure it's a nice little church. There are so many tourist here taking photos and selfies at all times of the day. The lake is stunning, best to go to a difference location by the lake and enjoy the tranquility and beauty of nature.
P.
Bit crowded. We came at a time when there was a wedding - which may be quite often, based on what the locals were saying. In other times the church is open to the public and with the prohibition of photos inside, you can enjoy a serene moment with a view.
J.
I love how the church is located near the lake and with a stunning snow cap mountain view background 😍
H.
Now has opening hours, so can't take photo of milky way with church
B.
Beautiful little church with a great view!
N.
A very popular spot for tour bus' during the day but almost deserted at night!
F.
Different to my last visit some 21 years ago. Now there are tourist buses turning up every few minutes.
If you do get a moment of solitude you get to appreciate this beautiful little church.
M.
Visited by thousands of visitors each year from all around the world. Cannot now take piccys from inside the church which is quite small. Well worth the visit. Photo opportunities outside to die for..
A.
Beautiful scenery over lake tekapo, this is a hotspot for tourists. Even often I see wedding photographers come by with fully dressed brides and grooms having a photoshoot here and then. The views are just stunning, watch out for the rocks as it is not a flat surface to walk easily in with heels. Would recommend.
T.
Can see a Great view from the church.
C.
A lot of China tourists, 80% of them were really rude.
K.
Lovely views of lake tekapo and church good shepherd.
J.
Famous church in Tekapo. Amazing lake view through the inside window.
D.
Can't speak for the religious services, or the interior, since it was closed, but the outside of this church is beautiful, and a great place to snap a scenic pic of Lake Tepako and it's full turquoise glory. Tour busses hit this spot on the reg, so don't expect to have the place to yourself, but that shouldn't deter you.
P.
We were welcomed warmly here and allowed space to reflect. This little church has one of the most mesmerising views and offers a place of prayer surrounded in beauty and awe.
N.
Beautiful place and must visit in south island of nz.
T.
Historic place with awesome view. The lake and mountains in the background adds to the holiness of the overall place. You will see lots of night photographer hanging around the church to take a snap of the galaxy with the church.
A.
Very scenic and rustic looking church set against a beautiful backdrop. Downside is that there are too many tourists and it's almost impossible to get a picture without strangers in it.
S.
Awesome piece of history. Take a few minutes inside the church. The scenery is stunning. You can see the shepard's herding in the sheep in the high country amongst the clouds and the sunset
s.
little house by big water. very nice good boy statue.
G.
One of the most photographed church's in New Zealand and set in one of the most beautiful locations a church can be found. Even with all the people around the church sitting inside and down 1st Ing a moment in silent prayer was a moving and touching experience.
J.
Peaceful beautiful church with great view of Lake Tekapo. One of the most beautiful place in New Zealand and definitely the most photographed church in NZ.
Given its fame, the place is packed with tourists most of the time. Just wish that the Asian tourists be more respectful to the peaceful environment around. If you don't like the crowd, suggest to drive to Mount John Observatory for the 360 panorama view of Tekapo.
S.
Beautiful example of an old English styled church in a wonderful location.
R.
Neat place developing nicely.
R.
Great fun for all, easily learned and able to skill up over the multiple runs. Smiling the the whole way down the tracks.
M.
On the shore of the breathtakingly blue waters of Lake Tekapo and framed by the Southern Alps sits the iconic Church of the Good Shepherd.
What it lacks in size it more than makes up for in appearance. The charming stone façade is the perfect piece of Mackenzie heritage to sit pride of place in any picture, adding perspective to the wide-open landscape.
Built as a memorial to the pioneers of the Mackenzie region, the Church has been home to thousands of weddings and has seen more than its fair share of visitors to its grounds.
C.
Amazing view of a aqua coloured lake. 😍
T.
Iconic building in a great setting.
A.
Nice place to visit and you can see the landscape for taking the photos around there. However inside the church, not allowed to take photos and keep silent alway.
L.
Nice setting. But church itself is not that impressive.
T.
Worth visiting if you're already coming to Lake Tekapo and are spiritual in any way. The steady stream of tour buses and photos outside takes away from the peacefulness, however.
S.
Beautiful, serene, magical ....
W.
