Lake Pukaki Explorer: A Journey through the Mackenzie Country
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Port
Timaru, New Zealand
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Activity Level
Moderate Activity
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Excursion Type
All
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Wheelchair Accessible
No
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Starting At (prices in USD)
$360
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Minimum Age
Information Not Currently Available
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Duration
Approximately 8 Hours
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Meals Included
Meals included
Travel by coach from the port of Timaru through an ever-changing farming landscape to reach the small rural town of Kurow. Pause here to purchase a coffee if you wish (at your own expense).
Head up the Waitaki Valley — a location renowned for its perfect aircraft gliding conditions and clear night skies. You'll cross two hydro dams on Lake Benmore and Lake Aviemore before entering the Mackenzie Basin. Here, the landscape changes dramatically from plains farming to iconic high-country stations (farms) that are the domain of hardy merino sheep. The landscape is dominated by the Southern Alps and the glacial lakes that you've come to see. Pass the town of Twizel and Lake Ruataniwha, and the High-Country Salmon Farm. Note the many irrigation canals in the region before reaching the shores of Lake Pukaki.
Surrounding mountains lean in to preen over the bright-blue waters of stunning Lake Pukaki, This is the largest of the three lakes in the Mackenzie Country. Weather permitting, you may be lucky enough to have a view of New Zealand's famous Aoraki Mount Cook National Park.
The small town of Tekapo welcomes you for lunch hosted at a lake-view venue, with a glass of wine or beer included.
Afterward, visit the icon, tiny-mighty Church of the Good Shepherd, whose altar window frames a perfect view of the lake and the distant Southern Alps.
From Tekapo, it's a relaxed drive through varied landscapes back to Timaru.
Please note: Minimum age is 18 years. This is a scenic driving tour; total distance traveled by coach is approximately 225 miles 362 km). Estimated time on the coach is about 5 hours. Participants must be able to climb a few steps unassisted to board the transportation. Weather and atmospheric conditions vary; no guarantee is offered with regard to visibility or views on any particular day.