Lake Tekapo, New Zealand

Situated in the Mackenzie basin at the base of the Southern Alps, Lake Tekapo offers super hot days in the summer with little breeze (Make sure you apply your sunscreen before your wedding!). You will often find there is little cloud in the sky which makes a beautiful blue background for those wedding photos

In the winter especially in August there is a good chance there will be snow on the ground. My recommendation to you is to drive to Lake Tekapo the day prior so there is no panicking if the road is closed in the morning before your wedding.

You will be impressed with Lake Tekapo the little village is nestled beside the Lake over looking Mt Cook and the southern alps. The Lake is known for its vivid turquoise colour due to rocks begin crushed by the Glaciers above the lake which then creates a fine flour colour which settles on the bottom of the lake. When the light hits the water it produces a pale blue colour very stunning.

Not only is this little township well known for its picturesque beauty by day but it is also famous for its night skies. On top of Mt John is one of the top best observatories in the world. This is where you can go stargazing at night to explore the majestic southern sky. Quite a lovely touch the night prior to your wedding!

The Church of the Good Shepherd is one of New Zealand’s famous icons. Many tourist bus lines will visit the Church over the lunch time period. Due to this I would recommend for you to marry either early in the morning approximately 10.30am/11.00am or after the rush around 2.30pm onwards.

This place has captured the hearts of many couples. Inside is very natural, with wooden pews and exposed ceiling beams. There is a large window at the end of the Church overlooking the lake and the Southern Alps (Mt Cook).

The Church will seat a maximum of 55 guests and a ceremony can only be conducted by Ministers of Religion. This ceremony is quite unique as they bring the elements of the surrounding areas into the service.

Generally I would organize for you to meet the Minister the day prior. This is usually booked for around 3pm. The minister resides at the Fairlie Parish which is 20 minutes prior to Lake Tekapo, on the way through from Christchurch.

The little tourist village has many restaurants to dine at from:

• Asian cuisine (Kohan Japanese Restaurant, Jade Palace Restaurant & Lake Tekapo Korean Restaurant)
• Buffet Style (The Godley Resort)To New Zealand traditional food (Reflections Café & Bar).
  

The only down full of Lake Tekapo at the present time is that it doesn’t offer fine dinning, if your looking for this for your wedding dinner. There is a new resort being built (Peppers) and they offer a Restaurant which is likely to be fine dinning. I will keep you posted with regards to this.

There are plenty of different levels of accommodation on offer.

• Pepper Resort - Bluewater.  This accommodation sits up on the hill overlooking the Village, Church and Lake.  Its is newly opened and offers fantastic modern accommodation. Studios/1 & 2 bedroom Apartments.  It is currently building more wings.  However the Lake front rooms are now complete as well as the well appointed Restuarant which is perfect for a wedding dinner. Great quality Menu with a lovely atmosphere.
• Kavanagh House – Located just over an hour away. You ask ‘why would you’? and a good question. They offer boutique styled accommodation which is beautiful and they also have a small restaurant on site which makes for a very relaxing stay after your wedding ceremony/photo tour. I would highly recommend for you to hire a wedding car this way it takes the stress of getting from A to B on your day and it would be very exciting being chaffuered to the Church. Plus after your wedding you can sit back over a glass of champagne and enjoy the journey back together.
• Parkbrae Estate, directly across the road from the Church. It offers stand alone cottages. Reasonable rates and great for a group wedding looking for shared accommodation.

Find out more information on our Lake Tekapo Wedding Packages Church of The Good Shepherd Wedding : read more »