Photo: Vardion / CC BY-SA 3.0
Glentanner Park is a serene holiday park nestled on the shores of Lake Pukaki, offering jaw-dropping views of Aoraki Mount Cook. It's the perfect base for exploring the Mackenzie Country, with a relaxed atmosphere that blends camping, glamping, and cabin stays. The park's location is unbeatable for stargazing and accessing the region's top hikes.
Highlights & What to See
- Lake Pukaki Shoreline: Stroll along the turquoise lake for iconic views of Aoraki Mount Cook – a photographer's dream at sunrise and sunset.
- Aoraki Mount Cook National Park: Just a short drive away, tackle the Hooker Valley Track or take a scenic flight over the glaciers.
- Dark Sky Reserve: As part of the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve, the park offers incredible stargazing – no telescope needed.
- Glentanner Park Centre: The on-site hub provides local information, a café, and a small store for essentials.
- Twizel: A nearby town worth visiting for its salmon farms and the famous High Country Salmon.
Suggested Time to Spend
Spend at least two nights to fully appreciate the area. One day is enough for a short walk and lake views, but a second day allows for a longer hike or a heli-hike on the glaciers. If you're keen on stargazing, aim for a new moon phase.
Nearby Areas Worth Combining
- Twizel – 15 minutes south, with salmon farms and the start of the Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail.
- Aoraki Mount Cook Village – 45 minutes north, the gateway to the national park and its best walks.
- Lake Tekapo – 1 hour north, famous for the Church of the Good Shepherd and hot pools.
- Omarama – 40 minutes south, a hotspot for gliding and clay cliffs.
- Wanaka – 1.5 hours west via the Lindis Pass, a lakeside town with adventure activities.
Please check official sources for current details.
Note: opening hours, prices and booking requirements change often — please check official sources for current details.