You’ll find the Church of the Good Shepherd on the shores of Lake Takapō amongst the natural beauty of the lake and the surrounding mountains. Built in 1935, as a memorial church to commemorate early settlers, it is one of the most photographed buildings in the country.

It is a small but beautifully formed church. The charming stone façade is the perfect piece of architectural heritage to add perspective to the wide-open Mackenzie Country landscape. Built as a memorial to the pioneers of the region, the Church has hosted thousands of weddings and seen more than its fair share of visitors.

HRH the Duke of Gloucester laid the foundation stone on January 15 1935. The builders of the church were instructed to leave the site undisturbed. Even the matagouri bushes surrounding the building were to remain.

The Church is interdenominational and services are held throughout the year. The Mackenzie Co-operating Parish oversees the church and photography is not allowed inside the building. Every season the surrounding scenery changes and photographers can capture new perspectives of the church.