Ben Ohau

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Lake Pukaki
No. 14 of Night Attractions in New Zealand

Lake Pukaki

6.3
4.2/5
149 reviews
Lake Pukaki is nestled among the mountains of the Canterbury region and is a large lake in the northern Mackenzie Basin that flows from north to south. When ancient glaciers retreated, moraine deposits blocked the river valley, forming a dammed lake, making it a typical moraine-dammed lake. Fine rock flour ground by glaciers over the years remains suspended in the water, scattering light into a rich milky blue and turquoise color, resembling a whole lake of poured, rich milk, which is how it earned the nickname "Blue Milk Lake." The lake surface is at an altitude of over 500 m, and the lake water mainly comes from the meltwater of the Tasman Glacier and Hooker Glacier. Looking north, you can see the continuous snow-capped peaks of the Southern Alps. On clear days, standing at the viewing point on the southern shore, you can capture both the snow-capped peaks and the lake in your camera lens.Ben Ohau · 19.4 km from downtown
Punatahu Visitor Center

Punatahu Visitor Center

5.3
Punatahu Visitor Center is located on the southern shore of Lake Pukaki on the South Island of New Zealand. It is a popular stopover on the way from Lake Tekapo to Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park, featuring a parking lot and restrooms, making it a great place to stop, rest, take photos, and refresh before continuing your journey. The viewing platform next to the center faces the lake, offering a view that stretches across the water to Aoraki / Mount Cook in the distance, where you can directly admire the magnificent scenery of mountains and lake intertwined. It is a great spot for photos. The lake water is crystal clear with a faint milky-blue hue, creating a striking contrast with theSouthern Alpsand the snow-capped peaks in the distance. The scenery is very photogenic, especially on clear days with high visibility. Many people stop here briefly to soak in the clear, tranquil atmosphere.Pukaki · 7.6 km from Ben Ohau
Mt Cook Alpine Salmon Shop
No. 2 of Best Things to Do in Pukaki

Mt Cook Alpine Salmon Shop

5.3
5.0/5
13 reviews
Mt Cook Alpine Salmon Shop is a convenient gourmet stop on the self-drive route from Lake Tekapo to Aoraki / Mount Cook on the South Island of New Zealand. Most salmon on the market is saltwater-farmed, but the King salmon here are raised in glacial meltwater. The fish are farmed in the alpine waterways connecting Lake Tekapo, Lake Pukaki, and Lake Benmore, where the water is cold, fast-flowing, and high in oxygen, resulting in exceptionally firm and fresh meat that makes for a memorable meal for many travelers. They sell sashimi, sushi, smoked salmon, and more. You can take home whole fresh fish to prepare yourself, and they also sell salmon-themed souvenirs. Ordering a portion of sashimi and enjoying it by the lake is a popular choice for many.Pukaki · 7.6 km from Ben Ohau
Mount Cook Helicopter Experiences
No. 9 of Best Things to Do in New Zealand

Mount Cook Helicopter Experiences

8.5
4.2/5
50 reviews
Mount Cook Helicopter Experiences take you soaring over Mount Cook National Park, offering breathtaking aerial views of vast glaciers and snowfields. Feel the majestic embrace of towering mountains from high above as your helicopter navigates through narrow ridges before landing on alpine terrain, where you'll marvel at the park's spectacular scenery. During this unforgettable journey, you'll witness natural wonders like the Tasman Glacier and Hooker Valley from above, experiencing the awe-inspiring beauty of glacial landscapes and snow-capped peaks. Under the guidance of professional pilots, you'll enjoy low-altitude flights for close-up observations of glacial crevasses and ice caves while learning about glacial formation processes. More than just a visual feast, Mount Cook Helicopter Experiences offer a profound spiritual awakening amidst nature's grandeur.Glentanner · 35.3 km from Ben Ohau
Tapataia Mahaka Peter's Lookout (Lake Pukaki Viewpoint) (Mount Cook Road)

Tapataia Mahaka Peter's Lookout (Lake Pukaki Viewpoint) (Mount Cook Road)

