Trip Planner:   South Pacific  /  New Zealand  /  South Island  /  Otago Region  /  Queenstown  /  Lake Wakatipu

Lake Wakatipu, Queenstown

4.8
#5 of 23 in Parks in Queenstown
Water Body · Nature / Park
Occupying a crater carved by glaciers, Lake Wakatipu resembles a lightning bolt in shape. Surrounded by towering mountain ranges, the lake draws tourists looking for an adrenaline rush along nearby ski fields, paragliding spots, and bungee jumping sites. Because of its unusual shape, the lake has a strange tide that rises and falls by 10 cm (3.9 in) every 25 minutes; Maori legends link this to the heartbeat of a huge monster named Matau. The beaches here serve as popular swimming spots during the summer and the lake itself offers year-round trout fishing. For those looking just to sightsee, a vintage steamboat, the T.S.S. Earnslaw, cruises the lake every day. Plan to see Lake Wakatipu and other attractions that appeal to you using our Queenstown online vacation planner.
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Tours to Lake Wakatipu

FROM $185 BOOK WITH VIATOR Milford Sound Experience Full Day from Queenstown
5.0
Duration: 13 hours
Tours from $185 »
FROM $70 BOOK WITH VIATOR TSS Earnslaw & Walter Peak Farm Experience with Afternoon Tea
5.0
Duration: 3 hours 30 minutes
Tours from $70 »
FROM $29 BOOK WITH VIATOR Lake Wakatipu Scenic Catamaran Cruise from Queenstown
4.9
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
Tours from $29 »

Lake Wakatipu reviews

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TripAdvisor traveler rating
TripAdvisor traveler rating 5.0
1,051 reviews
Google
4.7
TripAdvisor
  • By 422iana
    Been past the lake a few times. Once travelling back from the Routeburn and then a family trip into Queenstown. This is an amazing place and even without high numbers of tourists it was still busy on....  more »
  • By Alipa50
    Lake Wakatipu in Queenstown has the Best views in the world in both summer and winter. So many activities on the lake.  more »
See more on TripAdvisor »
Google
  • By Sumith Meegama
    Absolutely stunning!!! Natural beauty and untouched world. This lake is pure, water is clean and covers a large area (from Kingston to Queenstown). These pictures are from 2018 Summer. Water is still very cold; swimming in the water is not an option... There are lots of water activity including speed boat, kayaking etc. Must visit place in South Island in New Zealand.
  • By David Williams
    Wonderful part of New Zealand. Queenstown is the main place to set out to do things on the lake, especially the coal fired steamer that takes you round it. Views are spectacular, especially on a bright sunny day with mountains reflecting in the water. Can be a strong wind blowing down the lake.
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