The South Island town of Tekapo is bursting with things to do, discovers Megan Singleton.
1. Church of the Good Shepherd
The most well-known building in Tekapo is surrounded by lupins in spring and tourists year-round. I rocked up for the obligatory photo shoot and was asked to take a couple's photo. Sure, I said, just as he dropped to one knee and proposed to his surprised girlfriend. We both squealed. She said "yes" and I snatched the camera from her hands to snap off as many pics as possible.
2. Tekapo Springs
On the lake front, Tekapo Springs could keep you entertained all day. The hot springs are heated by motors keeping the ice rink frozen and beside that is a snow tubing run. But the highlight for me was the massage at the spa, as Sonje cleverly worked her magic in time with the music, which sounded nothing like whales and more like groovy beats.
3. Earth and Sky
Tekapo sits under the world's largest International Dark Sky Reserve, meaning street lights are subdued to ensure maximum gazing at the stars. Take an Earth and Sky Tour (Arctic jacket provided) and peer at stars and planets through the powerful telescopes at the top of Mt John. With Venus and Jupiter so close and Saturn's rings currently wrapping vertically (rather than across the middle), it's a great time to be there.
4. The Cairns Golf Course
It's only nine holes, but for golfers en route between Christchurch and Queenstown, this little stop is a picturesque stroll over the natural, undulating terrain. The farmers from Balmoral Station have diversified into golf, and this part of the station has natural ponds as water hazards and a professional greenkeeper to elevate it out of the paddock.
