After two incredible parts of stunning landscape, charming towns and amazing experiences, I am super excited to share what's coming up next.

If you missed parts 1 and 2, here's a quick overview. 

In part 1, I wrote about the campervan we rented from MAUI Motorhomes and our journey from Queenstown. We enjoyed the lively vibe and amazing views, then traveled to Te Anau, saw the stunning Milford Sound, explored the historic Arrowtown, and by Day 5, we reached the beautiful Wanaka. One of the highlights of this leg of trip was definitely catching the Southern Lights on the 4th night in Queenstown, an absolutely magical experience!

In part 2, I shared our time in Wanaka, surrounded by mountains and lakes, and also driving along the incredible Haast Pass, one of New Zealand's most scenic drives. After Wanaka, we stopped in Twizel, a peaceful town surrounded by nature, and then made our way to Mt. Cook, New Zealand's tallest peak. The drive was amazing, with snow-covered mountains, roiling hills, and clear lakes all around. Seeing Mt. Cook up close was something I'll never forget! Our trip continued to Lake Pukaki, where the water was the most brilliant blue I've seen. I took so many photos and also treated ourselves to some fresh raw salmon to enjoy the moment. 

And for today's post, let's wrap up our time at Lake Tekapo and Timaru before we head off to Christchurch, where we'll finally get a taste of some city vibes!

Finally, the day had arrived for us to visit Lake Tekapo, a place I had been waiting for so long. 

Having seen countless stunning images of it online, I was beyond excited to experience it in person.

The drive from our Airbnb in Twizel was only about 45 minutes, and it was smooth and pleasant.

When we first arrived and saw Lake Tekapo with my own eyes, it felt almost surreal. The vibrant, turquoise waters were even more breathtaking than I had imagined.

I’ve seen the iconic Church of the Good Shepherd in countless photos and articles when researching New Zealand itineraries online. 

It’s one of those landmarks that seems to appear everywhere. But when I finally saw it in person, right in front of my eyes, I honestly couldn’t believe it. 

Even though it’s just a small church, there was something so special about it. The setting, with the stunning backdrop of Lake Tekapo and the distant mountains, made the church look even more magical than I had imagined.

The Church of the Good Shepherd, built in 1935, is a small Anglican church located on the shores of Lake Tekapo in New Zealand. Constructed by local volunteers, it was designed using local stone to blend with the natural surroundings. The church honors the early pioneers of the Mackenzie Basin, particularly sheep farmers. Known for its stunning location, it has become one of New Zealand's most photographed landmarks.

Every corner of Lake Tekapo feels like stepping into a postcard

I thoroughly enjoyed my time at Lake Tekapo. 

However, the area is quite small, with only a few restaurants, and most of them are on the pricey side due to the limited options.

It was a bit of a walk from the Church of the Good Shepherd to the Twenty Five Degrees restaurant, but I found their prices to be more reasonable.

We all ordered burgers, which were about NZD 25 each. 

Well, it’s not exactly cheap, it’s important to remember that in a popular tourist destination like Lake Tekapo, this is the typical price range you can expect.

After lunch, we continued to enjoy our time at Lake Tekapo, as we had plenty of time to explore since we had booked an Airbnb for the night. It’s such a pleasure to walk around Lake Tekapo, because this small yet charming place offers beautiful views at every corner.

I actually tried to keep this post short and include fewer pictures, but as I started editing, I realized I just couldn’t narrow them down. 

The views at Lake Tekapo are so breathtaking that it was impossible not to showcase more of them. Everywhere you turn, there’s something beautiful to capture, from the vibrant blue of the lake to the stunning mountains and the peaceful surroundings. 

I really wanted to share as much of this incredible place with you as possible, hoping you can feel the same awe and wonder I experienced while I was there.

If you were to ask me whether staying overnight at Lake Tekapo is worth it, I’d have to say that it’s not really necessary. 

Well, the lake and its surroundings are undeniably beautiful, yet everything here, including accommodations, tends to be quite expensive. 

Given the small size of the area and the limited number of activities, you can easily enjoy the major sights in just one full day. 

Instead of spending extra money on an overnight stay, I’d recommend visiting early in the day, soaking in the breathtaking views, and then heading out in the late afternoon. This way, you can experience all that Lake Tekapo has to offer while keeping your travel costs down and making the most of your time in the area.

The sunset that evening was incredible. The sky turned a soft pink, creating a stunning view that left me speechless.

We decided to have dinner in our campervan that evening, preparing instant risotto and pairing it with some cold beers. It wasn’t anything fancy, but it felt cozy and satisfying after a long day. 

As we ate, we chatted and relaxed, enjoying the peaceful atmosphere of Lake Tekapo. 

However, I think everyone was starting to feel a bit restless. After the mix of beautiful sights and the minor frustrations we had experienced, we were all looking forward to the next morning, eager to move on and continue our journey beyond Lake Tekapo. :)

We started the morning early and decided to visit the Astro café at the Mt John University Observatory. 

If you're coming from Twizel, you'll pass by this spot before reaching Lake Tekapo. 

