Photo: Pukaki River Canterbury NZ

The control gates are opened and Lake Pukaki drains into the river canal in Canterbury, New Zealand.

The Pukaki River flows through the Mackenzie Basin in Canterbury on the South Island of New Zealand. All the water from Lake Pukaki is diverted into this canal and fed through three hydroelectric stations before being returned into Lake Benmore which is all part of the Waitaki Hydroelectric scheme of Canterbury, NZ.On very rare occasions you may find that the water of the Pukaki River may spill down the riverbed when Lake Pukaki reaches its maximum height or if the canal or powerstation is not working properly. The Pukaki Lake's outflow is at its southern end which goes into the Pukaki River where there are several dams and canals.When the gates are opened to full capacity, the water rushes through into the canal on its way to Lake Benmore. The white frothy water turns into a magnificent shade of blue after it settles and meanders its way through the countryside of Canterbury, NZ.Pukaki River (Canal) flowing towards Lake Benmore, Mackenzie Basin, Canterbury, South Island, New Zealand.