Lake Pukaki

Lake Pukaki is 2km northeast of the Mt Cook turnoff. The lake shares the colour of Lake Tekapo, it's bright, it's clear and it's brilliant.

The turquoise colour seems like magic but, really it's just a product of 'rock flour' or sediment in the water from glaciers rubbing the basin of the lake as they drift past. The sediment refracts the brilliance of the sun, hence outstanding clear colour.

It's particularly pretty on a clear day from the sterling lookout, you'll see the lake in all its glory with Mt Cook standing tall behind it and all the surrounding impressive snow-capped peaks. This is definately a photo you will not want to miss.