[2024 Ben Ohau Attraction] Travel Guide for Lake Pukaki (Updated Sep)
No.16 of Best Things to Do in Canterbury
Lakes
Address:
Canterbury 7999, New Zealand
Recommended sightseeing time:
0.5-1 day
Epic looking lake in the Mackenzie District
If someone asked me where is beautiful in New Zealand, Lake Pukaki is definitely going to be one of my answer!
What makes the lake so beautiful is the bright turquoise water color, which under the correct lighting condition, will turn into a brilliant blue color. Combining the lake with the surround mountains, It is an absolute dream for landscape photographers like myself!
If you are lucky, on a day of a good weather, you can even see New Zealand’s iconic mountain, Mount Cook from here!
Getting here is a scenic drive 10 mins away from the town of Twizel. Carpark is also a stone throw away from the lake so it is really accessible for everyone!
#momentssg #unforgettableexperiences #hiking #travelinspiration #naturalwonders
Seanjunhao
You can’t go wrong with this combination of mountain views and blue water. In the summer, Lake Pukaki is surrounded by fields of purple Lupines and is one of the most beautiful places on earth. #newzealandtravel #lakeview #unforgettableexperiences
wzylouisey
At the largest certified organic Lavender fields in the southern hemisphere. The smell is just as impressive as the view!
Vivian Dawson錦榮
We stumbled upon this lake by accident but it was really beautifull! The water was aqua blue and really clear - soo inviting to jump into it! When putting a finger in I noticed it was waaaay to cold 🥶
Sasque
Lake Pukaki: The Enchanting Blue Temptation
Lake Pukaki, with its mesmerizing blue hue, is like a precious gem bestowed by nature💎. The lake's water exhibits a unique milky blue color, shimmering mysteriously under the sunlight, captivating all who behold it😌.
Surrounded by majestic mountains and vast grasslands, it forms a magnificent landscape🖼️. Here, you can fully enjoy the tranquility and beauty of nature, feeling the gentle breeze on your face.
Whether you stroll along the lakeshore or take a boat tour, Lake Pukaki offers an unforgettable experience. Don't forget to bring your camera to capture this dreamlike scenery📷.
Travel Tips:
1. Choose the right time to visit; the lake's color is more beautiful on sunny days.
2. Try local activities such as fishing and boating.
3. Protect the environment by not leaving any trash behind.
4. Bring warm clothing, as temperatures by the lake can be low.
5. Taste the local cuisine to let your taste buds enjoy the trip as well😋.
wowo33
Lake Pukaki, A Dreamy Blue Wonderland
Lake Pukaki, the scenery before my eyes makes me feel like I'm in a dream🌈.
This is an enchanting blue lake, with water that has a unique milky blue color, shining like a sapphire💎. Surrounded by rolling mountains and vast grasslands, it forms a breathtaking landscape🖼️.
The beauty of Lake Pukaki makes one want to stop and quietly admire it. The sunlight glistens on the lake's surface, creating sparkling waves, and a gentle breeze brings a refreshing coolness. The tranquility and grandeur here inspire a sense of awe🙏.
Travel Tips:
1. Choose a sunny day to visit for the best view of the lake's color.
2. You can take a walk along the lake, take photos, or engage in some water activities.
3. There are some viewing platforms around where you can overlook the entire lake.
4. Be mindful of protecting the environment and not damaging this beautiful natural scenery.
5. Bring some food and drinks to enjoy a picnic by the lake.
wowo33
Lake Pukaki that makes you linger and forget to return
Lake Pukaki is nestled among the towering mountains of the Canterbury region and is the largest lake flowing from north to south in the northern part of the Mackenzie Basin. Formed by glacial action, it is a moraine-dammed lake known for its distinctive blue color, earning it the nickname 'Blue Milk Lake.' It is deeply loved by tourists. Lake Pukaki covers an area of up to 178.7 square kilometers, is more than 500 meters above sea level, has an average depth of 47 meters, and reaches a maximum depth of 70 meters. The sky-blue water of the lake looks like rich milk poured out. The reason for the lake's enchanting blue color is mainly due to the presence of rock particles and minerals in the water, which can reflect an alluring blue. The shores of Lake Pukaki are the best place to view the majestic Southern Alps. The Alps, with their grand and imposing presence, guard the gentle, serene, and graceful Lake Pukaki like a goddess, casting their reflection into the clear lake water, making the scenery even more picturesque and beautiful. Walking along the shores of Lake Pukaki, the towering distant mountains and the nearby flowers and grasses reflect their beautiful forms on the lake's surface, creating an eternal postcard that is forever etched in the mind, making it hard to forget.
