A storm front has seen plenty of snow around Tekapo with a high of minus 2 degrees celsius here today, but still people stack the rocks on the foreshore. I still haven’t worked out what that is about, but it does make for good photo’s. As does all the snow and frosts around the place!
Photo Workshop coming to Lake Tekapo
Lake Tekapo “Where Photography Comes Naturally”
October 4th to 6th will see photographers from around New Zealand descend on Lake Tekapo for three days of photographic learning, fellowship, and learning experiences.
Great landscapes, superb dark skies, amazing presenters, this is an event not to be missed.

By Antonia Steeg: Antonia is the keynote speaker, a professional photographer and artist with a passion for animals and the natural world.
The programme is a mix of presentations and hands on workshops. For more detailed info visit the official website at
Another aspect of big sky photography at Lake Tekapo is the night sky.

By Peter Aldous. Peter has been involved in astronomy for the past forty years plus, his interest started with his father while fishing and looking at the night sky, having owned many telescopes, been involved in many Astronomy Clubs, former president of the New South Wales Astronomical Society, a member of the South Canterbury Astronomers Group, Peter and his wife Wyn own and operate one of the best private observatories in New Zealand.
Lake Tekapo Hunting Competition 2013
Over $9000 worth of prizes to be won!
Brought to you by Auto World Timaru and
the Volkswagen Amarok.
Competition starts 6pm Friday 31 May 2013.
Weigh in at Mt John woolshed, Lake Tekapo, on Monday 3rd June 2013 from 10am until 1pm followed by prize giving.
Roast lunch and refreshments for sale. All profits given to Lake Tekapo School. Open to all ages.
For more information then please head over to the competition website Hunting Competition
Highest Douglas score (head required only)
Bull Tahr
$250
Chamois Buck
$250
Fallow Buck
$250
Red Stag
$250
Plus a whole heap more prizes, the total list can be found at “PRIZE PAGE”
All prizewinners will receive Ridgeline products.
Judges Choice
The best head or animal at the weigh in, Leupold Cascades Binoculars
Major Spot prizes
Tikka T3 223 stainless with Leupold vx2 scope 3-9, bi pod, ammo, case and accessories.
Valued at $2500
$1000 Hunting & Fishing gift voucher (for those people without a gun license)
$250 beauty package to Tekapo Springs (for the non-hunting females)
$500 fuel voucher from South Fuels for those entered before 25th May 2013.
Plus many more.
Auction
A Helmsman (silent) auction will be run throughout the weigh in. Items for sale include:
A number of prime spikers that can be shot behind a fence. (An easy way to fill your freezer)
A number of trophy hunts for deer and tahr on private property.
Trailer loads of fire wood donated by local farmers.
Tekapo Springs is a finalist in the South Canterbury “Tell a Friend” campaign.
Tekapo Springs is a finalist in the South Canterbury “Tell a Friend” campaign. The promotion encouraged residents of South Canterbury to promote why it is such a great place to live, work and play. The competition was fierce and a panel of judges narrowed the constants down to the top 6. Each finalist has had a professional video made that promotes their slice of heaven.
View Tekapo Springs entry here, your sure to love it!
http://vimeo.com/southcanterburynz/sheep-etiquette
Sheep Etiquette in New Zealand
Follow the journey of Luca an Italian tourist exploring Lake Tekapo. In this beautiful alpine village in the heart of the South Island, Luca enjoys the stunning scenery, wonderful attractions and the hospitality of the locals. What he wasn’t prepared for was the uninvited but special friendship he would establish with Lulu…….. confirming for Luca, South Canterbury is a great place to make friends!
Luca & Lulu’s adventures include the hot pools and day spa at the relaxing Tekapo Springs, star gazing at Earth & Sky Mt John Observatory “Window to the Universe”, a nights stay at the stylish Lake Tekapo Lodge and a glacial scenic flight at Air Safaris.
Tekapo Global Star Party
This year we will once again be having our Tekapo Global Star Party organised by our local star company Earth and Sky. At this time of the year we have some particularly clear and calm nights , so heres you opportunity to take a good look at our universe with a good telescope, and for just a token donation to cover costs. You wont get better value for money than this.
EVERYONE IS WELCOME.
Star Location – Cowan’s Observatory, Lake Tekapo
Star Date –Saturday 20th April. (5.30pm to 8:30pm)
Bookings taken at Earth & Sky Office or phone 03 680 6960
Transport provided from the Earth & Sky Office
Pre booking price: $10 per Adult & Children $2
Sausage Sizzle and drinks will be available $2.00 each
Earth & Sky invites you to a celebration of the night sky at our Cowan’s Observatory on Saturday, 20th April.
A stargazing evening with powerful telescopes (including a 14″ telescope in a dome) and knowledgeable Astronomy Guides with laser pointers!
(In case of bad weather the Party will be on Sunday 21st April, same time & place).
WE look forward to seeing you all there.
Work on the Sundial (and other stuff)
Fete Report 2013
Well what a great turn out to the fete yesterday, even though the weather looked foreboding and did finally start raining about 15:00. A day of fun was had by both stall holders, local and from afar, as well as the event goers. Award winning wine, fantastic food, fun for the kids, great artwork including lots of beautiful photography.



















