Help Us Build Our Community

Our aim is to secure funding of one million dollars to finance the construction of a footbridge over the Tekapo River outlet. A footbridge will ensure the safety of residents and tourists, help preserve the sanctity and peace of the Church of the Good Shepherd and link the new Regional Park with other walkways and cycleways around Lake Tekapo.

All donations, either of a  financial kind or an offer of professional expertise, materials, equipment and time, are needed to help us reach our target

The Problem

There are two major problems that will be resolved by the construction of the footbridge.

The popular Church of the Good Shepherd sits in a beautiful location beside Lake Tekapo.  It has one of the most photographed views in New Zealand.  However, its popularity creates traffic and noise pollution which detracts from the sanctity and beauty of the site.

Pedestrians walking from the village centre to the church are required to cross the Tekapo River over the dam bridge, built in the 1950s and barely wide enough to cater for the size and speeds of today's buses, trucks and campervans. To walk safely pedestrians must cross this busy state highway twice. Many people risk their safety by choosing to walk along the road rather than cross over to the footpath.

The Solution

A footbridge between the main shopping area and the peninsula where the church is situated will help alleviate traffic at the church carpark and provide a safer crossing point and photo-stop to benefit tourists and locals alike.

About the Organisation

The Lake Tekapo Footbridge Society Incorporated has been formed by a group of Lake Tekapo locals.

The project, to build a footbridge over the Tekapo River has been considered several times since the demolition of the old swing bridge. The society considers it timely that it be raised again. The work carried out with engineers and consultants in the past has been utilised to determine the best option for placement and design.

Your help would be appreciated in any form.

Memorandum of Understanding between the Lake Tekapo Footbridge Society and the Lake Tekapo Community:

As an incorporated society, the Lake Tekapo Footbridge Society Inc. will work within the community and local area to bring significant benefits through the construction of a community footbridge that will enhance the environment and the safety for those who visit and those who live in the Lake Tekapo community.