Reed_92 Lila
Visiting Lake Pukaki
Visiting Lake Pukaki in New Zealand was a magical and unique experience. I enjoyed the stunning scenery of the lake with its turquoise waters sparkling in the sun 🌊. The sea surrounding the lake, with the Southern Alps as a backdrop, added a majestic beauty to the landscape 🌄. The atmosphere was calm and refreshing, providing a great opportunity to relax and take in the breathtaking views 📸. The experience was amazing, offering a chance to enjoy one of the most beautiful landscapes in New Zealand.
Sokiko Toua
Nice view
Jing E Yeong
Lake Pukaki
#familytrips2024
As the sun rose over Lake Pukaki, its mesmerizing turquoise waters sparkled in the morning light. The family stood in awe, surrounded by the majestic Southern Alps, feeling a sense of wonder and tranquility. They took a leisurely stroll along the lake's edge, breathing in the crisp mountain air and snapping photos of the breathtaking scenery. Later, they enjoyed a picnic, sharing laughter and stories while basking in the serenity of nature. The day ended with a peaceful moment, watching the sunset paint the sky in hues of pink and orange, creating a lasting memory of their unforgettable trip to Lake Pukaki.
Looking ahead, the family dreams of exploring the lush rainforests and pristine beaches of Costa Rica. They envision thrilling adventures like zip-lining through the canopy, spotting exotic wildlife, and relaxing on secluded shores. Together, they eagerly anticipate immersing themselves in the rich culture and natural wonders of this vibrant Central American paradise, creating cherished memories to last a lifetime.
Calesky
New Zealand's South Island is indeed stunning
I had various worries before departure, but it turned out to be way beyond expectations.
Below are the South Island regions ranked by their level of amazement:
Mt Cook P1-P6
- When the weather is good, it's incredibly photogenic. I recommend the Tasman glacier River 25min trail – a round trip of about 45 minutes. The path is easy and not tiring. At the end, you'll see the glacier lake (P1). Additionally, there's a small hill at the top that's great for climbing and taking pictures (P3).
- I recommend the 45min helicopter journey! The duration is just right, and you can stop on the snow mountain for 15min. The snow is knee-deep, so be sure to wear waterproof shoes! Saw a lot of pure ice bricks, and the whole world was very peaceful (P6).
We flew at 17:30, which is a time when the sunlight isn't blinding, so the photos won't have harsh top light.
Pukaki P7
I thought since I was already staying in Tekapo, and Pukaki is also a lake, there wouldn't be much difference. But only after seeing it did I realize that Pukaki is the real showstopper. It's on the way from Tekapo to Mount Cook, and after a few hairpin turns, it suddenly comes into view, shining brightly! The wild grass by the lake also feels very atmospheric. If the wind is calmer, this place would definitely be a world-class spot for wedding photos.
Tekapo P8-9
- The lake scenery is indeed a bit less impressive compared to Pukaki, and it's relatively smaller. The famous Church of the Good Shepherd is also quite mini in size. As a base for Mount Cook, it's a great choice. There are lots of homestays along the lake, most with large windows facing the lake view, and the prices are very affordable.
- Actually, one of the highlights of Tekapo is stargazing. We happened to be there during the Mid-Autumn Festival, which is when the moon is the biggest and brightest of the year, so the stars were slightly less impressive. The Milky Way was faint. However, you can tell that without the moon, the stars here would be stunning. Remember to avoid stargazing around the 15th day of the lunar calendar! The new moon period is the best.
Wanaka P10-11
We stopped by on the way to Queenstown, and a quick visit was enough. The town is very relaxed, with a great atmosphere, and a high proportion of local residents (unlike Tekapo, which has more tourists). But there aren't many unique features, and the lone tree can hardly be considered an attraction. I suggest having a Patagonia ice cream and just strolling around the park. If you're short on time, there's no need to stay.
bilious_brianna
Lake Pukaki
rainbow in lake Pukaki - NZ #
Eforerica
Then we drove to the sapphire-like blue-skinned Lake Pukaki, located between the mountains of Canterbury, formed by the action of glaciers, belonging to the ice lake, known for its distinctive blue color. The reputation of "Blue Milk Lake" is very popular among you.
The reason why the lake is intoxicating blue is mainly because the lake contains rock particles and minerals, which can reflect the attractive blue. The azure lake is like a sloping fragrant milk, and I can't help but want to take a sip, because the distinctive blue makes it famous. It is also the best location in the magnificent Southern Alps, and is the main location for The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit.
Hechenwen.
[Face travel] New Zealand travel star lake ~ Tekapo & Pukaki
no summer ice and snow mountains, the autumn of Lake Tekapo is another look! The golden grass is just right with the ginkgo tree and the blue lake! The Church of the Good Shepherd is still surrounded by so many people, and Tekapo is the star of the whole New Zealand South Island!
People should prefer Lake Pukaki, except that the blue is bright, except for the autumn scenery of the lake is beautiful, not far from the Cook Snow Mountain is still standing on the lake! In the fall of New Zealand, it is not so easy to see the snowy mountains!
