New Zealand has some of the most stunning lakes in the Southern Hemisphere. Surrounded by beautiful scenery and majestic mountains, you’ll find plenty of bodies of water where you can kick back and relax. Here are 19 of the most beautiful lakes in New Zealand!
Fun fact: There are 775 lakes in New Zealand. Most of them are the result of glacial movements millions of years ago!
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North Island New Zealand lakes
Emerald Lakes
The Emerald Lakes are part of the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, one of the best day hikes on the North Island of New Zealand. The 19.4 km (12 mi) hike features brightly colored pools and barren rocky landscapes, making it seem like you’re walking on the surface of the moon.
If you’d like to experience one of the country’s Great Walks, you can also extend the Tongariro Crossing into a multi-day circuit. You’ll need to book your hut stays in advance on the Department of Conservation website.
Location: Tongariro National Park, Waikato
Lake Taupo
Located in central North Island, Lake Taupo takes the title of New Zealand’s largest lake. At 616 square kilometers (238 square miles), the lake’s surface area is about the same size as Singapore!
Lake Taupo is technically a caldera that was formed by the volcano of the same name. Because of its volcanic origins, the lake contains numerous geysers, steam vents, and mud pools. Some parts of the lake are even warmed by geothermal activity, making it a great place for swimming and paddle boarding!
Location: Taupo, Waikato
Lake Rotorua
Another caldera formed by volcanic activity, Lake Rotorua is the North Island’s second largest lake. All the nearby geothermal activity causes the lake to have a high sulphur content, leading to the recognizable rotten egg smell around town.
Lake Rotorua is also home to Mokoia Island, a modern-day bird sanctuary and the setting of a famous Maori love story. Tours to the island run every day via water taxi.
Location: Rotorua, Bay of Plenty
South Island New Zealand lakes
Lake Pukaki
Lake Pukaki is one of the most jaw-dropping places on New Zealand’s South Island.
Located deep in Mackenzie Country, most tourists will make a stop at Lake Pukaki on their way to Aoraki Mt Cook National Park. (The drive up State Highway 80 is also considered one of the most scenic drives in the country!)
On a clear day, you’ll get the absolute best views of Mt. Cook and the surrounding mountains across the lake. If you’re looking for a fun morning activity, walk the easy Pukaki Kettle Hole Track before stopping by the Alpine Salmon shop for some fresh sashimi.
Location: Lake Pukaki, Canterbury
Lake Tekapo
Lake Tekapo is a must-visit spot on any South Island New Zealand road trip. On a sunny day, the lake’s turquoise blue water shimmers against a backdrop of golden tussocks and Southern Alps mountains. If you visit in early summer, you might also get a chance to see fields of bright pink and purple lupins!
In the small village of Tekapo, make sure to check out the Church of the Good Shepherd, a historic stone church on the lakeshore. You can also hike up to the summit of Mt John for awesome views and take a stargazing tour with Dark Sky Project.
Location: Lake Tekapo, Canterbury
Lake Benmore
Lake Benmore is New Zealand’s largest artificial lake. Built in the 1960s to help power the Benmore Dam, the lake can hold over 1.5 times as much water as the Wellington Harbour!
For the most incredible views of Lake Benmore and the surrounding area, you can hike the Lake Benmore Peninsula Track. This easy 4.7 km (2.9 mi) walk loops around the peninsula and offers 360 degree views from high up above the water.
Location: Lake Benmore, Canterbury
Tasman Lake
Tasman Lake is a glacier-fed alpine lake inside Mt Cook National Park. It’s one of the best places in the park to get views of Haupapa/Tasman Glacier, which is New Zealand’s longest glacier at 23 km (14.3 mi).
The Blue Lakes and Tasman Glacier Walk will lead you directly to the rocky lakeshore, where you’ll be able to see the milky blue color of the lake up close. The walk also offers several viewing platforms with great views of bobbing icebergs and snowy mountain peaks.
Location: Aoraki Mount Cook National Park, Canterbury
Hooker Lake
Hooker Lake is another one of Mt Cook National Park’s famous glacial lakes. With direct views of Aoraki Mt Cook, New Zealand’s highest mountain, there’s no wonder that Hooker Lake is such a popular tourist destination!
To get to the lake, you’ll need to walk the 10 km (6.2 mi) Hooker Valley Track through the mountain valley. The walk is relatively flat the entire way and has incredible views of the Southern Alps mountain range, making it one of the most popular day hikes in the park.
In the warmer months, try going for a quick dip in the icy water — alpine lakes are great for both the mind and body!
Location: Aoraki Mount Cook National Park, Canterbury
Lake Ohau
Located near the small town of Twizel, Lake Ohau is a tranquil lake with amazing high country scenery. A popular spot for boating and fishing, Lake Ohau is especially stunning in the early mornings and evenings when the water gets still. There are plenty of private areas around the lake for picnicking and relaxing as well.
For the best views of Lake Ohau and the surrounding mountains, try hiking the Greta Track. This moderate, 17.9 km (11.2 mi) summits Ben Ohau/Ruataniwha Peak for 360° views over the Mackenzie Country.
Location: Lake Ohau Alpine Village, Canterbury
Lake Matheson
Lake Matheson is a gorgeous West Coast lake with views of Aoraki Mt Cook and Mount Tasman. The Lake Matheson Walk circles the lake and offers excellent vantage points to take in the native foliage and mountains.
