Lake Pukaki
Pūkaki
A lake turned milky blue by glacial flour, with its northern end facing Aoraki/Mount Cook, New Zealand's highest peak. It is one of the most dramatic lake-and-mountain views in the South Island.
Lake Pukaki is about 15 km long and is fed by meltwater from the Tasman and Hooker Glaciers. Suspended glacial rock flour gives it its distinctive milky blue color. The most common stop is the parking lot at the Lake Pukaki Visitor Centre on the southern shore. On the far northern side, the main summit of Aoraki/Mount Cook comes into view. On a clear day, the mountain, the lake, and the clouds make a perfect picture. The salmon shop next door sells sashimi. Viewpoints line State Highway 80 as you head north toward Mount Cook Village. Admission is free. The lakeshore can be windy and cold, so bring a windproof jacket.
Opening hours
All day
Nearby sights
- Mt Cook Alpine Salmon Shop
- Peters Lookout
- Tekapo Springs
- Mount John Observatory
- Dark Sky Project
- Lake Tekapo Lupins
- Lake Tekapo & Church of the Good Shepherd
- Sheepdog Memorial