Amazing alpine walking tracks with jaw-dropping turquoise waters and Mount Cook views

Welcome to Lake Pukaki, home to some of New Zealand’s most spectacular walking experiences. This massive glacial lake in the heart of the Mackenzie Country serves up incredible turquoise waters, epic Mount Cook views, and walking trails that’ll leave you speechless. We’re talking about the largest lake in the Mackenzie District, 178 square kilometers of stunning glacial-fed water with that famous turquoise blue color caused by glacial flour.

Want easy lakeside strolls with epic mountain views? Check. Fascinating geological walks? Yep. Longer adventures through this incredible alpine landscape? Absolutely. And here’s a bonus, you’re smack in the middle of the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve, which means the stargazing here will blow your mind.

Why Walk at Lake Pukaki?

What makes Lake Pukaki so special for walking? It’s the incredible mix of easily accessible trails, mind-blowing scenery, and that uniquely Kiwi high-country vibe. You’re walking in the shadow of Aoraki/Mount Cook (New Zealand’s highest peak) with those famous turquoise waters stretching out in front of you. The glacial flour suspended in the water gives it that unreal blue color that looks like it’s been photoshopped, except it’s totally real.

From Lake Pukaki, you can explore everything from gentle foreshore walks perfect for families to more challenging tracks that take you into the heart of this alpine wonderland. The area is also part of the Te Araroa Trail, so you’re walking on some seriously significant New Zealand tracks.

Planning Your Lake Pukaki Walking Day

Best Time to Visit: Year-round destination with different seasonal highlights. Summer (Dec-Feb) gives you warm, clear days perfect for longer walks and lake activities. Winter (Jun-Aug) serves up snow-capped peaks and magical winter vibes with fewer crowds. Don’t miss lupine season (Nov-Dec) if you want to see those famous purple flowers.

Getting Here: Lake Pukaki is about 3.5 hours from Christchurch, 40 minutes from Lake Tekapo, and 40 minutes from Mount Cook Village via State Highway 8 and 80.

What to Bring: Good walking shoes, layers for changing alpine weather, water, snacks, sun protection (that high-country sun is intense!), and definitely bring a camera, the photo opportunities are insane. You might need bug spray too.

Weather Heads Up: Alpine weather can change fast, so check conditions before heading out. The area can get windy, and temperatures drop quickly when clouds roll in.

Planning Your Walking Trip

Base Yourself at Lake Pukaki: It’s the perfect central location – 40 minutes to Mount Cook Village, 40 minutes to Lake Tekapo, and right on the doorstep of your own amazing walks.

Transport: You’ll need a car to access these areas. The drives are spectacular – especially the Lake Pukaki to Mount Cook road with constant mountain and lake views.

Seasonal Highlights: Summer (Dec-Feb) offers the best weather for longer walks, while winter provides magical snowy landscapes. Lupine season (Nov-Dec) adds purple flower carpets to your photos.

A Message from Sandra

“Lake Pukaki holds a special place in my heart – I’ve been exploring these trails for over a decade and still get blown away by the views every single time. There’s something magical about walking alongside that incredible turquoise water with Mount Cook reflected in the distance.

Every walk here comes with my personal experience and local knowledge. I know where to get the best photos, which tracks are good after rain, and where to spot the best wildlife. These aren’t just walks to me, they’re my alpine playground, and I love sharing them with people who appreciate the raw beauty of the Mackenzie Country.”

Sandra, Freewalks.nz

Complete List of Lake Pukaki Walks & Hiking Tracks

Here are our favorite walks around Lake Pukaki, with all the details, insider tips, and photos you need

Braemar Road to Landslip Creek

10 km • 3 Hours • Medium

A rewarding walk that takes you deeper into the high country landscape. This track offers excellent views of the surrounding mountains and gives you a taste of the larger Mackenzie Basin ecosystem. Perfect for those wanting something a bit more challenging than the lakeside walks.

Walk details →

Lake Pukaki Foreshore Walk

13 km • 4 Hours • Medium

This is the classic Lake Pukaki experience – a gorgeous walk along the southern and eastern shores of the lake. Part of the famous Te Araroa Trail, this track gives you front-row seats to those incredible turquoise waters with Mount Cook dominating the horizon. The walk follows old tracks around the shoreline and finishes at Tekapo B Power Station. Epic photo opportunities the whole way.

