New Zealand: Lake Pukaki to Mount Cook scenic drive 4k

Scenic drive in South New Zealand from Lake Pukaki to the Mount Cook. Amazing mountain vistas, turquoise color lake, and glaciers.

April 2, 2019

"Lake Pukaki is the largest lake in the area, and it proudly shows off New Zealand’s tallest peak, Aoraki/ Mount Cook, from the many look out points around its shores.

The water colour of the lake is a bright turquoise due to glacial flour, made from extremely fine rock particles that have come from the surrounding glaciers. The lake is fed at its northern end by the braided Tasman River, which has its source in the Hooker and Tasman Glaciers.

When the sun hits the surface of the lake, it reflects off the particles transforming it to a brilliant blue. The combination of the magnificent lake, surrounding peaks and wide open skies are a dream for photographers and pose the difficult challenge of capturing the grandeur of the ever-changing landscape."
--https://mackenzienz.com/destinations/...

"Towering towards the wide open Mackenzie skies, the mighty peak of Aoraki/Mount Cook draws visitors from all over the world who come to take in its spectacular vista.

The dominating peak stands strong at 3,724 metres (12,218 feet), claiming the title of the tallest mountain in New Zealand.

Named “Aoraki” by South Island Maori iwi (tribe) Ngai Tahu, which translates as ‘cloud piercer’, is one of 28 mountains that make up the rugged yet majestic Southern Alps which run the length of the South Island and it is part of Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park.

The mountain received its European name, Mount Cook, from Captain J.L. Stokes in 1851. While sailing down New Zealand’s West Coast he sighted the peak naming it in honour of the English explorer and discoverer of New Zealand, Captain James Cook.

Aoraki/Mount Cook’s awesome presence leaves no doubt as to why it’s one of the most iconic natural New Zealand landmarks."
--https://mackenzienz.com/scenic-highli...