WHAT TO SEE AND DO IN LAKE PUKAKI

Send

Day 27: What to see in Lake Pukaki

With your eyes on the Pukaki Lake, after yesterday having one of the most complete day making the list of things to see and do on Lake Tekapo that we had planned on this trip to New Zealand in 36 days, today we get up early to have breakfast, pick up all things and put on on the way to start enjoying, this time, the list of things to see and do in Lake Pukaki We have in mind.

We leave the Lake Tekapo Holiday Park, which has been our accommodation in Lake Tekapo so at 9 in the morning we start the route that will take us to another of the essential places to see in New Zealand that compete in a way with Lake Tekapo, which has given us so many unforgettable moments.

More practical information to prepare your trip to New Zealand
- 10 essential tips for traveling to New Zealand
- 10 essential places to see in New Zealand
- The best travel insurance for New Zealand

As we have done in the previous days, we want to highlight that every day that we have been in Lake Tekapo, Lake Pukaki and Mount Cook do not chronologically correspond to this New Zealand guide in motorhome since due to the weather, we had to go making variations, which at no time were logical but that allowed us to make the most of time.
Because of this, we wanted to forget in a certain way what we really did, since as we say it does not maintain much logic and explain what we would have really done in case time had respected us.
All the places that we will mention we visit them, but as we say, in an order that does not correspond to the one described and even on alternate days, since we were looking for the best time.

Also note that this is possible by renting a motorhome in New Zealand, something that has allowed us to have total freedom of movement and time, essential in a country like this, in which time on many occasions, plays little in your favor .
Remember that if you are interested in making a route through New Zealand by motorhome, we recommend you look at the Motorhome Republic page where you can see all the available motorhome options, prices and even make the reservation directly.

What to see and do in Lake Pukaki

Located just 40 kilometers from Lake Tekapo and 180km2 of surface, practically double that of Pukaki Lake, this seems to want to compete with the previous one both in beauty and location and it is that we cannot forget that it is precisely from here, one of the places from which you can see, if you are lucky and the day is clear, the impressive Mt. Cook or Aoraki
In addition to the breathtaking views, Lake Pukaki also distinguishes itself from the rest of the New Zealand lakes by having those turquoise blue waters so characteristic that these two places are essential in the country and the ideal place to enjoy one or two days following this list of things to see and do in Lake Pukaki.

Pukaki Lake

Visitor center of Lake Pukaki

Located in the southern part of Lake Pukaki, the visitor center is mandatory stop for many reasons. The first and fundamental, the impressive views that you have both from the parking lot and from the interior area of the mountain range and especially, from Mount Cook, the highest mountain in New Zealand.
The second, the Mt. Cook Alpine Salmon store, where you can buy one of the most spectacular salmon sashimi that we have seen and that you can enjoy at one of the tables they have prepared in the garden with stunning views of Lake Pukaki and the Aoraki
The price is also not excessively expensive, 10NZD the small box and 35NZD, the half kilo box, which you can also store in the refrigerator of your motorhome and enjoy it at night under an incredible blanket of stars.

Sashimi on Lake Pukaki

Also do not forget that there is a bathroom service and a fairly large parking lot where you can take advantage of to make a stop and even make a route walking along the area bordering the lake. Of course, it is a meeting point for all organized groups, so if you come in the middle of the morning it is not uncommon to meet dozens of groups taking pictures like crazy Aoraki (provided that this is left).

Views of Lake Pukaki and Mount Cook from the visitor center

As an extra fact, do not forget to enter the interior area of the Visitor Center where there is an explanation of the lake, the location and this place. In addition to this data, the room has one of the most spectacular views of the place. We don't say more ...

Lake route

Another of the things to do in Lake Pukaki, as you can imagine, is to explore it. As we recommend in Lake Tekapo, in this we recommend you to travel on Highway 80, which takes you to Mount Cook to enjoy one of the best views of the lake with the Aoraki in the background.
Keep in mind that the distance is not more than 40 kilometers, so if you are a couple of days in the area, you can travel on several occasions looking for the best views or only for the pleasure of enjoying one of the places to see on the most impressive Lake Pukaki.

