Before I even departed on this winter break adventure I was assigned to report on Lake Pukaki, a moraine dammed lake at the foot of Mt. Cook National Park. This lake is the largest of seven in the Mackenzie basin – a region that was completely dominated by glaciers 18,000 years ago. When these glaciers receded they scoured the earth and left behind large piles of moraine rock. Lake Pukaki is notable among these lakes due to its remarkable baby-blue hue. This coloration is due to the smallest moraine particles, often referred to as glacial flour. The lake is the headwaters of a massive hydropower scheme that powers most of the south island of New Zealand. Because of this, it was dammed to raise the elevation for energy storage and increased agricultural capacity.
My expectations of this lake were absolutely blown away. Its color is otherworldly and its size is a challenge to grasp. What made the lake all the better was the amazing backdrop of the Southern Alps and the mist shrouded peak of Mt. Cook at its Northern edge. I could harp on it all day, but pictures tell the best story. Enjoy!
-Zack Wofford
--
Read more from the 2019 Human and Animal Interactions students at
https://uarkhumanandanimalinteractionsinnewzealand2019.home.blog/Find out more about the
U of A Faculty-Led: Human & Animal Interaction in New Zealand program.
Get started today! Search for your study abroad opportunity at
http://studyabroad.uark.edu/search/