Walk details →

Marker Bay

1 km • 20 Minutes • Easy

Short, sweet, and absolutely stunning – this is the perfect introduction to Lake Pukaki. An easy walk that takes you to one of the best viewpoints on the lake, with incredible views up towards Mount Cook. Great for families, anyone with limited time, or when you just want a quick dose of that Lake Pukaki magic. The turquoise water views here are seriously Instagram-worthy.

Walk details →

Pukaki Kettle Hole Track

4 km • 1 Hour • Easy

A fascinating geological walk that takes you to a unique kettle hole formed by glacial action over 10,000 years ago. The track starts just east of the Pukaki River Spillway and follows a mix of 4WD tracks and grassy paths through the Pukaki Terminal Moraine Conservation Area. You’ll get spectacular views over Lake Pukaki and the entire Mackenzie Basin – it’s like having the whole region spread out below you.

Walk details →

Local Tips for Walking at Lake Pukaki

Parking & Facilities: Most walks have designated parking areas off State Highway 8. There are public toilets at the southern tip of Lake Pukaki with amazing views up the lake towards Mount Cook. The Lake Pukaki Information Centre and Salmon Shop on SH8 is great for supplies and local info.

Photography Gold: Early morning and late afternoon give you the best light for photos. Peter’s Lookout (just off the highway) offers picture-perfect views of Mount Cook with Lake Pukaki in the foreground. The reflection shots when the water is calm are absolutely stunning.

Weather Watch: Alpine weather changes fast. Layer up and be prepared for wind – it can get pretty gusty around the lake. Check weather conditions especially if you’re planning longer walks.

Combine Your Trips: Lake Pukaki makes a perfect base for exploring Mount Cook Village (40 minutes away) and Lake Tekapo (40 minutes). The Hooker Valley Track at Mount Cook is a must-do if you’re in the area.

Stargazing Bonus: You’re in the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve, so stick around after dark for some of the world’s best stargazing. The Milky Way views here are incredible.

Local Eats: Don’t miss the Lake Pukaki Salmon Shop for fresh King Salmon, it’s famous for good reason. Glentanner Park Centre (on the way to Mount Cook) has a great café with local produce.

Fantastic Walks Near Lake Pukaki

Don’t miss these incredible nearby walks – Lake Pukaki is the perfect base for exploring some of New Zealand’s most famous alpine tracks

Mount Cook Village Walks (40 minutes from Lake Pukaki)

Hooker Valley Track
10 km • 3-4 Hours • Easy-Medium
The big kahuna! This is New Zealand’s most famous alpine walk and it’s absolutely epic. Three swing bridges, stunning glacier views, and you end up at Hooker Lake with icebergs floating around Mount Cook’s reflection. Currently partially closed for bridge repairs (reopening autumn 2026), but you can still walk to Mueller Lake Lookout.

Kea Point Track
2 km • 1 Hour • Easy
Perfect sunset spot with fantastic views of Mount Sefton, Mueller Glacier Lake, and Mount Cook from the viewing deck. Wide gravel path that’s accessible for most people. Often hear avalanches thundering down the mountains!

Mueller Hut Route
12 km • 6-8 Hours • Challenging
For the seriously fit! This tough climb takes you up 1000m elevation to incredible 360-degree views of glaciers, lakes, and snow-capped peaks. The famous “2000 steps” section will test your legs, but the views from Mueller Hut are absolutely incredible.

Tasman Glacier View Track
2 km • 1 Hour • Easy
Easy walk to views of New Zealand’s longest glacier (22km). You’ll see the Blue Lakes and get a peek at the massive Tasman Glacier. Great for sunrise photography and you might spot some icebergs.

Glencoe Walk
1 km • 30 Minutes • Easy
Short forest walk that zigzags up to a bird’s-eye view of Mount Cook village and beyond to Hooker Glacier and Mount Cook. Perfect if it’s raining as the trees provide cover.

Lake Tekapo Walks (40 minutes from Lake Pukaki)

Mount John Observatory Track
8 km • 3 Hours • Medium
Climb to the summit of Mount John for 360-degree views over Lake Tekapo, the Mackenzie Basin, and the Southern Alps. The observatory at the top has a great café too.

Lake Tekapo Lakeside Walk
Various distances • Easy
Gentle walks around the famous turquoise lake, past the iconic Church of the Good Shepherd and the bronze sheepdog statue. Perfect for families and great for lupine season photos.