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5 Reasons to Love Red Mezz's Lake Tekapo, NZ

Posted on July 10, 2025 in Community Highlights

Photo by Red Mezz

It hasn’t got the buzz of Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, or Queenstown, but ever since we started reading about Red Mezz’s long stopover in Lake Tekapo, New Zealand, it’s become our must-see destination on the Southern Hemisphere’s most beautiful South Island. Here’s why.

The title of her journal is The Visual Perfection of Secluded Lake Tekapo...
And the journal description says that Tekapo is perfect for “the traveler in love with the scenery.” Enough said.

Her photos are incredible.
From the lake itself to New Zealand’s highest peak, and from sky, summit, or steed, Red Mezz’s photos are stunning.

There’s alpine horse trekking to be had.
“Not only would I recommend it as one of the best things to do in Lake Tekapo,” says Red Mezz, “I would recommend it as THE horseback trek you do in New Zealand.” She liked the activity so much that she calls it “possibly the best-spent two hours I had in Lake Tekapo”—and she was there for six months!

The starry nights are world-renowned.
According to Lake Tekapo ambassador Red Mezz, “There are two things that Lake Tekapo is really known for: the surreal color of its lake and the astonishing clarity of its stars.” She also says that “there is no better place to appreciate both than from the top of Mt. John or from the Mt. John Observatory.” Tekapo has even applied for UNESCO World Heritage status as a starlight reserve.

A Grand Traverse air safari sounds amazing.
Red Mezz hopped a flight on a 15-seater from family-owned Air Safaris: “I can happily say that there isn't money I've spent in New Zealand that I've been so comfortable parting with.” Circling Mt. Cook, she says, is “one of the most incredible things I have done and a must-do for all photographers.”

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Tags: New Zealand

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