46-533: Lake Tekapo ( Māori : Takapō ) is the second-largest of three roughly parallel lakes running north–south along the northern edge of the Mackenzie Basin in the South Island of New Zealand (the others are Lake Pukaki and Lake Ōhau ). It covers an area of 83 km (32 sq mi) and is at an altitude of 710 m (2,330 ft) above sea level. "Tekapo" is a misspelling of Takapō ,
92-548: A dog called Haig, belonging to a neighbour, being the model. Elliott reported the sculpting process took approximately fifteen months. Clay for the model came from the insulator works in Temuka , with a plaster cast of it made and sent to London in 1966, where the statue was cast. Large brown trout and rainbow trout can be caught in Lake Tekapo. Trolling a lure from a boat is one option for fishing Lake Tekapo. Fishing from
138-438: A few weeks per year. Analysis of observed phenomena, along with making predictions as to the causes of what they observe, takes the majority of observational astronomers' time. Astronomers who serve as faculty spend much of their time teaching undergraduate and graduate classes. Most universities also have outreach programs, including public telescope time and sometimes planetariums , as a public service to encourage interest in
184-516: A low of 5.8 to 5.9 °C in September and a high of 17 °C in January. The lake is a popular tourist destination, and several resort hotels are located in the township of Lake Tekapo at the lake's southern end. The Lake Tekapo Regional Park, administered by Environment Canterbury , is located on the lake's southern shore. State Highway 8 runs past Lake Tekapo at its southern end. On a clear day,
230-466: A number of related facilities located there, including the nation's premier astronomical observatory, the University of Canterbury 's Mount John University Observatory , and several amateur observatories. Astronomy-related tourism is an increasing contributor to the area's economy, with more astro-tourism ventures in development near Lake Tekapo, Mount Cook village (planetarium) and Omarama. Each June
276-540: A popular destination among astronomers , astrophotographers and tourists interested in star-gazing. Lake Tekapo is also known for its stunning seasonal display of Lupin that bloom along its shores from around Mid November until the end of December. Russell lupins were introduced in the Mackenzie Basin in the 1940s from sowings or lupins planted in garden which had seeds that spread widely. In 1949 Connie Scott, of Godley Peaks Station, scattered lupin seeds along
322-447: A sex ratio of 0.98 males per female. The median age was 31.8 years (compared with 37.4 years nationally), with 156 people (13.2%) aged under 15 years, 357 (30.2%) aged 15 to 29, 567 (48.0%) aged 30 to 64, and 102 (8.6%) aged 65 or older. Ethnicities were 71.6% European/ Pākehā , 4.3% Māori , 2.0% Pasifika , 20.1% Asian , and 7.1% other ethnicities. People may identify with more than one ethnicity. The percentage of people born overseas
368-784: A southward direction. The basin is drained by the Waitaki River . Prominent rivers crossing the Mackenzie Basin include the Ahuriri , the Hakataramea and the Tekapo Rivers. Lakes Ōhau , Pukaki , Alexandrina and Tekapo lie within the Mackenzie Basin, as do the artificial hydroelectric lakes of Ruataniwha , Benmore and Aviemore . Sparsely populated, and with only four settlements ( Lake Tekapo , population <500; Mount Cook Village , population <150; Twizel , population <1,000; and Omarama , population <400),
414-521: A threat to the black stilt (or kakī), an endangered river wading bird. A captive breeding programme was set up and it is administered by the Department of Conservation . The Mackenzie Basin is one of the areas where wilding conifers proliferate. These weed trees cover large areas sometimes to a very high density and therefore excluding native vegetation and reducing the amount of available pasture. Some areas have control measures in place to prevent
460-671: Is fed at its northern end by both the braided Godley River and Macaulay River , which have their sources in the Southern Alps to the north. The meltwater from the Southern Alps is tinged with a light turquoise colour from the glacial silt . This gives Lake Tekapo its distinctive colour. To the east of Lake Tekapo lies the Two Thumb Range with Mount Toby (2,222 m); Braun Elwert Peak (2,086 m); Dobson Peak (2,095 m) and Mount Maude (1,797 m) amongst
506-591: Is located entirely within South Canterbury . Using State Highway 8 , it can be accessed via Burkes Pass (elevation 709m / 2,326 ft) from the north and the Lindis Pass (elevation 965m / 3,166 ft) from the south, or via State Highway 83 through the Waitaki Valley from the east. Aside from these passes, the terrain is generally highest at the northern end and gradually descends in
SECTION 10
#1732794096679552-590: Is one of the most photographed in New Zealand, and features an altar window that frames views of the lake and mountains. Close to the Church of the Good Shepherd is a well-known bronze statue of a New Zealand Collie sheepdog . Mackenzie Country residents commissioned the statue in recognition of the indispensable role of the sheepdog in their livelihoods. The sculptor was Innes Elliott of Kaikōura , with
