Lake Pukaki track

Ruataniwha Conservation Park, Mackenzie Basin

10 Rankers Reviews

1 Walking

14 Twizel

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Information

Lake Pukaki track

Time: 5 hr return / Distance: 12 km

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.

Details

Feature Value Info

Organisation

DOC Canterbury

Central government organisation

Location

South IslandMount Cook - MacKenzieTwizel

Categories

  • Activity__walking_and_trekkingWalking
  • Free

Directions

To Coordinates

Coordinates

-44.1841432545603

170.150720977783

Take a peak
Latitude
-44.1841432545603
Longitude
170.150720977783

Nearby

Reviews

    • Most beautiful lake I have ever seen.
    • Came here after Lake Tekapo.
    • Stunning blue water with Mt Cook in the horizon.
    • Nice lake which looks like a mirror.
    • You should not miss this!
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  • 4.0/5

    Basically a dirt/gravel car park on the edge of a lake, that can be pretty packed in next to each other, but on a clear, sunny day, the views of the mountains and lake are immaculate, swimming in the lake

    is amazing and a great place for star gazing at night!

    Basic camping amenities and pretty crowded, but wonderful views and had a great experience here! Most spots bordering the lake filled up soon after 5 pm but lots of other space.

    Reviewed 25 days ago

    M
    McLean's avatar
  • 4.5/5

    AMAZING VIEW...

    nice toilets and lots of space, but not much charm besides the view of lake and mountains

    Reviewed about 5 years ago

    TB
    Tania B's avatar
  • 5.0/5

    This lake is soooo amazing.

    Compared to the two nearby it's pretty warm to swim in and such a gorgeous colour. We road the A20 in January and visiting this lake and the rail along side was the highlight. Views are outstanding is the weather is kind to you.

    Reviewed almost 7 years ago

  • 5.0/5

    Most beautiful lake I have ever seen.

    Go there when it is sunny with some clouds. Turquoise water that is also incredibly clear.

    Reviewed almost 8 years ago and experienced in October 2016

  • 4.0/5

    Not to easy to find the entrance but once inside is amazing and you can easy find nice spot and start relaxing.

    Near the trees you can find the public toilet but it stinks a lot.

    Reviewed over 8 years ago

  • 4.5/5

    Stunning blue water with Mt Cook in the horizon.

    Good and well maintained treks around the lake.

    Reviewed over 8 years ago and experienced in March 2016

  • 5.0/5

    Came here after Lake Tekapo.

    Just so beautiful but much quieter. Great place to swim and picnic.

    Reviewed over 8 years ago and experienced in March 2016

  • 5.0/5

    You should not miss this!

    Reviewed over 8 years ago and experienced in February 2016

  • 5.0/5

    The Lake Pukaki and the Tekapo Lake are one of the most beautiful spots on earth.

    Reviewed over 8 years ago and experienced in January 2016

  • 4.0/5

    Nice lake which looks like a mirror.

    On sunny days the landscape is beautiful.

    Reviewed almost 9 years ago