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Lake Pukaki Tours

If you've ever seen a picture of Lake Pukaki, you can be forgiven for thinking there’s no way that this lake could possibly be real. After all, the color of the water—a shining, rich, deep shade of turquoise—has the same captivating and alluring effect as a pair of misty-blue eyes. The hue of the water seems to match the sky, and in addition to being surrounded by open plains, the towering spire of Aoraki/Mount Cook stands watch over most of the shoreline. Isolated, empty, and incomparably scenic, there are few places on the South Island of New Zealand which can inspire nearly as much awe.
Running north-to-south and glacially-fed, this narrow lake parallels the road which leads to Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park. It’s the glacial silt from the Southern Alps which gives the lake its trademark hue, and on the clearest of days when the turquoise waters are backed by snowcapped Mount Cook, it’s a panorama that easily has the ability to drain your entire camera battery. Summer is the most popular time to visit—due to the warm temperatures and clear views of the mountains—although unpredictable alpine weather can roll through during any time of year. During the winter the views of Mount Cook are often obscured by clouds, but on the rare days when blue skies accompany the lakeside snow drifts, there is a good chance you’ll have the lake completely to yourself.
More than just a scenic picture, however, there are also numerous walking trails which begin from the shore of the lake. Seeing as the lone road leading in towards Mount Cook is the only semblance of development, ten minutes of walking on a trail can leave you enveloped by the surrounding wilderness. The road is also a popular route for cyclists touring the country by bicycle, and whether you visit independently, or on your own two wheels, or as part of a guided tour, everyone who gazes upon Lake Pukaki can agree on its unrivaled beauty.
Address: Lake Pukaki, Canterbury Region, Canterbury, New Zealand
12 Tours and Activities to Experience Lake Pukaki
Did you know?You can reserve your spot today and pay when you're ready.
Learn more
Did you know?
You can reserve your spot today and pay when you're ready.Learn more
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Mount Cook Private Day Tour via Lake Tekapo including Lunch
14
Getting to Aoraki/Mount Cook from Christchurch is half the fun on this private day trip. Get a look at New Zealand’s tallest mountain and dig into a delicious buffet lunch at the Hermitage Hotel. Then take a walk in Mt. Cook National Park or stroll the village during free time. En route, admire gorgeous views from Lake Pukaki and make a stop at the alpine waters of Lake Tekapo.
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From
$281.01
$17.94 savings
Price varies by group size
From
$281.01
$17.94 savings
Price varies by group size
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Transportation vehicles regularly sanitized
Guides required to regularly wash hands
Learn More

5-Day South Island Tour from Christchurch
58
See the top sights of the spectacular South Island on a 5-day guided coach tour, round-trip from Christchurch. Stop at Mt. Cook, New Zealand’s tallest mountain; enjoy free time to explore the adventure capital of Queenstown; take a boat cruise on Milford Sound, surrounded by steep rock walls; view Fox and Franz Josef glaciers; and travel by rail through the Southern Alps aboard the scenic TranzAlpine Express. Includes hotel pickup and drop-off, and four nights’ accommodation in Queenstown and Franz Josef.
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From
$1,437.76
From
$1,437.76

Mount Cook Lake Tekapo & Tasman Glacier (small Group Tour Including Lunch)
6
Mount Cook (Aoraki) is the highest mountain in New Zealand at 12,218 feet (3,724 meters) and lies surrounded by some of the South Island’s most stunning natural landscapes. On this tour, enjoy magnificent views of Mount Cook, Lake Tekapo, and Lake Pukaki; pose for photos amid fields of lavender (summer season only); and hike through the Mount Cook National Park to see the Tasman Glacier.
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From
$149.10
Price varies by group size
From
$149.10
Price varies by group size
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Gear/equipment sanitized between use
Transportation vehicles regularly sanitized
Learn More

Lake Tekapo and Lake Pukaki Day Tour
1
Visit the scenic areas of Lake Tekapo and Lake Pukaki on this picturesque day tour. It can be difficult to get to remote rural areas without a car, but you won’t have to worry about planning transport as Christchurch pickup and drop-off is included. The journey itself will showcase spectacular landscapes along the way. Once you get to Lake Tekapo, highlights include visiting Church of the Good Shepherd, Lake Pukaki, and Tekapo Springs.
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From
$337.16
Price varies by group size
From
$337.16
Price varies by group size
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Gear/equipment sanitized between use
Transportation vehicles regularly sanitized
Learn More

