This walk starts at the Pines Camping area just east of the Pukaki River spillway. It is signposted off the northern side of SH 8 and there is plenty of car parking. The walk follows an old track around the southern and eastern shores of Lake Pukaki. It forms part of the Te Araroa Trail (Long Pathway). The Lake Pukaki section of the track finishes at Tekapo B Power Station.

Getting there

The Mackenzie Basin is situated in the centre of New Zealand's South Island. It features mountains, lakes, rivers, beech forest remnants and rolling tussock country.

All of the walking tracks described here are easy to access from main roads, and offer fantastic views of the Mackenzie high country.

Some of these walks include easements through private farmland. Please respect the landowners’ rights by keeping to the marked easements. These are well-signposted and marked by orange poles. Please ensure all public access gates for walkers are closed.