Tucked away at the base of Lake Pūkaki is the Kettle Hole Track, a family-friendly 4km loop that circles a distinct kettle hole.

The kettle hole was formed by the retreat of the Tasman Glacier many years ago. Kettle holes are formed when a large block of ice is separated from the glacier, and as the ice melts, it leaves a large depression in the ground. Along the track, you will find information signs concerning the formation of the kettle hole, as well as other glacial activity.

The walk starts just east of the Pūkaki River spillway. It is signposted from the southern side of State Highway 8 where there is a designated car park area. From the car park, the walk follows a 4WD track into the Pūkaki Terminal Moraine Conservation Area.

The track passes through moraine hummocks covered in short tussock and mixed shrubs, typical of the moraine landforms found in the Mackenzie Region.

As a result, the vegetation is relatively young and there is not much shade on this track. The trade-off is that this allows for stunning 360-degree views of the Southern Alps looking across Lake Pukaki at Aoraki/Mount Cook, Ben Ōhau Range, eastern foothills, and to the south, Mt Benmore.

Pūkaki Kettle Hole Track – just one of our #52Reasons why you should visit the Legendary Mackenzie!

Thanks to Nicole Janowski for the additional photos: https://nikiinnewzealand.com/pukaki-kettle-hole-track/