In New Zealand Lake Pukaki is a large glacial fed lake located between Tekapo and Twizel. It's clear turquoise-blue water comes from glacial melt from the Southern Alps, the little rock particles in the water give it this beautiful colour. This gorgeous colour scheme reflects the majestic peaks of Mount Cook, which is New Zealand's tallest mountain. The lake's northern end is fed with the Tasman River, which flows from the Hooker and Tasman Glacier and has many curves.
With a gorgeous lake, surrounding peaks, and wide open skies, this area is a photographer's dream. It's hard to capture the beauty of the scenery as it changes all the time. You can enjoy Lake Pukaki's beautiful view by car, stopping at different lookout places to take pictures. Many kinds of plants and animals live around Lake Pukaki and the places around it.
Highlights
• Explore the shores of Lake Pukaki and enjoy the views of snow-capped mountains.
• Immerse yourself in the peace of the Punatuhu Visitor Centre while you learn about the exciting past and present of the area.
• Discover the Lake Pukaki Foreshore, connected to the Te Araroa walkway, and enjoy the views of the lake around it.
• Consider that exploring Lake Pukaki is not only a lovely sight, but also a place for outdoor activities like hiking, fishing, and water sports.
• Indulge in the delicious flavour of fresh salmon sashimi from the Mt. Cook Alpine Salmon shop, this will make your dining experience even better.
How To Reach
By Road: Lake Pukaki is conveniently accessible by car, approximately 45 kilometers from Tekapo and 40 kilometers from Twizel. Travelling from Tekapo, visitors can expect a scenic drive of around 40 minutes via State Highway 8. Similarly, the journey from Twizel takes approximately 30 minutes via State Highway 8A.
Best Time To Visit
Year-round opening: Lake Pukaki is open for tourists throughout the year, bringing memorable experiences each season.
Best season: The weather is pleasant from late spring to early fall (September to March).
Best day in the week: You may enjoy nature more peacefully throughout the week because there are fewer people.
Best time of the day: The best times are early in the morning or late in the afternoon when there aren't many people around.
Other Essential Information
- You may enjoy the lake sunrise without crowds if you wake up early.
- Protect your feet when hiking and exploring the shoreline with strong shoes; this will help you enjoy the area's natural beauty.
- Remember how beautiful Lake Pukaki is by taking a picture of it.
- Ensure you're dressed for the mountains, and check the weather before you go.
Lake Pukaki Viewpoints
Several scenic sites on Lake Pukaki offer views of the blue water and snow-covered Southern Alps. These locations allow photographers to get stunning lake and landscape photos. As sunlight flows across the lake, different shades of blue shimmer. Lake Pukaki lookouts offer a panoramic view of New Zealand's South Island. You can take pictures of the mist over the lake in the morning or the sky as it turns red at sunset.
Punatuhu Visitor Centre
Begin exploring local history and tales at the Punatahu Visitor Centre, a new building on Lake Pukaki's south shore in Canterbury, New Zealand. Learn about the significance of Lake Pukaki to the Ngāi Tahu iwi and the formation of the rocks in this stunning setting. Fun displays and hands-on activities teach about local plants, animals, and Maori stories at the facility. The Punatuhu Visitor Centre is a peaceful place to learn about the park's natural and cultural past.
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Lake Pukaki Foreshore Stroll
One section of the popular Te Araroa route follows Lake Pukaki Foreshore. This trail leads to the peaceful Lake Pukaki shoreline. This lovely trail to a lake with a view lets visitors experience the alpine peace. As you walk down the shore, the azure lake and rugged Southern Alps will steal your breath away. Walk along the foreshore and hear the sound of local birds chirping and waves lapping.
Pukaki Kettle Holes Walk
You can go on the Pukaki Kettle Holes Walk to try new things. The walk goes through tussock grassland and to lookout points with views of Lake Pukaki. As you go up the small hill, it opens up in front of you, giving you an extensive view of the blue lake and the wild areas around it. The walk is more interesting because of the kettle holes formed by melting glaciers a long time ago. They also tell scientists about the area's glacial history. With every step, you'll get a better look at the nature of the South Island of New Zealand.
Mt Cook Alpine Salmon
To treat your taste buds, go to Mt. Cook Alpine Salmon. They serve the freshest salmon from the clean waters of Lake Pukaki. This place sits right next to a lake and lets you enjoy a unique meal while taking in the beautiful views of nature. Making salmon sashimi that melts in your mouth is a way to protect the earth. The salmon are grown in glacial waters in the Southern Alps. You can enjoy each bite while enjoying the peaceful scenery of the lake.
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