The Church of the Good Shepherd

The Church of the Good Shepherd

The Church of the Good Shepherd
4.5
About
The Church of the Good Shepherd is situated on the shores of Lake Tekapo amongst the natural beauty of the lake and the mountains. The Church of the Good Shepherd was built to the glory of God as a memorial to the pioneers of the Mackenzie Country. "Somehow the setting and the church combine to speak of God to those who enter and pause in the midst of their busy lives." - Peter Hurricks NO PHOTOS INSIDE Please do not use cameras, cellphones or tablets inside the church so that others may enjoy as is a place of prayer and reflection. PLEASE REMOVE YOUR WASTE There are no toilet or rubbish collection facilities in the area around the church so we kindly ask that visitors remove their waste and respect the natural environment around the church.
Duration: < 1 hour
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  • Cherri_R25
    Pullman, Washington44 contributions
    Stunning Little Church
    We were able to go inside the church on a Saturday. The attendant was very friendly and knowledgeable. It is a wonderful place for a quiet moment of contemplation. Sitting in the small sanctuary gazing out at the lake and mountains is very refreshing.
    Visited December 2022
    Written 16 December 2022
  • Di Bellamy
    28 contributions
    An Awesome Place to Worship the God of your own understanding.
    Every Sunday there's a Church interfaith service for the Tourists to attend and enjoy worshipping the God of their own understanding while viewing the magnificent views through the picture window overlooking Lake Tekapo and up to Mt Aspiring. What an inspired place to build a church, the scenery leaves you in awe, I'm sure that's why, in that full church, almost everyone went up for Communion. Dan, the Minister welcomed everyone and provided a service encouraging all to live a year celebrating their best selves. It really is a part of your holiday not to miss.
    Visited January 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 27 January 2023
  • Toni3452
    Barcelona, Spain722 contributions
    Mandatory
    If you are in Lake Tekapo, one of the mandatory activities you must do, is to cross a peculiar bridge and go to this church. You will find everyone there but it doesn't matter. It's an obligation. Stunning views and a peaceful sensation
    Visited February 2023
    Written 1 March 2023
  • puchka
    Bengaluru, India1,796 contributions
    Catholic Church
    A small brownstone historical church in Tekapo, located on a bluff on the Lakefront. The front door was locked. All we got to see from the glass window at the back, were few pews, probably accommodating not more than 50 worshippers at the most.
    Visited March 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 20 March 2023
  • dianedinky
    Dunfermline, United Kingdom734 contributions
    Ok but not a must do
    Maybe this needs a sunny day but for me there are more interesting places and more picturesque churches to visit in NZ. It's in a very small town with a few shops and cafes. I'd say if you are going to this area then the thing to do is take to the air and get spectacular lake and mountain views.
    Visited February 2023
    Written 10 June 2023
  • EmmaBass
    Brisbane, Australia145 contributions
    Great Insta shot!
    This church provides the perfect foreground subject for an even more stunning background. The huge lake is a turquoise blue and the snow capped mountains literally wrap around the horizon on the lake. Any time of the day is a perfect time to visit, but sunset is extra special. Whilst you can’t enter the church, the exterior is cute and quaint with well maintained surroundings. Services are held there at certain times and, when they are, everyone is asked to exit the fenced area. Highly recommend this church but mostly for the backdrop.
    Visited July 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 6 July 2023
  • whitey7
    173 contributions
    Very pretty, very interesting but just overrun with coach parties.
    Visited Nov 2023. I have to say that as picturesque as it is and as interesting as it is? It is ruined by being over crowded and overrun with massive coach parties. We are far from religious and probably could be accused of adding to the problem but it really was ridiculous. It's a very pretty place but I personally would recommend you go either very early in the morning or in the evening when it may be a bit quieter. Very difficult to get any photos of the church without crowds of people being it.
    Visited November 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 15 November 2023
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Amy W
Seattle, WA263 contributions
Nov. 2023 • Couples
The church itself is cute. I understand why people aren't allowed in so take advantage of the incredible views of the lake and mountains.
Written 19 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

whitey7
surrey173 contributions
Nov. 2023 • Couples
Visited Nov 2023.
I have to say that as picturesque as it is and as interesting as it is? It is ruined by being over crowded and overrun with massive coach parties.
We are far from religious and probably could be accused of adding to the problem but it really was ridiculous.
It's a very pretty place but I personally would recommend you go either very early in the morning or in the evening when it may be a bit quieter.
Very difficult to get any photos of the church without crowds of people being it.
Written 15 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

mdh969
Canberra, Australia615 contributions
Nov. 2023 • Friends
We were staying a night at Lake Tekapo and read that the church there was a great place to take photos. There were plenty of people there doing just that.

If you are interested in the walking bridge, it is close to the church.
Written 4 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Joyman L
Perth, Australia1,513 contributions
May 2023 • Couples
Visited in May 2023

Located within the town, this beautiful church has limited parking. We were lucky enough during our visit there were not a lot of people our tour buses.

Free entry.
Written 30 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

seaair1
Nelson-Tasman Region, New Zealand56 contributions
Sep. 2023 • Couples
Very hard to get a photo of it without someone doing a handstand or peace sign in front of it. Too many tourists and it is shut nowadays. I like the border collie memorial more.
Written 15 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

EmmaBass
Brisbane, Australia145 contributions
Jul. 2023 • Couples
This church provides the perfect foreground subject for an even more stunning background. The huge lake is a turquoise blue and the snow capped mountains literally wrap around the horizon on the lake. Any time of the day is a perfect time to visit, but sunset is extra special. Whilst you can’t enter the church, the exterior is cute and quaint with well maintained surroundings. Services are held there at certain times and, when they are, everyone is asked to exit the fenced area. Highly recommend this church but mostly for the backdrop.
Written 6 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

bellaeleven
Sydney, Australia115 contributions
Jun. 2023
A very pretty church on the outside, well worth a look. It wasn't open when we were there, would have loved to be able to go inside.
Written 24 June 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

dianedinky
Dunfermline, UK734 contributions
Feb. 2023
Maybe this needs a sunny day but for me there are more interesting places and more picturesque churches to visit in NZ. It's in a very small town with a few shops and cafes. I'd say if you are going to this area then the thing to do is take to the air and get spectacular lake and mountain views.
Written 10 June 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

JPY
London, UK578 contributions
Feb. 2023 • Couples
This church on the shore of Lake Tekapo is so picturesque. You can go inside this tiny church and walk around the grounds down to the shoreline.

It is a busy tourist location and there are frequent coach tours turning up, so be prepared to share the space with hoards of other people and be patient if you want to take a photo with no one in the background.
Written 30 April 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

traveladdict3500
Hasselt, Belgium782 contributions
Feb. 2023
It was very crowded here as all tourist busses stop here. The church itself is very nice as it has a large window behind the altar that looks over the lake. Nice for a short stop.
Written 28 April 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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The Church of the Good Shepherd, Lake Tekapo

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