Church of the Good Shepherd

It's a mystery how the Church of the Good Shepherd's vicar can command any sort of attention from parishioners when competing with the preposterously beautiful view that sits behind him. Worshippers peek past him to window framed views of Lake Tekapo and the snow-capped mountain. Built in part as a memorial to the hardy pioneers of the district, the church opened its doors in 1935 and has since become one of the most photographed buildings in New Zealand.

It's become a little too popular; the parish had to ban photography of its interior due to disrespectful behaviour. This from the church's website: “When a worship service is in progress, please be quiet and do not rattle the door or peer through the windows. We are praying.”

Pioneer Drive, Lake Tekapo. (03) 685 8389, churchofthegoodshepherd.org.nz