Lake Tekapo and Cowans Hill

Start: Park at the Church of the Good Shepherd.

(S/E) From the car park, walk around the chapel, "enjoying the view of the lake". Then walk away from the chapel, skirting the lake on your left-hand side. Pass a statue of a border collie, erected in recognition of the breed of dog that helped the settlers manage their sheep.

(1) The path approaches the road. Continue along it with the road on your right-hand side. Reach a large grassy area, keep to the right along the road and away from the lake. Cross a small road and continue straight ahead until you reach a small path junction.

(2) Carefully cross the road, and follow it again, along a separate lane.

(3) As you reach a gate on your right, make a 90° turn to the right and cross the gate to follow the path slightly uphill, until you reach the top of Cowans Hill (bench).

(4) Enjoy the view and the location, then continue along the path into the forest. Cross the gate at the forest edge and continue on the well-marked path opposite. Stay on the best-marked path until you reach the Tekapo River.

(5) Take the path between the houses and the river, cross the road with care, and return to the small Good Shepherd chapel (S/E).

Start: Park at the Church of the Good Shepherd.

Facilities: Shops nearby.

You can visit the chapel