Lake Pukaki is at the foot of the Southern Alps on the way to Mount Cook. It is connected by a coach with Fairlie, fifty-six miles distant; distance from Timaru, ninety-six miles. The scenery at and about Lake Pukaki is characterised by true grandeur. There are deer in the district and fish in the lake, where ducks also abound. Lake Pukaki has a post office, which serves the Hermitage and the neighbouring sheep runs.