Beautiful turquoise Lake Tekapo is the most scenic lake of the Mackenzie Country. The Church of the Good Shepherd overlooks the lake with the east window framing the surrounding mountains. Situated 710 metres above sea level, the Lake Tekapo area is reputed to have the clearest air in the Southern Hemisphere. Hydro electric power is generated from the waters of the lake which are also used for canoe treks, ice skating, jet boating, tramping, cross country skiing, yachting and fishing. Flightseeing over the Grand Traverse, taking in Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers, Mount Cook/Aoraki and Tasman Glacier, is popular as are lake island visits, and trips to nearby Lake McGregor and Lake Alexandrina bird sanctuaries.