Pukaki Lake

Viewpoints on Lake Pukaki

Along the 80 highway you will find different viewpoints, where you can stop to contemplate the lake, enjoy a pleasant walk or even have a picnic. Of course, it is highly recommended to take it easy since the road in some sections is narrow and has many curves, so you should not stop anywhere where it is not allowed and always do it with caution and common sense.
Keep in mind that Highway 80 or Mt. Cook Road reaches the Mount Cook area, so if you want to stay in the Lake Pukaki area to sleep, something highly recommended if you have time, you will have to step back on your steps to the accommodation .
Another important fact is to remember that there are no gas stations between Tekapo and Mount Cook, where the only one there is quite expensive and very basic. Another option to refuel or stock up would be to go to the small town of Twizel 10 kilometers from the visitor center.

Viewpoints on Lake Pukaki

In order not to leave you an endless series of names of the different viewpoints that are on Highway 80, we have left you all that have resulted for us places to see on Lake Pukaki essential, marked on the map at the end of the article with the symbol of a camera, so that you have them in mind if you want to enjoy the best views of the lake and Mount Cook.

Highway 80 of Lake Pukaki with the Aoraki in the background

Hiking on the Pukaki

Another of the activities to do on Lake Pukaki It is hiking. Although there are no routes marked as such, in some of the viewpoints you can see how there are very easy paths that bring you closer to the shore of the lake from where you will have a better perspective and where, in addition to the weather, you can enjoy Picnic and a bath.
As we said in Lake Tekapo, please remember to take any trash with you, be respectful of nature and above all, try that all that is left of you in this incredible place is your footprints in the sand.

Hiking, one of the things to do on Lake Pukaki

Star observation

As in Lake Tekapo, the observation of stars in Lake Pukaki is a marvel, especially if we take into account that on clear days you can see the Aoraki in the background. Although we are exercise We only do it in Tekapo and Mount Cook, so we have read here the sky is also incredible and the sunrise on a clear day over Mount Cook, a real wonder.

Twizel

Despite not being a very interesting town, being only 10 kilometers from the visitor center of Lake Pukaki, it is a good alternative to refuel, buy in the supermarket (remember that there is neither in Lake Pukaki nor in the Mount Cook) or eat something in one of its restaurants or cafes.
Although in general, everything is 10-20% more expensive than in the rest of New Zealand, due to its location, for example we ate in the Shawtis restaurant a bao, linguine with soft crab, water and two coffees for 50NZD, which I was speculating.

In addition the town has free water supply in the main square, something that many tourists take advantage of to fill bottles or bottles.

How much time is needed to see Lake Pukaki?

As we commented on Lake Tekapo, we would recommend you stay a couple of days in the area, doing night in X or X. That said and understanding that not everyone has those days, it is totally feasible to make the route in one day by Lake Tekapo, make this list of things to see and do in Lake Pukaki and travel on Highway 80 on the way to Mount Cook where you can sleep for the next day, do some of the trekking.

Lake Pukaki Road

Where to sleep on Lake Pukaki?

Although there are several accommodations in Lake Pukaki we want to highlight those that are for us the best in the area and their reasons:
- Lake Pukaki Overnight Camp: Located in the southern area of Lake Pukaki, this small mound is one of the most amazing places you can stay in New Zealand whenever you take a self-contained vehicle. With incredible views of the lake, sunrise can become unforgettable if the day is clear and you can see the Aoraki on the horizon.
The best: it's free. The worst: it does not have infrastructure and depending on the time of year it is usually full.
We recommend you arrive as soon as possible to take a place and whenever you can do it in the highest area, from where the views are much more incredible.
We for logistical reasons in the end we did not stay, but the place is really amazing.
- Glentanner Holiday Park Mt. Cook: from the famous Holiday Park chain this is one of the best places we stayed in the South Island of New Zealand.
The price is 30NZD per night for a place with electricity and has all kinds of facilities and the best, unique views of Mt. Cook.

Remember that in the Campermate application you can find all the New Zealand campsites, with their characteristics and even in most of them, make reservations. You can also see detailed maps, places to visit and look for supermarkets, gas stations, showers, places to load water ... etc.

Pukaki Lake

Excursions on Lake Pukaki

In addition to all things to do in Lake Pukaki As we mentioned earlier, we leave you a selection of different options that can be a complement to fully enjoy one of the most incredible places in New Zealand.

- Aoraki / Mount Cook & Lake Tekapo and Pukaki day trip from Christchurch
- From Queenstown: Mount Cook and Lake Pukaki in small groups
- Day trip to Mount Cook, Tasman Glacier and Alpine Center