Lake Tekapo is about three hours drive south-west of Christchurch in the Mackenzie Basin. The township faces north across the remarkable turquoise coloured lake to the mountainous drama of the Southern Alps. Lake Tekapo gets its intense milky-turquoise colour from the fine rock-flour which is suspended in the water. On the shores on the lake you’ll see the beautiful Church of the Good Shepherd, where the altar window frames a perfect view of Mount Cook. The church was built in 1935 for the pioneer families of the Mackenzie district, and it’s a popular photo spot for visitors.