598-520: The Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve . The area of the reserve is 4,367 km (1,686 sq mi) and as of 2024, this makes it the largest dark-sky reserve in the southern hemisphere . The dark-sky reserve accreditation recognises that the night skies in the area of the reserve are almost completely free of light pollution and ideal for star-gazing. Lake Tekapo and its observatories are
644-462: The Otago coastline. After the waka capsized, many of the passengers went ashore to explore the land. Legend states that they needed to be back at the waka before daylight. Many did not make it, including Motuariki, and he was instead transformed into the island of Motuariki. The lake covers an area of 83 km (32 sq mi) and is at an altitude of 710 m (2,330 ft) above sea level. It
690-584: The Waitaki Dam downstream. Work restarted in 1944, and the power station, now known as Tekapo A, came online in 1951. Water from the lake is diverted through a 1.4 km (4,600 ft) tunnel under the town to the power station, with the water originally being returned to the river. With development of the Upper Waitaki hydroelectric scheme in the 1970s, water is now fed into a 26 km (16 mi) canal which leads to Tekapo B Power Station on
736-403: The 2023 census, Mackenzie Lakes had a smaller boundary, covering 5,134.25 km (1,982.35 sq mi). Using that boundary, Mackenzie Lakes had a population of 1,182 at the 2018 New Zealand census , an increase of 300 people (34.0%) since the 2013 census , and an increase of 399 people (51.0%) since the 2006 census . There were 375 households, comprising 585 males and 597 females, giving
782-681: The Department of Conservation for the potential ecological effects, and since it may clash with a proposed Mackenzie Basin Drylands Park. 44°03′36″S 170°27′00″E / 44.06000°S 170.45000°E / -44.06000; 170.45000 Astronomer An astronomer is a scientist in the field of astronomy who focuses on a specific question or field outside the scope of Earth . Astronomers observe astronomical objects , such as stars , planets , moons , comets and galaxies – in either observational (by analyzing
828-644: The Mackenzie Country comprises an area of huge glacial lakes and snow-capped mountains, particularly favoured by tourists and skiers. The Ōhau skifield near Omarama, and Roundhill and Mount Dobson Ski Areas at Lake Tekapo, are small commercial skifields popular amongst many living in Canterbury and Otago. The Mackenzie Country is frequently utilised as the principal and second-unit location for television commercials, documentaries, and motion pictures, including much of Peter Jackson 's epic The Lord of
874-545: The PhD level and beyond (as of 2024). Contrary to the classical image of an old astronomer peering through a telescope through the dark hours of the night, it is far more common to use a charge-coupled device (CCD) camera to record a long, deep exposure, allowing a more sensitive image to be created because the light is added over time. Before CCDs, photographic plates were a common method of observation. Modern astronomers spend relatively little time at telescopes, usually just
920-504: The Rings film trilogy and The Hobbit film trilogy . Gliding is another common activity within the Mackenzie Basin, and the area was host to a Gliding World Cup event in 1995, as well as being the home of several gliding clubs, airfields, and numerous private glider pilots, of both amateur and professional status. Due to its clean, dry and dark sky, the Mackenzie Basin serves as an important area for New Zealand-based astronomy , with
966-662: The Tekapo Canal will be closed to fishing over the winter of 2021 to conserve stocks while spawning. The Tekapo Canal is known for very large (trophy-size) rainbow trout. Mackenzie Basin The Mackenzie Basin ( Māori : Te Manahuna ), popularly and traditionally known as the Mackenzie Country , is an elliptical intermontane basin located in the Mackenzie and Waitaki Districts , near
SECTION 20
#17327940966791012-550: The Uruao waka at Nelson, Rākaihautū divided his people into two groups. Rākaihautū led his group down the middle of the island, digging the South Island freshwater lakes. His son, Rakihouia, led the other group down the east coast of the South Island. Motuariki is a small island in the middle of Lake Tekapo. The legends of Ngāi Tahu tell of Motuariki, who was an ancestor of the Āraiteuru waka that capsized near Shag Point on
1058-655: The annual mid winter star party is held at new moon on the Omarama airfield. In June 2012, an area of 430,000 hectares (1,100,000 acres) including Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park and the Mackenzie Basin was declared the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve by the International Dark-Sky Association . At the time of the designation in 2012, the reserve was the largest in the world, and
1104-553: The area slow down or pull over to admire the lupins along State Highway 8, but this may be unsafe and create the potential for accidents. The lake's original outflow was at its southern end, into the Tekapo River . In 1938, construction commenced on a power station, originally due to be finished in 1943 but halted in 1942 by the Second World War . At the same time, control gates were constructed to regulate outflows to
