Visiting the Church of the Good Shepherd, Lake Tekapo
Last Updated: 9th September, 2023
One of the most famous and recognisable icons of Lake Tekapo is the charming Church of the Good Shepherd. Found in the heart of the Mackenzie District of Canterbury, this is the most photographed church in New Zealand, and it’s easy to see why! Nestled right on the shores of the vivid blue lake, and surrounded by snow-capped mountains, this is one of the most beautiful places in New Zealand. Read on for all you need to know when visiting the Church of the Good Shepherd, Lake Tekapo!
Where is the Church of the Good Shepherd?
The Church of the Good Shepherd is located right on the shores of Lake Tekapo, in the South Island of New Zealand. It is on the far side of the mouth of the gorgeous Tekapo River, and only a few minutes walk from the center of town along Pioneer Drive!
The History of the Church
The Church of the Good Shepherd was designed and built in the early 1930’s by a Christchurch architect called R.S.D Harman. This charming stone church was designed as a memorial to the early settlers of the Mackenzie District, and embodies their qualities of strength and simplicity.
During the building of the Church, an emphasis was placed on retaining the natural beauty of the site. The stones that were used in the construction were all collected from within a 5-mile radius of the site, and had to be in their natural condition!
Visiting the Church of the Good Shepherd
The best way to explore the this beautiful church is by foot! The Church of the Good Shepherd is located only 10-minutes walk from the center of town, with a beautiful walk across the Maclaren Footbridge and down onto the lakefront. The walkway is a well-maintained and smooth gravel walkway, and easily accessible from the main center.
Best Time to visit the Church of the Good Shepherd
The Church of the Good Shepherd is one of the iconic landmarks of Lake Tekapo, and is one of the most photographed churches in New Zealand! It is an incredibly popular tourist spot, and so it can get quite crowded in the busy summer months. The best time to visit the Church of the Good Shepherd is early in the morning, just after sunrise and before the tour buses start arriving!
Church Grounds Opening Hours
- Summer: 8:00 am – 8:00 pm
- Winter: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Parking around the Church
Parking around the church is limited, as this is an incredibly busy tourist spot! There is a small car park right outside the Church of the Good Shepherd, however this gets filled up quite quickly in the busy summer months. There is also parking just across the river, on the other side of the Maclaren Footbridge.
Guided Tours
The Church of the Good Shepherd is a fully operational church, and is closed to the general public due during the day. However, if you want an opportunity to explore the interior of this charming church, you can arrange a guided tour for groups by contacting the church here.
Walks around the Church of the Good Shepherd, Lake Tekapo
There are a number of short walks around Lake Tekapo that stroll past this stunning church, where you can take a few minutes to explore this iconic landmark. The Church of the Good Shepherd is surrounded by a lupin field and the rocky Lake Tekapo foreshore, with a small path that allows you to stroll around the exterior of the church! Make sure to bring your camera, as this charming church and the surrounding landscape is breathtaking!
1. Lake Tekapo Foreshore Walk
- Walking Time: 1 hour
- Walk Distance: 3.75 km one-way
- Trail Difficulty: Easy walk along a flat, well-maintained path
This beautiful short walk follows the foreshore of Lake Tekapo, stretching from the base of Mt John to the stunning Church of the Good Shepherd. This is one of my favourite walks around Lake Tekapo, as it gives you incredible views over the stunning scenery, as well as taking you past some of the towns must-see places!
2. Pines Beach Walkway
- Walking Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Walk Distance: 6 km
- Trail Difficulty: Easy hike, great for any fitness level
This walkway begins at the car park by Maclarens Bridge, and follows the Lake Tekapo foreshore towards the beautiful Tekapo Regional Park and Pines Beach! The walkway wanders around the Church of the Good Shepherd, where you can admire the incredible view, before continuing on past the Sheepdog Memorial and along to the secluded beach. This is an awesome little walk that offers incredible views over the lake from a more secluded and less-touristy viewpoint!
3. Cowan’s Hill Walkway
- Walking Time: 1 hour 45 miutes
- Walk Distance: 6 km
- Trail Difficulty: An easy walk with a gentle hill in the back-country of Lake Tekapo
This is a slightly longer walk that begins near the Church of the Good Shepherd, before looping into the beautiful back-country behind Lake Tekapo. The walkway takes you through newly planted pine forest and out onto alpine tussock, where it gently climbs up to the top of Cowan’s Hill. There is a bench and a lookout spot, which gives you a place to rest and soak up the amazing views over the lake and Mackenie Basin from a high vantage point!