3.1
5.0/5
1 reviews
Ben Ohau · 16.4 km from downtown
Skydive Mount Cook

Skydive Mount Cook

3
Mount Cook skydiving experience The Mount Cook skydiving center is located in Pukaki, boasting the magnificent natural scenery of New Zealand's South Island. Here, you can take in the breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks, spectacular glaciers, azure lakes, and the stunning landscapes of Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park. Want to experience an unforgettable high-altitude adventure? Take on the Mount Cook skydiving challenge, from9000 to 15000 feetLeap from high above and experience the thrill of freefall amidst New Zealand's stunning skies, admiring the breathtaking views of Mount Cook and its surroundings from a whole new perspective. Before the official skydiving, our professional team will provide you with comprehensive safety guidance and precaution instructions. Then, you will complete the entire process with an experienced tandem skydiving instructor, so no need to worry about the action—just relax and fully enjoy this amazing aerial adventure. After boarding the skydiving plane, as the aircraft gradually ascends, you can enjoy a breathtaking aerial view of Mount Cook and its surrounding magnificent scenery. With the continuous increase in altitude, the mountains, glaciers, and lakes before your eyes will become even more awe-inspiring. Countdown begins—take a deep breath and take the leap! Experience the wind and speed rushing towards you during the brief moment of freefall. Then, as the parachute gradually opens, after the thrilling instant, you will have a few minutes to slow down and leisurely admire the magnificent mountain scenery from the sky, before landing smoothly on the ground, bringing this unforgettable Mount Cook high-altitude adventure to a perfect close.Pukaki · 14.6 km from Ben Ohau
RealNZ | TSS Earnslaw Queenstown Cruise
No. 1 of Best Things to Do in New Zealand

RealNZ | TSS Earnslaw Queenstown Cruise

9.7
4.7/5
615 reviews
Known as the "Princess on the Lake", the TSS Earnslaw steamship (TSSEarnslaw) was born in 1912 - a golden age in the history of steamships including the world-famous cruise ship "Titanic" . Today, as a coal-fired ferry, she has sailed for 100 years and is a fascinating sight on Lake Wakatipu, transporting you back in time and enjoying the gorgeous European style of the early 20th century. During the voyage, you can lean on the railings on the deck and overlook the beautiful lakes and mountains of Queenstown. You can also climb the watchtower to steal the superb steering skills of the captain. You can also sneak into the steam boiler room to understand the operation principle of the steam engine. △ Take a steamer ride on Lake Wakatipu, where you can enjoy the magnificent mountain scenery and the serenity of the lake △ On board, visit the engine room, sailor's cabin art gallery, and listen to songs accompanied by a piano for a taste of turn-of-the-century elegance △ Upon arrival at Walter Peak Highlands Ranch, you can see and feed the farm animals up close, participate in a sheep shearing show and a working sheepdog showNew Zealand · Queenstown
Twizel Holiday Park

Twizel Holiday Park

2.9
Twizel · 4.3 km from Ben Ohau
Milford Sound Scenic Cruises
No. 2 of Best Things to Do in New Zealand

Milford Sound Scenic Cruises

9.5
4.6/5
348 reviews
Take in Milford Sound on a modern and spacious Milford Sound Cruise, with unobstructed views outside the boat from any area of the interior cabin. The boat features a comfortable indoor lounge and large panoramic picture windows, allowing you to see waterfalls and wildlife up close from the bow. From the spacious upper outdoor deck, you can look directly down on the water, and the captain will provide informative commentary, and the cruise will play commentary in other languages at certain times.New Zealand · Milford Sound
Lake Pukaki Viewpoint

Lake Pukaki Viewpoint

2.8
Pukaki · 7.6 km from Ben Ohau

Experiences you can't miss in Ben Ohau

Featured Day tours in Ben Ohau

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Featured Cultural experiences in Ben Ohau

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Wanaka real guns shooting range experience (professional guidance + live ammunition shooting)
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From€109.77
Wanaka shooting range Crossfire Shooting center
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Duration: 1 hr
English
Free cancellation
From€43.72
Fox Glacier hike + helicopter transfer | reconfirmation required
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From€547.34

Featured Outdoor experiences in Ben Ohau

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Mount Cook, Lake Tekapo and Tasman Glacier Tour from Christchurch
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4.9/5
· 198 reviews· 60 booked
Duration: 13 hrs
Free cancellation
49 consecutive positive reviews
From€140.01
Queenstown: to Christchurch via Mt Cook One-Way Group Tour
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4.7/5
· 51 reviews
Duration: 13 hrs
Free cancellation
Book now for tomorrow
92.2% of travelers recommend
5% off
Limited-time sale
From€182.45€192.06