There’s a parking fee of NZD 8 per vehicle to park at the observatory, but you can also choose to hike up. However, after seeing the entire route from the bottom to the top, I realized it was quite a long journey, and I didn’t think it would be easy for all of us to manage. So for me, paying the parking fee was definitely worth it for us. :)

The road to the top is a single-lane, steep, and long drive, which can be quite challenging. 

I don’t think buses could make it up to this attraction, as even driving a campervan was tricky. So, if you're on a tour, they would probably skip this attraction due to the difficulty of the road. 

The road is so narrow that when a car comes from the opposite direction, one of us has to stop to let the other squeeze by, as it's barely wide enough for that. It's winding as well, making it difficult to navigate.

Additionally, since it's a one-way route, you can’t just change your mind and turn back.

We first stopped by the Astro Cafe for some coffee and a light breakfast.
It’s definitely not cheap here; a simple ham and cheese croissant and a chicken pesto sandwich are NZD 16 each, while an Americano costs NZD 4.50 and a milk-based coffee is NZD 5.50.

The prices are definitely on the higher side, but considering it's situated at the top of a popular spot with no other shops around, it's to be expected.

Although it's a simple café, it's the perfect place to escape the chill and warm up, offering shelter from the biting wind and freezing temperatures outside. We had a wonderful time there, relishing the warmth and peaceful atmosphere.

Though the road was a bit tricky, especially with our large campervan taking up much of the road, the effort was well worth it once we reached the top. 

There, we were greeted with a magnificent panoramic view of Lake Tekapo and the Mount Cook mountain range in every direction. The views were absolutely stunning, with both Lake Tekapo and Lake Alexandrina visible, each offering a unique and breathtaking perspective of the landscape. 

The bright turquoise of Tekapo and the deeper shades of blue from Alexandrina created a truly picturesque scene.

When we were up at the observatory, we were met with incredibly strong winds and freezing cold weather. The wind was so powerful that it felt like it cut right through us, and the chill in the air made it hard to stay outside for too long. 

I almost got blown away by such strong winds, no kidding! :)

Overall, I think this place is definitely worth the effort to visit because of the breathtaking views it offers. The panoramic sight of Lake Tekapo and the surrounding mountains is something you won’t easily forget. 

After spending time at the Mt John Observatory, we made our way to Timaru, saying goodbye to the stunning beauty of Lake Tekapo as we continued our journey.

Thank you, Lake Tekapo, for all the wonderful memories. I truly hope to come back and take in the beauty you offer again.

Love this photo taken by a kind stranger who offered to capture a group picture for us.

Situated midway between Fairlie and Lake Tekapo, the charming historic village of Burkes Pass was a delightful find. 

We were lucky to stumble upon this gem, which offers a unique mix of American retro collectibles, artwork, furniture, and excellent coffee, all surrounded by classic cars, a vintage 1950s service station, and iconic Kiwiana memorabilia. 

My dad thoroughly enjoyed exploring the incredible treasures and nostalgic finds at Burkes Pass.

As I stepped into Burkes Pass, I feel like I’ve traveled back in time. 

The area is surrounded by an impressive collection of old classic cars, vintage signages, and a meticulously restored 1950s service station that adds a touch of nostalgia. 

The vibrant Kiwiana memorabilia and retro items, ranging from quirky knick-knacks to beautifully crafted furniture, create a fascinating blend of New Zealand heritage and Americana charm.

We checked into the Top 10 Holiday Park in Timaru. I remember the lady at the front desk being incredibly kind and helpful. She went out of her way to help us save money by advising which room would be best for our parents and even offered us a better parking spot for our campervan so it would be closer to them.

To be honest, every Top 10 Holiday Park we’ve visited so far has been exceptionally friendly and helpful. I truly appreciate their outstanding service and the valuable information they provided during our trip.

I think I didn't show you how the kitchen looks at the Top 10 Holiday Park, right?

So here it is! This is the shared kitchen at the park. It's a bit smaller compared to others like in Queenstown, Te Anau, and Lake Wanaka, but it has the same basic facilities, including the essential kitchen tools. 

Just keep in mind that if the kitchen gets crowded, you might need to bring some of your own items from your campervan.

Also, you may find cooking oil, salt, and pepper at some parks, but this isn’t always the case. These items are only available if previous guests have left them behind, as the park typically doesn’t provide them. Therefore, it's a good idea to bring your own to ensure you have what you need.

Additionally, the shared bathroom and toilets at the Top 10 Holiday Park are surprisingly clean and well-maintained. The facilities are regularly cleaned, and the entire space feels fresh and welcoming. Even though it's a shared space, it’s clear that the park takes great care in ensuring everything is in top condition for guests, making it a comfortable experience for everyone.

We ended the night with a delightful seafood dinner, savoring fresh, flavorful dishes that showcased the best of the local catch. We ate, drank, and laughed the evening away, creating warm memories as we dined together in the relaxed and inviting dining hall at the holiday park.

The next day, we had a relaxing day in Timaru, a small city. 

Timaru is a small, peaceful city on the eastern coast of New Zealand’s South Island. 

