Aoraki
The country's highest peak ahead.
karlnorling — CC BY 2.0 · lumoplank — CC0 · Christoph Strässler from Oberdorf BL, Schweiz — CC BY-SA 2.0 · James Wilkinson jamesw — CC0 · russellstreet — CC BY-SA 2.0
Lake Pukaki is the largest of three parallel alpine lakes in the Mackenzie Basin of the South Island, famous for its strong blue colour and for the view of Aoraki, New Zealand's highest mountain, at its northern end. It is one of the finest sights on the road to Mount Cook National Park. The three lakes formed when glacial moraines blocked their valleys as the glaciers receded. Its distinctive colour comes from fine rock flour in the glacial water. It covers 178.7 square kilometres, its surface ranges from about 518 to 532 m above sea level, and it is fed by the braided Tasman River, rising from the Tasman and Hooker glaciers close to Aoraki. From the southern shore the blue water stretches away to a line of white mountains, with Aoraki clear on a fine day. The Ben Ohau Range stands to the west, and flat farmland lies to the east. The Alps2Ocean mountain bike trail runs alongside, and the colours change greatly between midday and sunset. It is 26 km in a straight line from Lake Tekapo, and you can stop at viewing areas along the road. Do not stop on the roadside where it is not allowed, as traffic is fast. Bring a jacket, as the wind is strong even on fine days. The light is best in the morning, and if cloud covers the mountain wait a while, as the weather can change quickly.
The country's highest peak ahead.
From glacial rock flour.
Alps2Ocean by the shore.
Mackenzie Basin, Canterbury, South Island
From viewing areas on the road at the southern shore, on a clear day.
Yes, the two lakes are 26 km apart in a straight line, on the same road.