Exploring the Pukaki and Ōhau Canals
For a relaxing yet scenic drive or cycle through the Mackenzie Basin, the route along the Pukaki and Ōhau Hydro Canals offers a unique mix of alpine views, engineering marvels, tranquil alpine waterways and fishing. This lesser-known journey follows the canal roads from Lake Pukaki to Lake Ōhau, with a return trip to Lake Ruataniwha via the Ōhau A Power Station.
Starting the Journey: Pukaki Canal
The trip begins at the Pukaki Canal, accessible near the southern end of Lake Pukaki from State Highway 8. The canals have roads on both sides, and in this case, choose the entrance on the north side, onto a gravel road. Check a map as it is not clearly signposted from the road. From here, you follow the canal road southward, a route favoured by both recreational cyclists and those chasing Mackenzie’s famous salmon fishing spots.
This road offers expansive views back towards Aoraki Mount Cook, while the turquoise waters of the canal reflect the wide skies and rolling golden plains and tussock hills and mountainsides typical of the Mackenzie landscape. There are also two picturesque stops - Lake Poaka with a campsite accessed from the northside road, and Loch Cameron near the intersection of the canal road and Glen Lyon Road to Twizel. From the Glen Lyon intersection, the road is also a section of the Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail.
Along the Ōhau Canal to Lake Ōhau
At the junction where the Pukaki Canal meets the Ōhau Canal, there is a salmon farm, explaining why these canals are good for salmon fishing!. Continue southwest towards Lake Ōhau. The road skirts along the canal's eastern edge. As you approach the lake, there is a crossing over the canal at the control gate. From there, you can take a rough side road to the top of eh morraine above the lake and Ōhau River outlet, with Ben Ōhau to the right and the Ōhua Range on the far side.
Lake Ruataniwha via Ōhau A Power Station
On your return leg, instead of retracing your path, stay on the road on the south side of the canal, which will take you to Ōhau A Power Station, one of several in the MacKenzie hydro network. The views from the reserve next to the dam are superb.
After crossing the power station, the road climbs gently before descending toward Lake Ruataniwha, a man-made lake popular for rowing, swimming, and picnicking. This is a great spot to take a break and enjoy the lakeside surroundings. There are both freedom camping and commercial camping options.
How to Get There
The route starts near the southern end of Lake Pukaki, off State Highway 8. Alternatively, go in reverse and turn off State Highway 8 further south onto Max Smith Drive at Lake Ruataniwha. Follow this road to Ōhau A.
Stop in Twizel or at High Country Salmon on State Highway 8 for a coffee and snack.
