Title: Lake Pukaki in Canterbury | Expedia.co.uk [Lake Pukaki Hotels](https://expedia.co.uk/Lake-Pukaki-Hotels.0-l6113036-0.Travel-Guide-Filter-Hotels)[Flights to Canterbury](https://expedia.co.uk/Destinations-In-Canterbury.d6047984.Flight-Destinations)[Things to do in Canterbury](https://expedia.co.uk/Things-To-Do-In-Canterbury.d6047984.Travel-Guide-Activities)[Lake Pukaki Car Hire](https://expedia.co.uk/Compare-Cheap-Car-Hire-In-Lake-Pukaki.d6113036.Car-Hire-Guide)[Canterbury Holidays](https://expedia.co.uk/Canterbury.d6047984.Holidays-City-Breaks) # Lake Pukaki ![Lake Pukaki showing a lake or waterhole, snow and mountains](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/235000/235797-Lake-Pukaki.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Lake Pukaki showing mountains, snow and a lake or waterhole](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/235000/235727-Pukaki.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Lake Pukaki featuring snow, a lake or waterhole and mountains](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/235000/235795-Lake-Pukaki.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Lake Pukaki featuring a lake or waterhole](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/235000/235723-Pukaki.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Lake Pukaki featuring mist or fog, snow and mountains](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/235000/235796-Lake-Pukaki.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ## Visit Lake Pukaki Activities Reviews --- --- #### Be amazed by the colour of the lake against the snowy backdrop of Aoraki/Mount Cook as you hike, drive or ride through this incredibly picturesque landscape. Lake Pukaki sits below New Zealand’s highest mountain, Aoraki/Mount Cook. Combined the lake and mountain create one of the country’s most awe-inspiring vistas. When you see the ethereal, turquoise colour of the water, which turns milky when the clouds roll in, you may want to pinch yourself to check if you aren’t dreaming. The lake covers approximately 69 square miles (178 square kilometres) and was formed when a moraine, leftover rubble from melting glaciers, dammed the valley below. Lake Pukaki is fed by the Tasman River, which flows from the Tasman and Hooker glaciers to the west. Drop into the visitor centre at the base of the lake to get information and learn about the geology and history of the area. While here, try locally farmed salmon at Mount Cook Alpine Salmon in the same building. The lake’s spellbinding colour is caused by the finely ground minerals from the glaciers’ melt waters. Marvel at the contrast between the blue waters and the white peaks of Aoraki/Mount Cook. It won’t come as a surprise to movie fans that scenes from The Hobbit series were filmed on the shores of Lake Pukaki, at nearby Tasman Downs Station. Walk, ride or hike around the lake and take in the different moods of the lake as the skies change. Cherish the feeling of solitude in this vast landscape by spending the night at The Pines camping area. Lake Pukaki is situated between the towns of Twizel and Mount Cook Village, which offer the closest amenities and accommodation if you’re not camping. To get to Mount Cook, which is known Aoraki by Māori, follow the lake shore up to the Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park. Stop at the viewing area about halfway along the scenic road to look back down over the lake and then up at the vastness of the mountains in the other direction. Take the short hike up from the Blue Lakes Shelter to see the Tasman Glacier to the west and the lake to the east. This rapidly retreating glacier feeds Lake Pukaki its special mix of icy water and minerals, the source of its stunning colours. ## Reviews of Lake Pukaki 4.6 Top destination 5 - Excellent 21 4 - Good 11 3 - Okay 1 2 - Disappointing 0 1 - Terrible 0 ### 5/5 - Excellent Verified traveller Don't rush the amazing drive to Mount Cook. ### Popular places to visit ![Lake Pukaki Information Center](https://mediaim.expedia.com/destination/2/7804b209194be38efde379d459efa88c.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Lake Pukaki Information Center 3.5/5(3 reviews) You can spend an afternoon browsing the exhibits at Lake Pukaki Information Center during your trip to Lake Pukaki. Stroll along this family-friendly area's lakeside or simply enjoy its cafes. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Lake-Pukaki-Information-Center-Pukaki.d553248621594280500.Attraction) ![Tekapo Springs featuring landscape views and snow](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/78000/78266-Tekapo-Springs.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Tekapo Springs 4/5(4 reviews) Lie back and relax in healing waters, enjoy a massage or get involved in a range of outdoor activities, all with a fabulous alpine backdrop. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Tekapo-Springs-Lake-Tekapo.d6239359.Attraction) ![Mount John Observatory featuring landscape views, a river or creek and tranquil scenes](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/235000/235828-Mount-John-Observatory.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Mount John Observatory 4.5/5(8 reviews) Take an evening tour to see the wonders of the night sky or visit during the day to enjoy the stunning views of Lake Tekapo and the surrounding mountains. