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The Church of the Good Shepherd is a peaceful place to visit, offering stunning views of Lake Tekapo and the surrounding mountains. Visitors can enjoy photography, attend a service, or simply soak in the tranquil atmosphere. The nearby Tekapo Springs offers hot pools, and the surrounding area is perfect for star gazing at night, as it is part of the UNESCO Aoraki Mackenzie Dark Sky Reserve.
Church of the Good Shepherd , located in Tekapo , New ZealandThe shores of Lake Tekapo, one of the world’s top stargazing destinations , are an iconic sight in New Zealand and a classic postcard scene from Lake Tekapo.
The Church of the Good Shepherd stands alone by the lake, a simple stone building built in 1935 by the renowned British architect Benjamin Woolfield Mountford . With just over 20 square meters of usable space, it's often called New Zealand's smallest church. The church's windows face the lake, capturing the stunning scenery of Tekapo.
The church records the history of early New Zealand immigrants. There is a bronze statue of a sheepdog next to the church, which is said to commemorate the contribution of sheepdogs in protecting the sheep for their owners in New Zealand, a major livestock-raising country. This is also the origin of the name " Good Shepherd Church " .
At night, the Church of the Good Shepherd seems to be wrapped by the Southern Alps and the Milky Way. As it is one of the world's starry sky protection areas, and the church is located in a vast and sparsely populated area with no light pollution, it feels like you are in the starry sky, and you can see a sky full of stars just by looking up.
The best time to view the stars is from April to September
Recommended play time: 1-2 hours
free
Appearance all day
Internal tour: Summer: 9:00-17:00; Winter: 10:00-16:00
Worship times: Sunday 16:00 , Good Friday 11:30 , Easter 16:00
The Church of the Good Shepherd was built in 1935 by the local community, making it one of New Zealand's most iconic small churches. It holds significant historical value as it was built in dedication to the area's pioneers. Its picturesque location beside Lake Tekapo and the Southern Alps makes it a popular spot for photography, and it is also renowned for its role in the preservation of local history and culture.
The Church of the Good Shepherd is located at Lake Tekapo, in the South Island of New Zealand. The easiest way to get there is by car or bus from nearby towns like Fairlie (about 1 hour) or Timaru (about 1.5 hours). Once at Lake Tekapo, the church is accessible by walking, as it is located right on the lake's edge.
The church is open daily to visitors and does not have set hours. It is open for services, but otherwise, visitors can explore at their leisure. The best times to visit are during the day for a clear view of the church with the backdrop of the lake and mountains, or at night for stargazing.
There is no entrance fee for visiting the Church of the Good Shepherd. It is free to visit, and there are no ticket requirements. Visitors may wish to donate at the church or in the nearby donation box.
Booking tickets in advance is not required as there is no entrance fee. However, if you plan to visit for a special service or event, it is advisable to check the schedule beforehand to confirm timings.
Visiting the Church of the Good Shepherd itself typically takes about 30 minutes to 1 hour, depending on whether you want to attend a service, take photographs, or simply enjoy the surroundings. If you're combining the visit with a walk around Lake Tekapo or other nearby attractions, plan for a couple of hours.
The main highlight inside the Church of the Good Shepherd is the stunning stained-glass window that frames a breathtaking view of Lake Tekapo and the surrounding mountains. The church’s simplicity and the peaceful ambiance make it a special place for reflection. The altar and the natural light streaming through the windows are also key features.
There are no regular guided tours or audio guides available at the Church of the Good Shepherd. However, some local tours around Lake Tekapo offer guides who can provide historical context and information about the church. These tours are typically available in English.
The best photography spots are outside the church, where you can capture the church with Lake Tekapo and the Southern Alps in the background. The area near the church’s entrance and the nearby Tekapo River also provide stunning vistas, especially at sunrise and sunset.
The church itself is quite small, so there is no set route to follow inside. Visitors typically enter through the front door, explore the interior briefly, and then step outside to take in the magnificent views. If you are walking around Lake Tekapo, consider starting your visit to the church and then strolling along the lakefront afterward.
The Church of the Good Shepherd is part of the Aoraki Mackenzie Dark Sky Reserve, so it is an excellent location for stargazing at night. There are no light shows, but the church is beautifully illuminated at night, and the surrounding area is perfect for photography under the stars.
The church can get busy, particularly during the tourist season (December-February) and on weekends. To avoid crowds, visit early in the morning or later in the evening, especially on weekdays.
There are toilets available near the church in the Lake Tekapo area. For food, water, and rest areas, visitors can head to nearby cafes and restaurants in the village of Lake Tekapo, which is just a short walk from the church.
The Church of the Good Shepherd is accessible for most visitors, including those with children and the elderly. The main church area is on ground level with no stairs, and it is relatively easy to navigate. However, it is not specifically designed with disabled access in mind, so wheelchairs may find some difficulty on the gravel paths outside.
Since there is no entrance fee, visitors don’t need cash for entry. However, donations can be made in cash or by card, depending on the available facilities at the church.
There are several cafes and restaurants in Lake Tekapo, just a short walk from the church. Popular options include the Tekapo Bakery, Reflections Café, and The Godley Hotel, which serve a range of local and international dishes.
Vegetarian and vegan options are available at most of the cafes and restaurants in Lake Tekapo, though halal options may be limited. It’s advisable to check menus or ask staff for specific dietary needs.
There are several accommodation options near the Church of the Good Shepherd, including Lake Tekapo Motels & Holiday Park, The Godley Hotel, and several guesthouses and bed-and-breakfast options in the village.
Nearby attractions include the Tekapo Springs, Mount John Observatory, and the Mackenzie Basin, which offers stunning views and hiking opportunities. The nearby town of Fairlie and Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park are also great places for day trips.
Yes, there are souvenir shops in Lake Tekapo offering a variety of local goods, including postcards, woolen clothing, handmade jewelry, and photographs of the area. The Tekapo Village store also sells local handicrafts and souvenirs.
The best way to continue your trip is by car. Lake Tekapo is well-connected by road, and there are buses available from the town to other parts of the South Island. For longer trips, consider renting a car or booking a tour to nearby attractions like Mount Cook or Queenstown.
