The most famous church in New Zealand is undoubtedly Church of the Good Shepard.  It is always crowed with visitors looking for the selfie and photographers and for good reason. The landscape surrounding this beautiful church both day and night is a sight to remember. It is the only church still in Lake Tekapo.

“Designed to give the impression of quiet strength and simplicity the building embodies the essential qualities of the early settlers who endured the tough Mackenzie Country environment. Our modest stone church was built firstly to the glory of God and secondly, as a memorial to the pioneers of the district.”

This is a perfect location for night photography. The Mount John Observatory sits in this Mackenzie Dark Sky Reserve.  This area is protected from light pollution and the only Dark Sky preserve in the Southern hemisphere. The stars are brilliant here against the black sky.  Although the night was freezing I went out to try my hand at finding the Milky Way and do some night photography. Sadly, I wasn’t too successful. We were only there overnight and didn’t arrive until late in the day and left first thing the next morning so next trip!! I hope!!

Be a considerate and responsible traveler. Some of these places are getting so overcrowded with people who don’t care at all about the place they just want a selfie.  I could really rant on and on here but will just say- really!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Our next stop was Twizel and Lake Pukaki on the way to Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park. (read about our hiking adventures in my next blog)

Lake Pukaki

The road to Aoraki/Mount Cook

Did you miss our time in Queenstown-Glenorchy ; Wanaka; Spa Day in Queenstown; Wine Tours and Bungy jumping– here are the links! Next week my hiking excursion to Aoraki/Mount Cook.