Photo: Pukaki Canal New Zealand

The aqua colored water of the Pukaki Canal flowing towards Lake Benmore in Canterbury on the South Island of New Zealand.

The beautifully colored water known as the Pukaki River flows towards Lake Benmore through the Mackenzie Basin in Canterbury on the South Island of New Zealand. The water in the Pukaki Canal that comes from the lakes was originally created by glaciers and this is why the water is this unique color of blue.At one time the Pukaki River flowed from the southern end of Lake Pukaki before meeting up with the Tekapo River and then emptying into the north end of Lake Benmore. Nowadays, the water from Lake Pukaki in New Zealand has been changed and runs through a canal that goes through three hydroelectric systems before entering Lake Benmore.This particular section of the Pukaki Canal is fairly calm and scenic but at times when the control gates are fully opened, the water rushes at full force into the canal. The force of the water produces a white foam which settles as the water makes it way down the canal. ... continue below the picture...

... The roadway alongside the canal is a peaceful drive which follows the course of the river canal. During extreme rain or spring melt, the water levels are controlled by a series of dams both up and down stream. The Pukaki Canal adds to the beauty of Canterbury, New Zealand and is something that you can not miss when visiting this area of the South Island.Pukaki River (Canal) flowing towards Lake Benmore, Mackenzie Basin, Canterbury, South Island, New Zealand.