Into the Mackenzie Country

Oh Boy ! winter came in with a vengeance and we are still supposed to be in summer.   Temperatures plummeted overnight and came with heavy rain and some snow in the mountains.   It did make for spectacular views on the way to Lake Tekapo but the outside temp was 10 deg.

We met up with a bus load of Americans at the lookout above Fairlie one of whom insisted on a photo of some “Genyooine Kiwis”   Excuse the spelling but he was from Kentucky and thats what it sounded like !.   Down into Fairlie then on to a Craft shop in Burkes Pass before continuing on to the memorial to the Collie Dog in Tekapo.
This memorial to the Collie Dog was erected by the runholders of the Mackenzie and by those who appreciated the value of these dogs.

The most famous photo opportunity even surpassing this one was of course the Church of the Good Shepherd on the banks of Lake Tekapo.   This church was the idea of Revd W.E.D. Davies   On 17th September 1933 at a meeting of local runholders he said “ We need a church that will be a central meeting place, not only for the workers but also for the many campers and holidaymakers.   It should be on the Lakeside at Tekapo”   At this meeting was born the idea of The Church of the Good Shepherd.

It is of course famous for the photo opportunity of the Lake through the church plate glass window

Leaving Lake Tekapo we headed off down beside the canal to a free parking area beside “Pattersons Pond” however, when we got there the access road was so steep we ended up at the gravel area up above by the canal and settled down for what we hope will be a quiet night.   Hopefully the clouds will clear and we will get a good night for a look at the night sky.   We are not too far from the Mt John observatory.

Freedom Camping in the Mackenzie