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What travelers say about Ben Ohau

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旅の径October 26, 2020
4.0
New Zealand has many lakes, most of which are surrounded by mountains, with winding coastlines, clear water and pleasant scenery. It is an excellent tourist destination. Lake Pukaki, located in the central part of the South Island, is worth visiting for its four unique features. First, the lake is rich in rock particles and minerals. Under the sunlight, it reflects a unique blue color, which is dreamy and attractive, and has the reputation of "Blue Milk Lake". Second, the lakeside is the best place to overlook Mount Cook. When the weather is fine, standing on the south bank of Lake Pukaki, the Southern Alps on the north bank 55 kilometers away are clearly visible, and the highest peak is Mount Cook. Third, the lifelike Tahr sheep statue. The Tahr sheep, native to the Himalayas, lives between high mountain cliffs. It is a first-class protected animal in my country and is listed as a "near endangered" animal in the world. In 1904, a British man brought five Tahr sheep to the South Island. Because they had no natural enemies, Tahr sheep thrived in the Cook Range and became the favorite hunting animal for European and American hunters to hunt in New Zealand. In 2014, people erected a handsome and mighty Tahr sheep statue on the shore of Lake Pukaki to commemorate the contributions of relevant people in protecting Tahr sheep worldwide. Taking a photo with the statue is the only choice for all tourists. Fourth, on the south bank of Lake Pukaki, there is a Mount Cook salmon farm. The salmon produced is firm and tender, cheap and good quality. Many food lovers come here to taste and buy.

Lake Pukaki

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哉哉子January 2, 2020
5.0
Located beside the fairy-like Lake Pukaki, it is the freshest, purest and most pollution-free salmon, which is the closest to the quality of wild salmon. 100g is priced at 10 New Zealand dollars, and 500g is 38 New Zealand dollars. You must eat it.

Mt Cook Alpine Salmon Shop

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_TT***56October 22, 2026
5.0
A very unique experience during visit Mt Cook. Pilot will bring us fly over Tasman lake so that we can have an amazing view. After that we will have a short landing on top and have a photo shoot. Check in super easy, just show the booking and all done in 5 min.

Mount Cook Helicopter Experiences

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Panda_vickSeptember 30, 2023
5.0
The view is very beautiful. It is easy to climb up, not difficult. It is a very beautiful place. The atmosphere is shady. It is easy to travel. The people are lovely. The weather is good. I want everyone to come visit.

Tapataia Mahaka Peter's Lookout (Lake Pukaki Viewpoint) (Mount Cook Road)

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网站老张October 10, 2026
5.0
A very unique steamship, still providing excellent service despite being over a century old. There are Chinese staff on board, and the buffet restaurant on the other side is quite good. Enjoy a relaxed and pleasant time in Queenstown.

RealNZ | TSS Earnslaw Queenstown Cruise

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Anonymous userOctober 20, 2026
5.0
Milford Sound is a must-see, one of the world's five great fjords. A word of advice for those driving: there are many photo spots along the way, don't miss them, such as Monkey Creek. Secondly, there are three or four boat companies operating fjord tours, with both large and small boats. I chose a small boat and saw dolphins.

Milford Sound Scenic Cruises

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Frequently asked questions

When choosing a tour, start with how much time you have and the kind of experience you're looking for. Trending options right now include Queenstown round-trip Aoraki / Mount Cook scenic tour with optional helicopter sightseeing and glacier explorer boat, One-way tour from Queenstown to Christchurch via Mount Cook and Lake Tekapo [Includes transfers], and Queenstown to Tekapo one-way join-in tour: Lake Pukaki + Aoraki / Mount Cook + Lake Tekapo [English-speaking group]. Check the real-time availability and itinerary before you book.

As of October 24, 2026, the reference price for day tours and activities in Ben Ohau is around EUR 131.19 – EUR 223.44. Rates vary by duration, group size, transportation, tickets, meals, and any special admission requirements. Before you book, please confirm the billing currency and whether the price is quoted per person or per group.

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