, not to be missed is Mount Cook hiking, we only go to the lowest view point, see the glacier! Friends who like to hike can choose a 7-hour hiking route! There are also 3-5 hours of hiking routes to choose from!
If you come in the summer, you can focus on Tekapo, if you come in the fall, you can focus on Lake Pukaki!
Weya.
At first glance, I fell in love with Lake Pukaki.
YIYI NOTES.
Seeing pukaki at first, come to the front, how should the blue be described? It is not like the glaciers in the Hook Valley Trail at the foot of the Cook Snow Mountain, like the milk lake, nor the pure blue that we saw before in Lake Te Anau. The lake is clear and transparent on the shore, but far away. It looks like a little bit of milk mixed in the blue lake water. Some people describe it as Turkish blue, Baidu, and found it is very appropriate. Visual beauty also has its scientific origin.
First of all, the beginning of Lake Pukaki is related to the glacier movement. After the fall of the Mount Cook Glacier, a basin was created under the action of the erosion of the glaciers around the Mount Cook and the rockfill on the ice side, which formed a large amount of ice and snow to form the barrier lake. Second, there are a lot of rock particles and minerals in the lake. They are suspended in the lake and reflect the blue light of milk. No wonder the color of this lake is different.
Pukaki Lake is very large. Before turning to the SH80, there is a viewing spot at the southernmost point of the lake. It is also the store rest area of the most famous salmon farm in the South Island. The shore is full of large reefs to avoid the impact of the lake on the dam. From here you can see the pukaki lake all the way to the northernmost Cook Mountain Range.
Maple.
Cook Mountain
Lewan_Diary.
One hour's drive from Mount Cook is Lake Pukaki. It is a lake of milk. It is very beautiful. It is the first beautiful lake in New Zealand. If you have been to the sand lake in Xinjiang, you will find it. Almost, the principle of formation is the same. There are two rivers, Tasman and Hooker, which are mixed with limestone to form milk blue.
Pukaki Lake is not far from Lake Tekapo, less than 50 kilometers. There is an artificial channel with a width of about 20 meters in the middle. The channel is the water from the lake of Lake Tikpo. A hydroelectric power station on the lakeside is part of the Pukaki Lake power generation plan. The channel will soon be seen on the road, and the branch road along the channel is a short-distance road to Lake Pukaki. To a trout farm, it is located in the middle of the channel. The cold water fish such as squid squid have high water quality requirements. It is a suitable place to raise fish in this channel. The
visitor center is located at the southern end of the long strip of Lake Pukaki. The lake is on the Mt. Cook Lookout. The Mount Cook is located at the northern end of the lake. It is still 55 kilometers away. If there is no time. A trip to Mount Cook, Lake Pukaki This is the best place to look out over Mount Cook and save 110 kilometers. Lake Pukaki is located at the junction of Highway 8 and Highway 80, which is the only road north into Mount Cook.
Chloe Yin.
The only way to Mount Cook, Lake Pukaki. I know Pukaji Lake because I have heard about his unique milk blue. The little waves are incomparably white and slap on the shore. There are a lot of white stones on the shore, big and small. Someone has piled up stones, and I have tried it, up to five layers, and I am at this level. The drone was released, and the milk blue was seen at high altitude, which was even more intense. These days, I have been pondering a question. In such a lake, there are no creatures. Or talk straightforward about the topics that Chinese people care most about, are there delicious fish?
Arale_Zhang.
Lake Pukaki is also known as the Blue Milk Lake. It is also related to the glacier movement. After the fall of the Mount Cook Glacier, a basin was created under the erosion of the glaciers in the Southern Alps and the rocky side of the ice, and a large amount of snow and ice melted to form the barrier lake. In the mountains of the mountains, the lake is like a sea of blue water, poured into the rich milk, emitting a blue glow of milk under the sun. This is because there are a lot of rock particles and minerals in the lake, they are suspended in the lake water, reflecting the blue light of milk.
When I came to Lake Pukaki, the trip was nearing the end. For this afternoon's arrangement, I simply wrote on the itinerary: Pukaki Lake is in a daze. This is the most beautiful lake I have ever seen in New Zealand, because the beauty of Lake Pukaki is too shocking, just like the biggest and brightest star in the sky, which makes other stars eclipse. This is the living environment I yearn for.
makiori.
After the collapse of the Mount Cook Glacier, a basin was created under the erosion of the glaciers in the Southern Alps and the rocky side of the ice, and a large number of ice and snow melted to form the barrier lake. Lake Pukaki is also known as the Blue Milk Lake, because the lake is like a scent of milk in the blue waters of the sky, emitting a blue glow of milk under the sun. According to geologists, this is because there are a lot of rock particles and minerals in the lake, suspended in the lake water, reflecting the blue light of milk. When we went, the wind was very strong, and the lake was very unsettled, so we couldnt see the scenery of the Cook Snow Mountain. However, the vast lake and the snow-capped mountains are in harmony with each other.