1150-414: The centre of the South Island of New Zealand . It is the largest such basin in New Zealand. Historically famous mainly for sheep farming , the sparsely populated area is now also a popular tourism destination. The basin was named in the 1850s by and after James Mckenzie , a shepherd and would-be farmer of Scottish origin. Mckenzie was captured for allegedly stealing sheep; he herded his flocks in what
1196-421: The core sciences, a competency examination, experience with teaching undergraduates and participating in outreach programs, work on research projects under the student's supervising professor, completion of a PhD thesis , and passing a final oral exam . Throughout the PhD training, a successful student is financially supported with a stipend . While there is a relatively low number of professional astronomers,
1242-536: The data) or theoretical astronomy . Examples of topics or fields astronomers study include planetary science , solar astronomy , the origin or evolution of stars , or the formation of galaxies . A related but distinct subject is physical cosmology , which studies the Universe as a whole. Astronomers usually fall under either of two main types: observational and theoretical . Observational astronomers make direct observations of celestial objects and analyze
1288-903: The data. In contrast, theoretical astronomers create and investigate models of things that cannot be observed. Because it takes millions to billions of years for a system of stars or a galaxy to complete a life cycle, astronomers must observe snapshots of different systems at unique points in their evolution to determine how they form, evolve, and die. They use this data to create models or simulations to theorize how different celestial objects work. Further subcategories under these two main branches of astronomy include planetary astronomy , astrobiology , stellar astronomy , astrometry , galactic astronomy , extragalactic astronomy , or physical cosmology . Astronomers can also specialize in certain specialties of observational astronomy, such as infrared astronomy , neutrino astronomy , x-ray astronomy , and gravitational-wave astronomy . Historically , astronomy
1334-440: The disproportionally high number of threatened plant species in the Mackenzie Basin. The plan attracted opposition at submission hearings. There is currently a high demand for water to irrigate the Mackenzie Basin, with 126 resource consents from 36 applicants before Environment Canterbury as of mid-2009. The water would be used to irrigate an area of 27,125 hectares (67,030 acres), but the schemes are opposed by many locals and
1380-474: The field is popular among amateurs . Most cities have amateur astronomy clubs that meet on a regular basis and often host star parties . The Astronomical Society of the Pacific is the largest general astronomical society in the world, comprising both professional and amateur astronomers as well as educators from 70 different nations. As with any hobby , most people who practice amateur astronomy may devote
1426-489: The field. Those who become astronomers usually have a broad background in physics, mathematics , sciences, and computing in high school. Taking courses that teach how to research, write, and present papers are part of the higher education of an astronomer, while most astronomers attain both a Master's degree and eventually a PhD degree in astronomy, physics or astrophysics . PhD training typically involves 5-6 years of study, including completion of upper-level courses in
Lake Tekapo - Misplaced Pages Continue
1472-694: The majority of their time working on research, although they quite often have other duties such as teaching, building instruments, or aiding in the operation of an observatory. The American Astronomical Society , which is the major organization of professional astronomers in North America , has approximately 8,200 members (as of 2024). This number includes scientists from other fields such as physics, geology , and engineering , whose research interests are closely related to astronomy. The International Astronomical Union comprises about 12,700 members from 92 countries who are involved in astronomical research at
1518-414: The mountains overlooking Lake Tekapo. On the western side of Lake Tekapo. Mount John (1,031 m) is closest to the town with Lake Alexandrina further north and Mistake Peak (1,931 m) sitting towards the head of the lake. Cowans Hill (783m) lies at the southern end of Lake Tekapo behind the township and next to the Tekapo River . The average water temperature on the surface of the lake varies between
1564-620: The name of the lake in the Māori language . Takapō means "to leave in haste at night". In 2021, the Mackenzie District Council announced that it will start using the dual names of Tekapo and Takapō when referring to Lake Tekapo. According to Ngāi Tahu mythology, Lake Tekapo being one of the lakes dug by the Waitaha explorer Rākaihautū using his Polynesian digging stick, which was called Tūwhakaroria. After arriving in
1610-570: The only reserve of its type in the Southern Hemisphere. The statistical area of Mackenzie Lakes corresponds to the portion of the Mackenzie Basin within the Mackenzie District. It includes Mt Cook Village and Lake Tekapo, but not Twizel. Mackenzie Lakes covers 5,139.71 km (1,984.45 sq mi) and had an estimated population of 1,440 as of June 2024, with a population density of 0.28 people per km . Before
