A couple weekends ago, I was fortunate enough to visit Lake Tekapo (for free on a university trip!), located in the heart of the beautiful MacKenzie Basin. I had been there before, but only very briefly en route for Mt. Cook. The lake’s proximity to Mt. Cook (about an hour and a half away) means that a lot of people drive through….but not many stop. Quite a shame! Without a doubt, it is one of the most beautiful places I’ve been in New Zealand, and that’s saying a lot!! Somehow, Lake Tekapo is actually underrated. Seriously, the scenery here would rival most places back in the States. See for yourself: