5 Reasons Lake Tekapo, Aotearoa, New Zealand is Worth The Drive to Get There


 

5-reasons-lake-tekapo-aotearoa-new-zealand-is-worth-the-drive-to-get-there5 Reasons Lake Tekapo, Aotearoa, New Zealand is Worth The Drive to Get There

The road to Lake Tekapo took us through the brilliant scary roads that are standard New Zealand. Few cars, lots of campers and quite a few trucks, thankfully lots of pull in spots too to let said trucks whizz by. Most of them hoot their appreciation at the manoeuvre.

Our wacky arrival

tekapo-arrivalWe saw a bizarre Asian lady having a selfie style shot taken in the middle of the road. She changed next to her car into a backless dress and ran down the road barefoot. It was not a barefoot backless kind of day. Luckily the truck drivers were attentive, and no doubt slighty bemused, as they took appropriate evasive action. Very artistic and very odd!

Art and History

Tekapo dog sculptureThe dog in the sculpture was the first old english sheepdog we had seen down under, the owner of the camp had another, total of two. Hmm wonder where they all are, I guess up in them there hills.

Simplicity

tekapo-churchThis church, an iconic image, is beautiful. Sadly I couldn’t get a photo inside as it is inspiring, but I respect it’s a place of worship. It’s a small chapel with the most amazing view framed in a massive picture window, rare in any place of religion. You could feel the history there, no wonder the devotees in time gone by saw the wonder of their God all around them. I’m not sure what my beliefs are but it was a spiritual place for all the visitors we spoke to, maybe the remoteness, the beauty, the clean air, the strength of the building rooted to such a remote spot, not sure. I felt better for having been there.

Geology

tekapo-geologyHow stunning is nature and geology. The detail in just this one rock, veins and the layers taking you back through the ages, I wonder just how old this is? Oh, and they hurt when you stub your toe on them! Ouch!

Dark Skies

This sight is a dark sky reserve. Have you ever watched a dark sky for an hour! What are all those things moving around? I know the ‘truth is out there’ I know some stuff will be satellites, some debris (yes we send our rubbish up there too) however some of the erratic movement of some things, well, it was thought provoking to say the least.

I’m slightly confused at all the development in Tekapo. It’s very selfish not to expect places to be developed, to make them more accessible, bring jobs etc. I get that. I understand why million dollar houses bring in cash etc. What I don’t get is the taking out of so many trees and putting in so many street lights! 

Lake_TekapoSitting outside the camper looking at the sky was amazing, however the street lamps already intrude on the true darkness and looking at the roads and paths under construction more will follow.

Please, if you have to build your spa and build your high class homes please have lights that go out at night when not needed, they are possible. If you take out trees to enhance the view, well don’t spoil the view by doing so!

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