In the centre of the South Island of New Zealand lies Lake Tekapo. The lake and village at 710 meters (2300 feet) is in the heart of the Mackenzie District and surrounded by a vast basin of golden tussock grass. The name Tekapo derives from Maori words Taka (sleeping mat) and Po (night). Lake Tekapo is half way between Christchurch and Queenstown on State Highway 8. Timaru is a 60 minute drive, and New Zealand's highest point (Mt Cook) is 60 minutes inland. The lake itself is 12 miles long, up to 4 miles wide, and has an area of about 32 square miles. Lake Tekapo has world famous crystal blue water caused by glacial sediment.  Surrounding that are the Southern Alps. Summer or winter, snow-covered or golden yellow, the surrounding mountains and turquoise lake make a spectacular backdrop for the world famous Church of the Good Shepherd. The unforgettable night sky reveals why Lake Tekapo is a magnet for astronomers and stargazers from around the world, possibly becoming the world's first UN Heritage Park in  the Sky.