Known for its quiet streets, historic buildings, and scenic waterfront, it offers a relaxed atmosphere. The city blends old charm with modern amenities and has a rich agricultural history. It was very quiet, and we hardly saw any shops open or people walking around. The streets were calm, and there was almost no activity. The town had a slow pace, making it feel peaceful and calm. 

After exploring the city, we headed to the coastal area of Timaru. 

The waterfront was serene, with stunning views and a refreshing sea breeze. 

It was really my first time at the beach with no one else around. The quiet, empty shore gave me a sense of calm and solitude, making the experience feel even more special and unique. It was as if the beach was entirely ours to enjoy in peace. :)

Next, we visited the Botanic Gardens in Timaru, where we parked our campervan by the roadside and cooked a simple lunch. 

I really enjoyed the freedom the campervan gave us, being able to stop and cook whenever we wanted made the experience feel more flexible and relaxed. 

Anyway, the Botanic Gardens were beautiful and well-maintained, with colorful plants and peaceful paths, making it a great place to explore and enjoy the surroundings.

The Botanic Gardens in Timaru were a pleasant surprise. 

I wasn’t expecting so much to explore, but the gardens had so much to offer.
The flowers were vibrant and beautifully arranged, and everything was very well-maintained. 

As we walked through the different areas, each corner seemed to reveal something new and stunning, from colorful flowerbeds to peaceful wooded paths. 

The variety of plants and the care put into the gardens made it a delightful place to spend time. 

We couldn’t believe how quickly the time passed and we ended up spending almost two hours just walking around and enjoying the beauty of it all. 

The Botanic Gardens offered more than just beautiful flowers and plants.

As we explored, we also met some friendly ducks near the water. Watching them interact with the peaceful surroundings made the visit feel even more magical.

So envy watching them move around effortlessly, enjoying the open space and peaceful surroundings.

Oh ya, thanks to Travel Recommends for the stable Wi-Fi throughout my NZ trip. The device is so small and light that it can be shared with up to five people, and the battery lasts a long time. Most importantly, we were able to stay connected at almost every location in NZ, except for the Mt Cook area, where the Wi-Fi signal was weak.

In the evening, before dinner, we headed to Caroline Bay to see if we could spot some wild blue penguins. We arrived early, around 5 p.m., to make sure we didn’t miss the chance to catch a glimpse of them before the sun set. We planned our timing to allow ourselves the opportunity to explore the area and wait for the penguins to appear as the evening grew calmer.

We were very disappointed when we heard this, especially after waiting for over an hour. But, it was still great to meet both of them, and we were grateful for the information they shared.

Just as we were about to leave, the couple ran up to our van and told us that there were some wild blue penguins down by the shore. They said that it was so rare for this to happen at this time of year.

We were so excited and rushed toward the water, hardly believing it was finally happening. To our amazement, we actually spotted the penguins, and it felt like an incredible surprise, especially after waiting for more than two hours. Seeing them in real life made all the waiting worth it, and we couldn’t have been more thrilled!

Blue penguins, also known as little blue or fairy penguins, are the world’s smallest penguins, native to New Zealand and Australia. They are distinguished by their blue-grey feathers, nocturnal behavior, and tendency to nest in sheltered areas like burrows, making them unique to the region. 

Wild penguins in New Zealand stand out not only for their species and behavior but also for their conservation importance. Little blue penguins spend the day hunting at sea and return at night to rest and nest, showcasing their special role in New Zealand’s coastal ecosystems.

We stayed another hour with the little penguins, even though the evening weather was really cold and we were getting hungry. To our surprise, there wasn’t just one penguin, there were 2 to 4 of them waddling along the shore.

We were so excited, but we dared not raise our voices, afraid that even the slightest sound might scare the penguins away. So, we spoke in hushed tones, trying to stay as quiet as possible to keep the magical moment going.

Honestly, seeing them in person was truly amazing, an experience we’ll never forget!

We were all so happy that night, even though we were so hungry. 

The whole experience felt like a roller coaster; waiting for hours, feeling disappointed, and then the excitement of finally seeing the penguins. It was such a mix of emotions! 

To top it off, we ended the night with a KFC dinner, which felt like the perfect way to wrap up such an unforgettable adventure.

Is KFC in New Zealand better, or KFC in Malaysia? Well, of course, Malaysia takes the lead laaaaa! The flavors, the seasoning, and even the variety of menu items just hit differently there.

So, that wraps up today's post about my visit to Lake Tekapo, the Mt John University Observatory, and Timaru. 

From the stunning turquoise waters of Lake Tekapo to the breathtaking panoramic views at the observatory, and finally, the charming town of Timaru, it’s been a journey full of unforgettable experiences. Each place offered something unique—whether it was the peaceful beauty of the lake, the awe-inspiring views from the observatory, or the small-town charm of Timaru. And to top it off, we were lucky enough to encounter the very rare blue penguins during our trip in Timaru, making it an extra special moment that I’ll never forget!

I hope you enjoyed following along with my adventures, and maybe even found some inspiration for your own travels!