Destination

Lake Pūkaki

Mackenzie’s Largest Lake

How far to…

  • Christchurch:
    3 hours, 35 min drive, 289kms
  • Lake Tekapo:
    40 mins drive, 62.9kms
  • Queenstown:
    2 hours, 40 mins drive, 221kms
Lake Pukaki is the largest lake in the area, and it proudly shows off New Zealand’s tallest peak, Aoraki/ Mount Cook, from the many lookout points around its shores. The water colour of the lake is a bright turquoise due to glacial flour, made from extremely fine rock particles that have come from the surrounding glaciers. The lake is fed at its northern end by the braided Tasman River, which has its source in the Hooker and Tasman Glacier. When the sun hits the surface of the lake, it reflects off the particles transforming it to a brilliant blue. The combination of the magnificent lake, surrounding peaks and wide open skies are a dream for photographers and pose the difficult challenge of capturing the grandeur of the ever-changing landscape. Lake Pukaki’s spectacular vista can be enjoyed by car with stop-offs for photographs at the various look out points. There are spectacular views of the lake on the drive on State Highway 80 to Aoraki/Mount Cook Village, and also along on the road between Twizel and Lake Tekapo. Alternatively, you can enjoy the lake on foot or by bike on one of the many tracks on its perimeter – including the stunning Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail, or in the air via a scenic flight.

Things To Do

Accommodation

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We can’t wait to welcome you to the Legendary Mackenzie! Step into the great wide open and discover NZ’s highest mountains, longest glaciers, vivid turquoise lakes, golden grasslands and clearest starry skies. Take a scenic flight into the mountains and land on glaciers; enjoy the night sky within the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve; explore the amazingly beautiful landscape by cycling, walking, kayaking, swimming, skiing and more.

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