Tekapo and Mt Cook

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Tekapo and Mt Cook Regional Information

The Mount Cook region, also known as the Mackenzie Country, covers the inland basin beneath the peaks of the Southern Alps and Mount Cook. Located southwest of Christchurch, Mount Cook is New Zealand's highest mountain, reaching 3,753 metres at its highest point. The mountain's Maori name, Aoraki, means 'cloud piercer.' The dramatic peak towers above surrounding snow-clad mountains. At its side, the Tasman Glacier tumbles 30 kilometres, making it one of the longest anywhere in the world.

Mount Cook Village is a good base from which to explore the region and take part in activities such as skiing, hiking, fishing or simply admiring the alpine scenery. The many walks and hikes in the area range from an easy half hour walk to more challenging tramps which take a number of days to complete. Scenic flights over the mountain offer stunning views of the Southern Alps and expanses of snowfields. Flights can also provide access to adventure skiing slopes.

The glacial Lake Tekapo is famed for its dazzling turquoise waters. On its shores lies Lake Tekapo village, a small community which grows in size with the arrival of large numbers of tourists. At 710 metres above sea level, the lake is the highest lake of significant size anywhere in New Zealand. The spectacular colour of its waters is caused by 'glacial flour,' formed as the glaciers grind rock into fine particles of dust which are then washed down into the lake and suspended in the water. Rays of sunlight catch these particles of rock, creating the strong turquoise hue of the water. Conditions in the lake are excellent for fishing, particularly for rainbow and brown trout. Stargazing is another popular activity in Tekapo, which is widely recognised as having some of the darkest and clearest night skies in New Zealand.

The Church of the Good Shepherd is situated on the shoreline and is wellknown for its outlook on the lake and the Southern Alps, framed by a window above the altar. Built in 1935, the stone church was erected as a memorial to the pioneers of the Mackenzie Country. Today, a number of faiths worship in the church. Close by, a bronze statue of a sheepdog commemorates the hardy collie dogs which are vital in the grazing of the region's farmland.

Navigate with our great Tekapo and Mt Cook map to stay on the right track and find what you're looking for when traveling in the region. While you're on the road, be prepared for all seasons with weather forecasts, reports and current information on Canterbury weather.

For further information, visit the Mount Cook regional information site.