It is not very often that I accidentally stumble upon a gem of a place.

Up and over the last hill I was met with an incredible sight that literally stopped me in my tracks. Pink skies met snow-capped mountains, placid lakes and sheep-speckled pastures

After spending three-and-a-half hours on the rough seas of Kaikura in an attempt to catch a signature picture of a humpback whale’s tail, I was worse for wear.

Trying to focus on this magnificent mammal from a constantly lurching boat was not quite my thing.

Soon enough, I turned a lighter shade of green that rapidly deteriorated into multiple shades of grey. I was that close to feeding the fish.

Instead of mission accomplished, it was miserable mission impossible.

To make matters worse, the weather forecast for the following days was not encouraging at all.

So, back on terra firma, a quick look at the map showed that the planned pit stop at Lake Wanaka was too close for comfort.

For some odd reason, my eye was drawn to Lake Tekapo, without knowing anything about it. Perhaps I just liked the sound of it.

So, with a quick goodbye to Kaikura, I headed for this, then little-known lake.

What I found was more than stunningly amazing.

The approach seemed promising as rows of multi-coloured Russell lupins lined the road like a waving welcoming committee.

The story behind these spectacular flowers, or weeds to be precise, is that a crafty farmer’s wife decided to do something about the dismal native wildflowers in New Zealand.

So she went about spreading lupin seeds throughout Mackenzie Country. So successful was her plan that these lupins have been dubbed as an invasive weed.

Invasive weed or not, they are remarkably attractive. It’s almost as though little elves would go out at night to paint them.

Up and over the last hill I was met with an incredible sight that literally stopped me in my tracks. Pink skies met snow-capped mountains, placid lakes and sheep-speckled pastures.

Had he had the opportunity to travel here, it could have been something Monet would have painted.

New Zealand is all about the great outdoors and not only is Mackenzie Country no exception, it is one of the best examples to boot.

Caravans and camping are encouraged with all the facilities laid on to protect the environment. Clean, green New Zealand screams out at you.

At least once in your life you should experience snuggling up in a comfy sleeping bag, looking up at star-laden skies and listening to the gentle sounds of the lake lapping the shores.

For more stargazing, head up to St John’s Observatory for a night tour and during the day for spectacular views of the lake and surrounding areas.

There is a lot to do in this region. You can take a scenic flight to Mount Cook and the major glaciers, trek on foot or horse, tour the lakes, soak in an outdoor hot spring or just admire the tranquil sights, like I did. Nestled in all this, Lake Tekapo takes centre stage.

There is a town, if you can call it that. The aesthetic board has done a marvellous job. There are no high-rise buildings or large hotels. It’s more like low-profile buildings, mostly consisting of smart bed-and-breakfasts and shops that blend into the environment.

Hoping for a room I checked into Peppers Bluewater Resort (www.peppers.co.nz/bluewater) perched on a small hill overlooking the lake. It looked quite stunning.

The facilities and service were impeccable and I can still recall that most succulent fillet steak that challenged the best the Argentines can offer.

The quaint church of the Good Shepherd sits on the shore of the lake. Many a wedding has taken place in this idyllic location.

Mackenzie Country is a massive sheep-farming area. Close to the church is a memorial statue of a sheepdog. It is a tribute to the Scot collies, without which the country could not have been farmed successfully.

My one-night stop turned into three, and I had to tear myself away to my next destination.

Sometimes, things happen for a reason.

If it wasn’t for the rough seas of Kaikura I would not have seen Lake Tekapo.

And I definitely felt more at home sitting on the shores of the mirrored, placid lake.