In pictures: The turquoise waters of Lake Tekapo
The area around the town of Tekapo in New Zealand’s South Island has some of the clearest skies in the world. So clear that they built a space observatory on top of nearby Mt John. But the views downwards are just as amazing, overlooking Lake Tekapo with its unreal-looking bright turquoise waters. Lake Tekapo and neighbouring Lake Pukaki get their unusual colour from ‘rock flour’ – ground dust from glacial action that gets suspended in the waters. Surrounded by snow-topped mountains, the stoney lakeshore is dotted with purple lupins, and is watched over by the Church of the Good Shepherd. The church was built in memory of the area’s pioneers and is one of New Zealand’s most photographed buildings. From its windows you get a picture-perfect view across the lake and to Mount Cook beyond it.
What a stunning set of shots! The colour is sublime, and just as I remember it.
I’d seen pictures of it before but you never quite believe it can really be that colour until you see it!
Stuning photography Lucy, absolutely gorgeous
Thanks, it was one of my favourite spots in New Zealand.
What fabulous zingy colours! When were you there, Lucy? Jealous again!
A couple of years ago now but I’m only finally getting around to writing it up now – so expect lots more NZ posts in the next month!
Wow! You are so lucky to have gotten that weather. Tekapo is definitely on my list to revisit when I return. Going to be catching up on all of your good stuff on here soon!
I did get very lucky with the weather here – it had been terrible on the west coast around Franz Josef and I’d heard that often if it was bad on one side of the island it was better on the other. Worked this time anyway!
Amazing photos! I passed by this lake on a long drive on our way to west of South Island, and we didn’t stay long enough to truly enjoy the view.
We stopped by this lake to use the bathroom, but we meet truly walked around and enjoyed the scenery! Amazing photos you have here Luce!
Thanks, it was a good place to relax for a day or two – wander round the lake and take photos. So much to see in NZ though that it’s hard to choose where to spend your time!
Wow! This is such a stunning place!! I think I would love New Zealand
I’m sure you would love it – for a fairly small country there’s so much to see!
I just spent two months in NZ including a visit to Lake Tekapo… no other country matches up in terms of natural beauty. Good photos.
Thanks, two months in New Zealand sounds like a great trip! I only had six weeks but managed to see so many amazing sights.
Wow…that is insanely beautiful! Never had heard of this spot before…
It’s a mad colour isn’t it! I got a tip off from an old work colleague who’d lived nearby and knew I had to see it.
What beautiful colours – you must stop posting about NZ as it’s quickly creeping up my ‘wanna go’ list!