Mount Cook and Lake Tekapo

 
It was the start of 2009 and I was about to head south from Christchurch to Queenstown by coach. There are a number of companies providing transport on the south island, including fully escorted tours or simple transport from one city to another.

Lake Tekapo and Mount Cook are the main attractions on the journey from Christchurch to Queenstown.

Lake Tekapo is large (32 square miles) and picturesque lake 2300 ft above sea level.

The Church of the Good Shepherd is situated on the shores of Lake Tekapo. It was built in 1935 and was the first church in the Mackenzie Basin area. The church is possibly one of the most photographed in New Zealand and features an altar window that frames stunning views of the lake and mountains.

Mount Cook is the highest mountain in New Zealand, at 12,316 ft. Also known as Aoraki (which means cloud piercer), the mountain is a favourite of mountain climbers.

In 1998 the name of the mountain was officially changed from Mount Cook to Aoraki/Mount Cook to incorporate its historic Māori name, Aoraki. A number of other South Island place names were amended to incorporate their original Māori name at the same time.