On our New Zealand South Island road trip, we visited two amazing lakes – Lake Pukaki and Lake Tekapo.

 

Lake Pukaki

While driving from Wanaka to Tekapo, we passed by Lake Pukaki above.  Lake Pukaki is the largest of three alpine lakes in New Zealand South Island running along the Mackenzie Basin. Notice the different shades of blue for the sky and lake.  The distinct blue color of Lake Pukaki looked almost unreal.  Believe me, the color was not enhanced or “photoshopped” at all.  Apparently, Lake Pukaki got its unique milky blue colour from glacial flour, the extremely fine ground particles from the glaciers.

New Zealand is really an amazing place isn’t it?

 

Lake Tekapo

Next stop was the second largest alpine lake in New Zealand South Island i.e. Lake Tekapo. Russell Lupine flowers grew wildly and added a luxurious sea of colour in front of Lake Tekapo.

 

Some of these lupines were as tall as my son!

 

Below is another great view of Lake Tekapo.  The little Church of Good Shepherd in front of Lake Tekapo is perhaps one of the most photographed places in New Zealand South Island.

 

We stayed at the Tekapo Holiday Homes nearby.

 

Next day: Drive to Christchurch and get a glimpse into the Maori Culture. at the Ko Tane Maori Village.

Where to stay: Check out the list of accommodations in Tekapo on Booking.com.

 

This trip was part of our 9-Day New Zealand South Island Itinerary.