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Lake · Twizel, Canterbury
Lake Pukaki
Glacial lake of 178.7 km², milky-blue in color, with views to Aoraki/Mount Cook about 70 km to the north. Visitor centre on the south shore, about 7 km from Twizel.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Lake Pukaki
Lake Pukaki is the largest of the Mackenzie Plateau lakes, at 178.7 km², and receives meltwater from the Tasman and Hooker glaciers. As at Tekapo, glacial flour suspended in the water gives it a milky-blue colour that becomes more vivid on sunny days.
From the south shore the view runs along the lake to the head of the valley, where Aoraki/Mount Cook and other national park peaks appear about 70 km away when the sky is clear. There is a visitor centre there, next to a bronze statue of a Himalayan tahr, with information about the area. The road to the park village follows the west shore, with viewpoints along the way.
The lake is part of the Waitaki valley hydroelectric system. Together with Tekapo it holds more than half the water used for hydro generation in the country, and the level varies through the year. The Alps 2 Ocean cycle trail skirts part of the shore between Tekapo and Twizel.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About 30 minutes at the viewpoint at midday along the shore.
Best time
On sunny, clear days to see the lake’s colour and the mountain in the background. Morning and late-afternoon light highlights the peaks.
How to get there
The visitor centre is on the south shore, beside Highway 8, about 7 km from Twizel. Highway 80 follows the west shore to the village of Aoraki/Mount Cook.
Tip
Stop at the marked viewpoints on Highway 80, not on the shoulder: the road carries heavy traffic in summer.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Lake Pukaki
Where to see Aoraki/Mount Cook from Lake Pukaki?
From the south shore near the visitor centre, and from the viewpoints on Highway 80 along the west shore, when the sky is clear.
Is Lake Pukaki far from Twizel?
The south shore is about 7 km away, roughly a 10-minute drive.
Why is Lake Pukaki blue?
Glacial meltwater carries glacial flour, a fine rock powder that stays suspended and gives the milky-blue colour.