We arrived in Tekapo from the airport in Christchurch after a beautiful drive up the alternate route across the Rakaia Gorge and past Methven (highly recommended compared to State Highway 1). First thing you notice once you arrive is the incredible view down Lake Tekapo. Once inside, we absolutely loved the house - the design is brilliant and we thoroughly enjoyed the inside-outside room. House was immaculately clean and comfortable. Everything you need to cook in, but a very short walk into Tekapo village if you need a flat white, breakfast pastries, lunch or dinner. Location is perfect. We went horse trekking with Mackenzie Alpine Horse Trekking (highly recommended), made the 1 hr drive to Aoraki/Mt Cook (Hooker Valley walk one of the best short walks - 3 hrs - we have done), and made the obligatory pilgrimage to the Church of the Good Shepherd and sheepdog memorial on the shores of Lake Tekapo (we train and trial border collies on sheep at home). We highly recommend Lake Tekapo and Nel's awesome home to anyone visiting the South Island.