Lake Tekapo / Takapo Reserve — Attraction in South Island

Update: This place has changed its name from 'Lupin field' to 'Lake Tekapo', I believe it's necessary to update the rating (was one star).

If you are here for the lupins, come between end of Nov and early Dec, try to avoid the church area, because it won't be many flowers there, go to the observatory instead, you'll find vast colorful lupin fields along the road. If you are here for the night sky, come here in winter, Milky Way centre will be above horizon most of night time, you'll see more stars. Summer is not bad too as warmer temperature gives you clearer sky. Again avoid the church area, unless you don't mind to see hundreds of people with flash lights appear in your photos, and doing the heavy post processing. If you do wish to take photos at the church at night time, please don't stay too close to it for too long with your flash turned on, its in DARK SKY RESERVE area, be respectful, and photographers will appreciate that too.

Update 2: Now the church has fence surrounding it and the fence door will close in the evening, so no one can get close to...

If you ask people, what is the best place they visited in nz they will say this place. The church is not always open so I've heard its amazing inside view wise. If you have time walk out onto the rock flats we came across many bird nests , just be prepared to be dive bombed! Just a note to nz tourism please move the car park to the other side of the bridge it ruins the view. Also the pay to poo p2p toilets..not cool..but hey you could bill it as the world first toliet that accepts master card and visa.. no joke..pay pass.deposits...

Beautiful small town with a population of approx. 400 people. Mt John Observatory, Stargazing at designated dark reserve, hot springs and drove to nearby towns (on way to Christchurch church) is fun. Limited food options in the area though lot of places but with average food. Winters will be more phenomenal when all the peaks are covered with snow and people come...