New Zealand is known for its scenery, its wildlife and its lakes. Glaciers carved close to 3,820 lakes here over the ages, many of them in fine mountain country and some within national parks. Here are seven of the best known.
1. Lake Tekapo
Lake Tekapo is one of three lakes running north to south through the Mackenzie Basin on the South Island. Fed by the Godley River, it stays cool and clear year-round, and as part of a UNESCO Dark Sky Reserve it is a superb place to stargaze.
There are a few resorts in the town and a park by the lake with things to do. It is a popular day trip, a few hours’ drive from Christchurch. Snow-capped mountains rise over the water, and lupins flower along the shore in spring. You can ski, stargaze and sightsee here.
2. Lake Wakatipu
Wakatipu, in the Otago region of the South Island, is New Zealand’s longest lake at about 80 km, with a distinctive lightning-bolt shape. It lies by Queenstown, ringed by high, often snow-capped mountains.
A boat tour is the best way to see it, reaching views you can’t get from the shore, and there are sandy beaches with marked swimming areas. You can also cruise, fish for trout and kayak.
3. Lake Wanaka
Lake Wanaka, also on the South Island, sits at about 280 metres in the Southern Alps, next to Mount Aspiring National Park, and is a good choice if you want to avoid the crowds.
The nearby town has restaurants, shops and galleries. The area has four clear seasons, and the lake is worth seeing in any of them. There is plenty to do: watersports, cycling, hiking and climbing.
4. Lake Pukaki
Lake Pukaki, in the central South Island between the Pacific and Tasman coasts, is one of the lakes bordering the Mackenzie Basin, formed by glaciers long ago. It looks straight up to Aoraki / Mount Cook, the country’s highest peak.
Its water has a milky, aquamarine colour from glacial flour, which makes for striking photos. It also appeared in the Lord of the Rings films. You can ski, stargaze and hike nearby.
5. Emerald Lakes
The Emerald Lakes lie in Tongariro National Park on the North Island, on the route of the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, a full-day hike and one of the country’s best walks.
Set among volcanic craters, the lakes take their green colour from minerals in the water, shifting between jade, aquamarine and turquoise. Trekking and photography are the draws.
6. Lake Taupo
Lake Taupo, on the North Island, fills the caldera of the volcano of the same name and is New Zealand’s largest lake by area, roughly the size of Singapore.
Because of its volcanic setting there are steam vents, hot springs and mud pools nearby, and parts of the shore are pleasantly warm, with beaches for swimming. The Mine Bay Maori rock carvings are a highlight, and the powerful Huka Falls are close by. You can skydive, bungee, do watersports or soak in a geothermal pool.
7. Lake Matheson
Lake Matheson, ringed by old forest, is known for its dark, tea-coloured water and its still surface. It has a clearwater suspension bridge and good viewpoints.
On a calm day it mirrors Aoraki / Mount Cook and Mount Tasman. It also holds large eels, often seen near the surface, and plenty of water birds, which makes it good for birdwatching. Nature walks, photography and birding are the things to do.
Any of these seven is worth building into a New Zealand trip, whether for the scenery, the walks or the wildlife.
If you loved reading this story, then subscribe to our blog here (it will ask to verify your email) to get inspiring travel stories and trivia delivered to your email. Stories about wildlife trivia, cultural experiences, curated luxury hotel lists, underrated places to travel, polar journeys and much more.
