The Church of the Good Shepherd is the only church in Lake Tekapo, dating back to 1935. With its simple but attractive design, it was long one of the few stops for travellers in the region. Built with local stone, the natural site was required to remain undisturbed. Plus, it occupies a fabulous viewpoint above the lake!
A local artist, Esther Hope, provided the original sketches for the design, which R.S.D. Harman turned into architectural plans. The specifications for the building and site were quite extreme. No plants were to be removed, including the tough, spiky matagouri bushes. Rocks already on the wall line could not to be moved. New stones had to come from within five miles and remain in their natural condition. In fairness, a quick look at the lakeshore confirms no shortage of suitable stones!
The original Tekapo Bridge also contributed. After being demolished in the 1950s, wood from the bridge was used to make the vestry cupboard.
The Church is interdenominational, and services are year-round.
