Short Walks at Lake Pukaki
Lake Pukaki Short Walks
Pukaki Kettlehole Track
Duration
1 hour, 4km loop track
How to get there
This walk starts just east of the Pukaki River Spillway. It’s signposted off the southern side of State Highway 8 and there is a designated car parking area.
Intensity
This walk is on relatively easy terrain, a mix of shingle 4WD tracks and walking over grass and tussock land, on undulating terrain.
Description of walk
From the car park, follow a 4WD track to the Pukaki Terminal Moraine Conservation Area. Then follow a grassy track which leads to the distinct kettle hole. There are spectacular views over Lake Pukaki and around the Mackenzie Basin.
Facilities & important information
- This walk is on State Highway 8 between the townships of Lake Tekapo and Twizel. Both towns provide all necessary services and have a range of restaurants, shops, cafes, accommodation and other activities.
- There are public toilets just a few minutes away heading south, at the car parking area and the southern tip of Lake Pukaki which is also a great vantage point for amazing views up the lake towards Aoraki/Mount Cook.
- There is no shade on this walk so ensure to take water and sunscreen and bear in mind that the weather can change quickly. This is a good spot for a picnic.
Pukaki Boulders
Duration
10 minutes
How to get there
From State Highway 8, turn up Highway 80 (towards Aoraki/Mount Cook). Follow this road for a short distance and there is a car parking area near the start of the track.
Intensity
A short walk of only 10 minutes duration with a short climb to the boulders.
Description of walk
Hop over the stile and it is a short climb up to the Pukaki Boulders, which are glacial erratic deposited by the Tasman Glacier over 10,000 years ago. Tibetan prayer flags are a memorial to several climbing guides and these flags are maintained by the local climbing fraternity.
Facilities & important information
Public toilets are available at the car park situated at the southern point of Lake Pukaki, just a few minutes from this walk.
Lake Pukaki Track
Duration
4 hours, 13km return
How to get there
This walk can be started on the lake side of State Highway 8, near the starting point for the Pukaki Kettlehole Walk. Park off the road and the track can be started at many points here.
Intensity
Relatively flat undulating terrain on 4WD tracks and grassy areas.
Description of walk
This walk is a short section of the Te Araroa (long pathway) and makes a great walk. It meanders around the southern end of Lake Pukaki with lovely views out over the lake and to the Southern Alps, including views of Aoraki/Mount Cook on a clear day.
Facilities & important information
- This walk is on State Highway 8 between the townships of Lake Tekapo and Twizel. Both towns provide all necessary services and have a range of restaurants, shops, cafes, accommodation and other activities.
- There are public toilets a few minutes away heading south, a the car parking area and the southern tip of Lake Pukaki which is also a great vantage point for amazing views up the lake towards Aoraki/Mount Cook.
- Choose to walk as long as you like, then return along the same way.
- There is no opportunity for shady areas along this walk so be prepared with sunscreen, water, and warm clothing in case of a weather change.
