Landing in New Zealand, I can't help but feel my heart thump as I set foot in the country where both trilogies of The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit were shot. Naturally, I needed to make the most of this layover. I visited the Hobbiton Movie Set in Matamata years ago when we landed in Auckland. This time, we landed in Christchurch - the gateway to the South Island of New Zealand.
I was thrilled when I learned that the Lake-Town of The Hobbit Trilogy was shot in a lake in the Canterbury Region of the South Island - Lake Pukaki. It was a three-and-a-half-hour ride from Christchurch City Proper, but it was worth it because the view was breathtaking!
At A Glance
How to get to Lake Pukaki from Christchurch
My trip to Lake Pukaki is part of my lake-hopping adventure in MacKenzie District. See my blog here for more info on MacKenzie District, its 8 stunning lakes, and other activities to do in this district. My colleague and I went for a road trip across four lakes and the biggest and bluest of them is Lake Pukaki.
For now, the only ways to get there are the following.
Rent a car from the airport, or your hotel, or book a car rental online.
Book a day tour to visit Lake Pukaki, Lake Tekapo, and Mt. Aoraki / Mt. Cook National Park.
Rent a campervan or motorhome and camp for a few days.
What's so Special About Lake Pukaki
Aside from being chosen by Peter Jackson as the setting where the seemingly indestructible dragon Smaug would meet his demise, here are 5 reasons to visit this turquoise-blue lake.
A Picturesque Scenery
The turquoise-blue color of the lake, paired with the facade of the snowcapped mountains, makes this lake a photographer's perfect scenery. It offers a scenic view of Mount Cook (Aoraki), New Zealand's highest peak, and the rest of the Southern Alps. But why is it so blue? The melted glacial waters from the Southern Alps carry ground rock particles that make the lake water turquoise-blue.
Recreational Activities
Since the water of this lake comes from the glaciers of the Southern Alps, it is ice-cold, even in the summer. So swimming here is not an option. Moreover, the winds can be very harsh. But there are still a lot of activities to do here such as camping, fishing, and biking, to name a few. See the Things to Do in Lake Pukaki for more.
Stargazing and the Aurora Australis
Gorgeous during the day and equally magnificent at night, Lake Pukaki is an excellent spot to view the night sky. Since it is quite far from the city, billions of stars are illuminated unrivaled making them seem to glow more. This makes it a good camping spot. During certain times of the year, the mesmerizing Aurora Australis (Southern Lights) is the highlight of the night sky here as well.
A Source of Renewable Energy
Lake Pukaki is vital in generating renewable energy for this region of New Zealand. Fed by the meltwater from the glaciers, the lake's water is harnessed by the Pukaki Power Station to generate hydroelectric power.
A Cultural Land
Lake Pukaki is located within the tribal lands of Ngāi Tahu, the indigenous people of the South Island of New Zealand. It is an integral part of their ancestry, traditions, and spiritual practices. Nowadays, the Ngāi Tahu are actively engaged in the preservation, and revitalization of their cultural heritage and sharing it with future generations.
Things to Do in Lake Pukaki
Aside from taking unlimited scenic shots of the lake and the snow-capped Southern Alps backdrop, here are other activities to try should you drive to Lake Pukaki.
Fishing - This lake is known for great fishing opportunities. Cast a line into the lake in one of their designated fishing spots along the shore and try your luck for salmon or trout.
Hiking - Hike through the walking tracks and hiking trails around the lake with varying difficulty levels such as the Hookey Valley Track, the Kea Point Track, and the Tasman Glacier View Track.
Camping - With its tranquility and wilderness, camping here is a good way to be one with nature. It has some facilities such as public toilets but camping here is only available for self-contained vehicles. There are also a few accommodations along the edge of the lake and hostels in the nearest town - Twizel.
Stargazing - You will certainly be mesmerized by the billions of stars in the clear night sky and the seasonal Aurora Australis. Make sure to bring a decent camera suitable for night photography to capture this. I still wish I did. If you're into astrophotography, you definitely could not miss this.
Scenic Drives and Flights - take a drive around the lake to capture the best views. To take it up a notch, take scenic flight tours to fly you over the lake and near the Southern Alps.
Visit Mount Cook (Aoraki) Village - In just a 45-minute-drive from the lake viewing spot, you'll be able to visit the village in New Zealand's highest peak and enjoy the panoramic views.
Best Time to Visit
Lake Pukaki can be visited all year round. If you're more comfortable with the warm weather, the best time would be between September and March (late spring and summer). But if you would like to view the Aurora Australis, they are best seen during the winter months of March to September, the best months are June and July.
Here's a glimpse of our road trip.
Gandalf: The world is not in your books and maps... It's out there...
Bilbo Baggins: Can you promise that I will come back?
Gandalf: No. And if you do, you will not be the same.
- The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey (2012)
Indeed, every travel we'll experience will change us. Probably not in gigantic proportions, but a part of us will be altered one way or another. I am left in awe of the turquoise-blue waters of Lake Pukaki, the majestic facade of the Southern Alps, and the clear view of the night sky. Being able to see these, somehow humbles me. It makes me realize just how vast the world is and how small I am. And I am urged to travel and see more!
See you on my next trip!
Breathtaking view indeed. Wish I can visit there too. ☺️