🇳🇿 [New Zealand] Tekapo Travel Notes — Transportation, Accommodation, Souvenirs & Sunset Tips 🌅✨

#summervacay 🚍 Transportation I booked the InterCity bus from Queenstown to Tekapo in advance. 🕗 Departure: 8:05 AM from Queenstown 🕛 Arrival: 12:05 PM in Tekapo Note: Both pick-up and drop-off points in Tekapo are right in front of the DARK SKY Project building. 👉 Always double-check the time and location via your booking confirmation email. 🏨 Accommodation Tips If you're not self-driving, I highly recommend booking accommodation between Four Square Tekapo and Aotea Gifts. 💡 Why? Almost all of Tekapo’s restaurants are located in this area, so staying nearby makes meal times super convenient. I stayed at a lovely place, but it was a bit far from the restaurants — I had to walk around 6,000 steps round-trip just for dinner! ⚠️ Also important: this central area has streetlights, which makes walking back from stargazing at night much safer. Most areas in Tekapo are very dark at night, especially away from the main road. 🛍️ Souvenir Shopping The largest gift shop in Tekapo is Aotea Gifts — it’s your one-stop shop for postcards and stamps, and there’s a mailbox right at the entrance, which makes sending postcards super easy! You’ll also find a few other souvenir shops along the main road. Take your time to explore them all — each one has a different vibe and selection. 🌇 Sunset Magic From around 5 PM to 6 PM, Tekapo often puts on a breathtaking sunset show. ✨ What’s amazing is that the colors change daily — from soft pink-and-blue pastels to vibrant orange-red skies. Definitely have your camera ready — or better yet, just soak it in. Pure magic. #naturalwonders #travel