Marker Bay walk is an easy 1 km walk that will take you around 20 mins return.
It is a nice break on the drive into or out of Aoraki Mount Cook National Park. The start of the walk is easily located off of SH8 at the edge of Lake Pukaki.
By far the most interesting part of the track is its history. Part of the Marker Bay walk is over what was once Lake Pukaki village. In 1979, the lake levels were raised and the village disappeared. While most traces of the village are gone, an old concrete water reservoir still stands. This reservoir is located on this walk. The track actually heads past the reservoir towards the lake.
Parts of this walk also leads through pine trees. This landscape is a little different than most of the walks around Lake Pukaki which are through grassland. Similarly, instead of offering views of the Mackenzie high country, the views along Marker Bay walk are focused on Lake Pukaki and a nestled cove at the end of the walk.
You will also be able to enjoy views of the surrounding mountains, which are covered in snow during the winter months.
Quick Facts about this walk
- Location: Lake Pukaki, South Island, New Zealand
- Time needed: 20 minute walk
- Distance: 1 km
- Difficulty: Easy
- Bikes allowed: Unknown
- Route: Return
- Elevation: None
- Wet Feet: No
- Toilets: Unknown
- Dogs: No
- Mobile Coverage: Yes, very good
- Last Updated: May, 2020
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