1656-475: The roadside after purchasing about £100 worth from the local stock and station agent. Although beautiful, they modify the ecosystems of braided rivers. There were fewer lupins around Lake Tekapo in December 2020, due to the water level in the lake being too high at a vital time in their growth cycle, causing them to fail to flower. Drivers have been warned to take care during the lupin season, as many visitors to
1702-615: The shore is also possible. The best spots for fishing from the shore are to be found around the mouths of the many small streams that flow into the lake. These include the Cass River; Mistake River; Boundary Stream; Glenmore Station Tarn; Coal River and the Macauley River. In 2016 the Fish and Game Council released 45,000 baby salmon into Lake Tekapo to improve fishing stocks and a further 50,000 were released in 2020. The upper half of
1748-632: The shores of Lake Pukaki . In 2008, Tekapo A and Tekapo B hydro stations were refurbished following the upgrade of Benmore and Waitaki . On 1 June 2011, ownership of Tekapo A and B hydropower stations were transferred from Meridian Energy to Genesis Energy on instruction from the Government. In February 2021, Genesis Energy finished an upgrade that strengthened the Tekapo A power station to withstand earthquakes. It involved five years of planning, two years of construction and cost $ 26.5 million. It
1794-426: The taller snow-capped peaks of Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park are visible from Lake Tekapo. An astronomical observatory is located at Mount John , which is to the north of the town, and south of the small Lake Alexandrina . Lake Tekapo is one of the sunniest places in New Zealand with annual sunshine hours averaging more than 2,400 each year. Lake Tekapo and the surrounding district were designated in 2012 as
1840-413: The trees from spreading. Rabbits are a common invasive species in the area affect both agricultural production and biodiversity . Rabbit numbers dropped after the introduction of rabbit haemorrhagic disease virus (RCD) but are now increasing. The Department of Conservation has plans to drop sodium fluoroacetate (1080) laced poison bait to control the rabbit numbers. This is seen as necessary due to
1886-532: The world's longest and steepest rope tow which runs to the top of the Richmond Range at 2,133 m (6,998 ft) elevation. Situated on the shores of Lake Tekapo is the Church of the Good Shepherd , which, in 1935, was the first church built in the Mackenzie Basin. The church at Lake Tekapo was designed by Christchurch architect R.S.D. Harman, based on sketches by a local artist, Esther Hope. The church
Lake Tekapo - Misplaced Pages Continue
1932-644: Was $ 36,500, compared with $ 31,800 nationally. 141 people (13.7%) earned over $ 70,000 compared to 17.2% nationally. The employment status of those at least 15 was that 780 (76.0%) people were employed full-time, 117 (11.4%) were part-time, and 3 (0.3%) were unemployed. The original vegetation cover prior to human settlement has been completely transformed in the basin and indeed most of the surrounding Canterbury-Otago tussock grasslands ecoregion, initially due to fires lit by Māori and European settlers, and in more recent times by farming activity and by pests. The extensive network of canals for hydroelectric schemes posed
1978-429: Was 43.4, compared with 27.1% nationally. Although some people chose not to answer the census's question about religious affiliation, 55.6% had no religion, 31.0% were Christian , 1.8% were Hindu , 1.0% were Muslim , 2.8% were Buddhist and 2.3% had other religions. Of those at least 15 years old, 279 (27.2%) people had a bachelor's or higher degree, and 81 (7.9%) people had no formal qualifications. The median income
2024-547: Was a challenging build to upgrade the infrastructure and tunnels which were built in the 1940s. The Tekapo A power station provides power to almost 100,000 homes. On the north side of the lake, 24 km (15 mi) from the Tekapo township is the Roundhill Ski Area situated in the Two Thumb Range, which caters primarily to beginner and intermediate skiers. For advanced skiers, Roundhill Ski Area also has
2070-498: Was more concerned with the classification and description of phenomena in the sky, while astrophysics attempted to explain these phenomena and the differences between them using physical laws . Today, that distinction has mostly disappeared and the terms "astronomer" and "astrophysicist" are interchangeable. Professional astronomers are highly educated individuals who typically have a PhD in physics or astronomy and are employed by research institutions or universities. They spend
2116-402: Was then an area almost totally empty of any human habitation, though Māori previously lived there intermittently. After his capture, the area was soon divided up amongst new sheep pasture stations in 1857. The basin extends approximately 100 kilometres (62 mi) north to south, and 40 kilometres (25 mi) east to west. The Southern Alps constitute its western edge. The Mackenzie Basin
#678321