Awesome view at day time and marvelous place for star hunting. Can pray inside the church, have parking area outside the church. At night the church gate will be locked.
B.
Beautiful place and is free entrance
z.
you can't talk within the church as it's religious but the view outside is s.t.u.n.n.i.n.g. i cannkt express this enough - it's sooo instagrammable 😆 the lake is crystal clear and it's so blue! i would suggest visiting there rather than the church.
C.
My second visit was a big let down. Could not believe the changes since last time 10 years ago. Dreadful walkways in church grounds. House of God should always be open.
H.
This is a very well preserved church at lake tekapo. You get beautiful views of lake tekapo from inside and outside church. I would highly recommend a visit if you are travelling by that route. There are plenty of cafes around as well if you need a quick bite.
i.
Better to visit in the morning. Before 9am we can't enter the building. Don't forget to walking down to lake side. If lucky we will find lupin flowers everywhere.
H.
PLEASE keep in mind that this is an active place of worship. My partner and I bowled inside on a cold windy day and didn't realise this. Its a lovely church and in a beautiful spot but I did feel a little disrespectful to the space once I realised that it wasnt merely a tourist attraction.
t.
Beautiful night view
S.
Lovely calm serene place to visit right beside the lake. What an awesome view😍
E.
One of the most iconic buildings of NZ, and for good reason. A bit overrun with tourists though. Note that since this is a place of worship it's not allowed to take pictures inside.
A.
What a magnificent monument! The beautiful and historical church is located on the shores of lake Takepo. Together they complement each other and make the visit to this part of the world so much more memorable! It is a must visit place when you are travelling south from Christchurch.
J.
Fantastic and historic location. Unfortunately our experience was ruined by a number of extremely arrogant and rude people who felt the need to ignore the 'No Drone' rules that are in place here. They had their drones flying around making that awful noise. NZ you should put enforcement officers at these popular locations and issue fines to these obnoxious self entitled morons.
B.
Stunning scenery and a beautiful church
c.
Service today (sunday) at 4pm was great
W.
Way too popular, but how can you resist. Good place to pickup free lense caps and filters :)
The church now has fence surrounding it and the gate will close at night so no one can get too close to it.
A.
Must see while in Tekapu.
G.
An overvalued location. The region has a lot more to offer
C.
Must see while in Tekapo, beautiful surrounds.
E.
The Lupins, the colour of the water is just spectacular.
J.
A very good spot to enjoy the Lake view, you will see the crystal blue lake and snow mountain opposite. But it’s very depend of the weather, it can change from clear sky to fog within 30 min.
P.
Beautiful spot. Irish translation: Blessings onto the sheepdog
F.
Great place to visit and for the landscape!
A.
It was a special experience, unfortunately it was quite busy when we went. You can view the lake from inside. Keep in mind no photos are permitted as it's a place of prayer.
J.
So beautiful in whatever weather! Deffo worth going here on a clear night to take photos of the stars ☺️
v.
The weather wasn't good on the day of our visit but it doesn't matter when the place is just marvelous. will definitely visit again
G.
Beautiful old church.
G.
Does tend to be a bit crowded when trying to take photos.
P.
Nice scenery, I would give more than 5 stars...
Have many of lake views ... it’s 360 degree...
The church itself also very beautiful in every conners...
Best place for stars glazing ... you can took photos of Milky Way with normal or phone camera, just need to use Tripod and open sky... 🥰
Must visit in several times in a day, not just one...in early morning and also at night times.. lighting is so different, so you have different photos moods 😘😊
M.
Interesting little stop with a beautiful view. Not a lot to do here other than have a look. The church is a functioning church, no photos allowed inside.
C.
It is breathtaking. Make sure you don't take any photos inside the church. You can get the signature window shot through the outside of the church. There is parking nearby for visitors!
I.
I love the church but I wonder how many tourists stop to think about the church and not just a photo stop
V.
A religious place. It has a history with typical exaggerated Christian story telling. I am not against Christians per se but the Christian establishment does exaggerate and embellish their rather sordid history. Christians are no better nor worse than any other people of different faiths.
W.
Very little church. Good photo spot.
A.
Stunning location in winter. Sheer Beauty! Such a wonderful place to visit with friends during an adventure trip. A must do in South Island New Zealand. Cafe nearby on top of the hill is stunning too