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Mount-John-Observatory-Tekapo.d6239366.Attraction) ![Church of the Good Shepherd showing farmland, a lake or waterhole and mountains](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/78000/78102-Lake-Tekapo.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Church of the Good Shepherd 4.5/5(12 reviews) Stop off at this charming church to enjoy stunning mountain views, appreciate some fine stone carving and learn its fascinating history. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Church-Of-The-Good-Shepherd-Lake-Tekapo.d6113030.Attraction) ![Sheepdog Statue showing a statue or sculpture](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/78000/78105-Lake-Tekapo.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Sheepdog Statue 4.5/5(9 reviews) Standing proudly before the snow-capped Southern Alps, this famous statue is testament to the high esteem with which sheepdogs are held in this area. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Sheepdog-Statue-Lake-Tekapo.d6224009.Attraction) ![Ohau Skifield](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/482000/482222-Ohau.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Ohau Skifield 5/5(1 review) Hit the slopes in Ohau with a visit to Ohau Skifield. While you're in the area, wander around the parks. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Ohau-Skifield-Ohau.d6113044.Attraction) --- ## Top Hotel Deals ## Check availability on hotels close to Lake Pukaki [Tonight ](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6113036&startDate=2026-01-21&endDate=2026-01-22)[21 Jan - 22 Jan](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6113036&startDate=2026-01-21&endDate=2026-01-22) [Tomorrow night ](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6113036&startDate=2026-01-22&endDate=2026-01-23)[22 Jan - 23 Jan](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6113036&startDate=2026-01-22&endDate=2026-01-23) [This weekend ](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6113036&startDate=23%2F01%2F2026&endDate=25%2F01%2F2026)[23 Jan - 25 Jan](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6113036&startDate=23%2F01%2F2026&endDate=25%2F01%2F2026) [Next weekend ](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6113036&startDate=30%2F01%2F2026&endDate=01%2F02%2F2026)[30 Jan - 1 Feb](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6113036&startDate=30%2F01%2F2026&endDate=01%2F02%2F2026) ![Glentanner Park Centre](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/4000000/3920000/3918500/3918492/88ada86b_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Glentanner Park Centre State Highway 80 Glentanner [](https://expedia.co.uk/Glentanner-Hotels-Glentanner-Park-Centre.h3918492.Hotel-Information) ![Lakestone Lodge](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/15000000/14720000/14717300/14717254/afa39a39_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Lakestone Lodge 4589 Tekapo – Twizel Hwy Pukaki [](https://expedia.co.uk/Pukaki-Hotels-Lakestone-Lodge.h14717254.Hotel-Information) ![Mt Cook Lakeside Retreat](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/7000000/6960000/6953200/6953169/1a4512d6_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Mt Cook Lakeside Retreat 86 Mount Cook Road (State Highway 80) Ben Ohau Canterbury [](https://expedia.co.uk/Ben-Ohau-Hotels-Mt-Cook-Lakeside-Retreat.h6953169.Hotel-Information) ![The Godley Hotel](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/4000000/3100000/3091600/3091589/4de9ec11_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### The Godley Hotel 2 Rapuwai Lane Lake Tekapo Canterbury [](https://expedia.co.uk/Lake-Tekapo-Hotels-The-Godley-Hotel.h3091589.Hotel-Information) ![Peppers Bluewater Resort](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/3000000/2840000/2838200/2838173/600a6ce2_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Peppers Bluewater Resort State Highway 8 Lake Tekapo [](https://expedia.co.uk/Lake-Tekapo-Hotels-Peppers-Bluewater-Resort.h2838173.Hotel-Information) ![Haka House Lake Tekapo](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/5000000/4930000/4922100/4922068/41170129_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Haka House Lake Tekapo 5 Motuariki Lane Lake Tekapo Canterbury [](https://expedia.co.uk/Lake-Tekapo-Hotels-YHA-Lake-Tekapo.h4922068.Hotel-Information) ![Lake Tekapo Village Motel](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/10000000/9630000/9623500/9623439/c13b317d_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Lake Tekapo Village Motel 14 Rapuwai Lane Lake Tekapo Canterbury [](https://expedia.co.uk/Lake-Tekapo-Hotels-Lake-Tekapo-Village-Motel.h9623439.Hotel-Information) ![High Country Motel and Backpackers](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/23000000/22520000/22515600/22515516/616df13a_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### High Country Motel and Backpackers 23 Mackenzie Drive Twizel [](https://expedia.co.uk/Twizel-Hotels-High-Country-Motel-And-Backpackers.h22515516.Hotel-Information) ![Distinction Mackenzie Country Hotel](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/3000000/2940000/2935500/2935477/9fc2d3ce_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Distinction Mackenzie Country Hotel Cnr Ostler & Wairepo Roads Twizel [](https://expedia.co.uk/Twizel-Hotels-Mackenzie-Country-Hotel-Twizel.h2935477.Hotel-Information) [See all 472 properties in Lake Pukaki](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.Hotels.Package®ionId=6113036) Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.