Visit North Canterbury with Mighway

Lake Pukaki

Lake Pukaki looks like sapphire and ice got married then melted into a shimmering pool of milk forever. Its milky turquoise colour is mesmerizing and very popular on Instagram, especially as it has Mount Cook/Aoraki looming in the background like a Lord Of The Lake. Actually, speaking of Lords, Peter Jackson did a lot of filming of The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug in this area, using Lake Pukaki as the location for JK Tolkien’s ‘Lake Town’.

Lake Pukaki is the largest of three alpine lakes fed by glaciers, surrounded by tussocks, and shrouded in an incredible light. The colour of the water comes from glacial flour - extremely fine particles ground down from glacial rocks (not something to make glacial bread out of). When the sun hits the surface of the lake it reflects off the particles giving it its brilliant hue.

You can view the lake on the drive down State Highway 80 to Aoraki/ Mount Cook Village or the road between Twizel and Lake Tekapo Village. Or ditch the car and enjoy the lake on foot or by bike on one of the many tracks around it – including the mighty Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail. Or get your photos from the air on a scenic flight.

Whale Watch Kaikoura

Kaikōura is the whale watching capital of New Zealand, every Whale Watch tour is a unique experience and the sightings vary. Giant Sperm Whales are the stars of the show and year-round residents. A typical Whale Watch tour may encounter New Zealand Fur Seals, pods of Dusky Dolphins and the endangered Wandering Albatross.

Depending on the season you may also see migrating Humpback Whales, Pilot Whales, Blue Whales and Southern Right Whales. Kaikōura often hosts the world's largest dolphin - the Orca - and is home to the world's smallest and rarest - the Hector's. Kaikōura also attracts the largest concentration and variety of seabirds on mainland New Zealand including 13 species of Albatross, 14 varieties of Petrels and 7 types of Shearwater

Lake Tekapo

Lake Tekapo lies in the heart of the Mackenzie Country, in New Zealand's central South Island. Christchurch International airport is only a 3 hour drive away and New Zealand's most popular tourist route, State Highway 8, passes through Lake Tekapo and provides exquisite views of New Zealand as it should be viewed, 'naturally'. Mt Cook is only a short distance from Lake Tekapo and the cluster of New Zealand's highest peaks border the lake and provide a beautiful backdrop to some of the best views in the world.

Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park

The majestic Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park is an expanse of untouched, awe-inspiring alpine landscape sprawled out over more than 700km in the Mackenzie region. From unbelievably blue lakes and wide open skies, to jagged mountain ranges piercing the clouds, exploring Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park offers an off-the-beaten-track adventure that will leave you amazed.

Walkers and hikers are spoilt for choice in the Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park, with trails ranging from easy short walks to challenging alpine expeditions. Stop to breathe in the fresh mountain air, look up at the unending sky, and marvel at the surrounding ranges.

Formally established in 1952, there are 19 peaks over 3000 metres within the National Park; the awesome Southern Alps include the majestic and iconic Aoraki/Mount Cook, New Zealand's tallest mountain.

Giant glaciers cover 40% of the land, including New Zealand's largest glacier, the Tasman Glacier, and the four other major valley systems of the Godley, Murchison, Hooker and Mueller. Getting up close to one of these ancient natural phenomena by one of the many glacier experiences has to be seen to be believed.

Nestled in the park is Aoraki/Mount Cook Village, which has accommodation options for travellers exploring the park. Glentanner is a 15-minute drive away and also offers accommodation options. The rugged and ever-changing landscape surrounding these towns is spectacular all year round.