Lake Pukaki is a glacial lake in New Zealand's South Island, known for its striking turquoise colour. That colour comes from fine rock particles carried in meltwater from nearby glaciers, which stay suspended in the water and catch the light.
What to see
- The lake's turquoise water, which changes with the light through the day
- Reflections of Aoraki/Mount Cook and the wider Southern Alps on calm water, a view many visitors come specifically to photograph
- The open, mountain-framed landscape around the shoreline
The lake is a popular stop for anyone travelling through the Mackenzie area, and its views are among the best-known mountain scenes in the country.
Planning a visit
Lake Pukaki is the gateway to Mount Cook National Park, so many people use it as a starting point for exploring the park's peaks and valleys. Visitors who want to combine the lake with time in the mountains can plan a route that follows the road towards the national park.
Because the lake is beside open country, the weather can change quickly, and clear conditions give the best reflections. Allow time for a stop along the shore rather than only passing through.