Lake Tekapo + Mount Cook Must-Visit Highlights

New Zealand's Lake Tekapo and Mount Cook are must-visit destinations. During this trip to New Zealand, we stayed in Fairlie, a quiet and comfortable small town. It’s about a 30-minute drive to Lake Tekapo and two hours to Mount Cook. While the location isn’t the most convenient, it’s very affordable. 🌄 Lake Tekapo + Church of the Good Shepherd Our first stop at Lake Tekapo was the iconic Church of the Good Shepherd! This small stone church is located by the lake, with a backdrop of serene waters and distant mountains. The atmosphere is tranquil and romantic, and even with tourists around, it still feels sacred. It’s best to visit at sunrise or sunset when the lighting is stunning, making it perfect for photography! 🌌 Stargazing (Dark Sky Project) At night, we joined the Dark Sky Project to stargaze at the Mount John Observatory. The tour cost NZD 299, and we were excited to experience the world-class night sky. Unfortunately, the weather wasn’t great, and it happened to be a full moon, which made the stars much dimmer. We could barely see anything. While the guides were professional, the experience didn’t feel worth the price. If you plan to join, make sure to check the weather and moon phase in advance to avoid full moon nights! 🥾 Mount Cook — Hooker Valley Track The next day, we headed to Mount Cook and hiked the popular Hooker Valley Track. The round trip takes about three hours, with flat and easy trails. Along the way, you’ll cross suspension bridges, see glacial streams, and enjoy breathtaking views of snow-capped mountains. At the end of the trail, you’ll reach Hooker Lake, complete with floating icebergs! The scenery is both stunning and therapeutic—highly recommended! 🍣 Mt Cook Alpine Salmon Shop After the hike, we stopped by the salmon shop near Lake Pukaki for some sashimi. The weather was perfect, and enjoying fresh, sweet salmon while gazing at the lake was such a treat! I recommend getting the small box, as the portion is just right and not overwhelming. The large box might feel a bit too much by the end. 💡 Tips: - Photography inside the church is not allowed, so please respect the local religious culture. - Check the weather and moon phase before stargazing to avoid disappointment. - Bring water, sunscreen, and a light jacket for hiking, as the weather can change quickly. - The salmon shop offers samples, so you can try before you buy. Summary: The lake, church, snow-capped mountains, hiking trails, and salmon delicacies made this trip’s highlights unforgettable. Although the stargazing didn’t meet expectations, we were still very satisfied. Next time, we’ll plan for moonless nights to catch the perfect Milky Way!