Explore Mount Cook from Christchurch
30
Surround yourself with the snow-capped peaks of Mount Cook, New Zealand’s highest mountain, on this day trip from Christchurch. Travel by coach past the foothills of the Southern Alps to the Canterbury Plains and the MacKenzie Basin; stop at Lake Tekapo and Lake Pukari; and enjoy views of Tasman Glacier. Enjoy lunch at the Hermitage Hotel in UNESCO-listed Mt Cook/Aoraki National Park. Includes round-trip hotel transport by coach with morning and afternoon tea.
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From
$288.46
From
$288.46

4-Day Great Southern Island Circle Tour from Christchurch
15
View Franz Josef Glacier and experience a Milford Sound cruise on this 4-day semi-independent tour of New Zealand's South Island. You’ll travel by coach from Christchurch to Queenstown via the Canterbury Plains, Aoraki/Mt Cook and Lake Tekapo, then motor up the west coast to Greymouth before riding the TranzAlpine train on the return to Christchurch. Listen to narration on board as the driver highlights this scenic region from picturesque mountain peaks to deep fiords. Overnight accommodation and round-trip hotel transport are included.
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From
$1,394.60
From
$1,394.60

World in a day
Take off from Christchurch & fly over the Canterbury Plains towards the spectacular Rangitata Gorge, side by side with the Southern Alps. Sidle up to Forest Creek through to the expansive Mackenzie Basin & down to the aquamarine glow of Lake Tekapo to touch down & soak in the spectacular vista. Feast your eyes on the unforgettable azure of Lake Pukaki & head up to the famous Aoraki, Mount Cook as the Tasman Glacier comes into full view. Fly towards the Murchison Glacier to the head of the Rangitata River Valley. Sour along Mount Arrowsmith & touch down at the top of the interweaving braids of Rakaia River. Settle in for a picnic served with unobstructed views, overlooking two of Canterbury's glaciers only accessible by helicopter. After lunch, follow the wandering braids of the stony river, past Lake Coleridge & into the blockbuster scenery of the Craigieburn Basin. As you head back to Christchurch, fly shoulder to shoulder through the sheer-sided river canyon of the Waimakariri Gorge.
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From
$2,847.14
Price varies by group size
From
$2,847.14
Price varies by group size

4-Day South Island Southern Discovery Tour from Christchurch
1
Spend three nights in Queenstown on this 4-day semi-independent tour of the scenic South Island. You’ll travel round-trip from Christchurch by narrated coach via Lake Tekapo and Aoraki/Mount Cook, with a full day of free time to spend at your leisure in New Zealand’s ‘adventure capital.’ Experience all the highlights along the way, including a Milford Sound cruise on the majestic fiord.
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From
$1,090.90
From
$1,090.90

6-Day South Island Southern Heritage Tour from Christchurch
Experience a 6-day semi-independent tour by coach and train around the scenic South Island, traveling round-trip from Christchurch. Stop at Mount Cook, take a Milford Sound cruise and spend a free day in Queenstown, then journey to Pukerangi and cross into Dunedin aboard the Taieri Gorge Railway. Enjoy a guided tour of the Otago Peninsula and royal albatross colony before returning to Christchurch. Transportation, sightseeing tours and hotel accommodation are all included.
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From
$1,738.25
From
$1,738.25

Christchurch to Queenstown One-Way Tour (or in reverse)
2
Avoid the stress of navigating and planning with a one-way tour and transfer from Christchurch to Queenstown, or vice versa. In addition to stopping at ideal locations for photo opportunities throughout the trip, your guide offers stories and commentary about historic landmarks and landscapes along the way. Lunch and tea stops are included for your convenience.
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From
$994.00
Price varies by group size
From
$994.00
Price varies by group size
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas
Gear/equipment sanitized between use
Learn More

1 day private tour from Christchurch to Queenstown via Mt.Cook
3
" We do it your way " There will be no rushing around on these trips , just time for you to see things that you have come to see and at your speed .
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From
$325.55
$18.11 savings
From
$325.55
$18.11 savings

2 days tour from Christchurch to Queenstown
If you are thinking of taking a holiday through Mackenzie part of New Zealand please get in touch and let us help you see it in comfort and at your speed . You name it and we will try our best to make it happen .I look forward to seeing you on the road .
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From
$824.17
From
$824.17
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