Unlike other lakes on this list, Lake Matheson doesn’t have the clearest water — the dark brown color comes from organic matter leaching from the forest floor. Native long-finned eels seem to thrive in the lake’s darkness, which makes it a traditional mahinga kai (food gathering place) for the Maori people.
In the early mornings and late evenings, Lake Matheson becomes glassy and super reflective. Even when the water starts to ripple, the lake is definitely worth a visit for the unbelievable backdrop!
Location: Fox Glacier, West Coast
Lake Wakatipu
One of the most iconic New Zealand South Island lakes, Lake Wakatipu is a must-visit. At 80 km (48 mi), the S-shaped lake is the longest lake in New Zealand. It’s also unbelievably gorgeous no matter the season or time of day.
On the shores of Lake Wakatipu is Queenstown, New Zealand’s adventure capital and tourist hotspot. There is tons to do in Queenstown, but some of the highlights include visiting the Queenstown Gardens, soaking in the Onsen Hot Pools, and hiking Ben Lomond.
For the best views of Lake Wakatipu, head to Queenstown Bay Beach, Queenstown Hill Walking Track, the top of the Tiki Trail/Skyline Gondola, or Bob’s Cove Track.
Lake Wakatipu offers tons of activities and tours, from a relaxing cruise on the TSS Earnslaw to a high-speed semi-submersible shark ride (yes, really).
Location: Queenstown, Otago
Lake Alta
Lake Alta is a beautiful alpine lake inside the Remarkables Ski Area near Queenstown. To reach the lake, you’ll need to walk the Lake Alta Track, one of the best day hikes on the South Island. The 2.4 km (1.5 mi) walk ascends the rocky ski field before reaching the lake.
There is a $10 NZD charge to drive up the ski field access road, but it’s more than worth it. The views of Queenstown and Lake Wakatipu that you get from driving up the side of the Remarkables mountain range are priceless.
Location: The Remarkables Ski Area, Otago
Lake Wanaka
Located in the Central Otago region, Lake Wanaka is a great spot for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. Nearby, you’ll find heaps of walking and cycling trails with amazing scenic views. The lake is also on the doorstep of Mount Aspiring National Park, a hub for hiking and backcountry camping.
The town of Wanaka itself is one of the best places to visit on the South Island. You’ll find tons of cafes, restaurants, and boutique shops to wander through for an afternoon.
From the Wanaka town centre, a 15-minute walk around the lakeshore will bring you to #ThatWanakaTree, a solitary willow tree growing out of the lake. For some reason, the photogenic tree has become a tourist attraction in its own right.
Location: Wanaka, Otago
Lake Hawea
Just 18 km (11 mi) away from Lake Wanaka, Lake Hawea is a calm and uncrowded slice of paradise. The scenic lake is a hotspot for kitesurfing, jet skiing, kayaking, and boating. It’s a wonderful place to go swimming as well, especially on a hot day.
Lake Hawea is also the name of the small settlement along the lakefront. There, you’ll find a few small restaurants and bars, a basic green grocer, and a golf course.
Some great places to get a view of Lake Hawea are the summit of Isthmus Peak, Lake Hawea Esplanade Reserve, and Lake Hawea Lookout.
Location: Lake Hawea, Otago
Blue Lake
This small lake in Central Otago is about as off-the-beaten-track as you can get on the South Island of New Zealand. If you’re one of the few tourists who make it out to Blue Lake in Saint Bathans, you’re in for a treat!
Once a gold and coal mining town, Saint Bathans is now a lesser known holiday retreat with historic buildings and dramatic white limestone cliffs. Blue Lake has several walking tracks around the area to choose from where you can get stellar views of the clear water and otherworldly landscapes.
Location: Saint Bathans, Otago
Lake Rotoiti
Located inside Nelson Lakes National Park, Lake Rotoiti offers crisp glacial waters, snow-capped mountains, and opportunities for stargazing and sunset watching. The Lake Rotoiti Jetty on the lake’s northern end is a popular spot for photographers and swimmers alike.
The stunning lake sits alongside the alpine village of St Arnaud. St Arnaud is considered the gateway to Nelson Lakes National Park and has a highly-rated Classic Boat Museum.
You’ll also find a few walking tracks around the lake, including one to the 40 m (131 ft) tall Whisky Falls waterfall.
Location: Nelson Lakes National Park, Tasman
Mirror Lake
One of the best stops along the scenic road to Milford Sound, the Mirror Lakes Walk is a short and sweet 10-minute stroll along boardwalk.
The lake is named Mirror Lake for a reason — on a clear day, it offers reflective views of the Earl Mountains. You’ll also be able to see waterfowl and native foliage around the lake. The Mirror Lakes Walk is wheelchair accessible and suitable for families with young children.
Location: Fiordland National Park, Southland
Lake Te Anau
Lake Te Anau is the gateway to Fiordland National Park and a must-visit for those continuing on to Milford Sound. It’s the country’s second-largest lake and the largest on the South Island.
Some of the most interesting things to do around the town of Te Anau include walking the Kepler Track, visiting the Bird Sanctuary, and cruising Milford Sound. There are tons of hiking trails in the area as well, including the Gertrude Saddle Route and the Lake Marian Track.
To explore the lake itself, you can opt for a scenic cruise or a scenic cruise/guided walk combo.
Location: Te Anau, Southland
Lake Manapouri
Lake Manapouri, also known as New Zealand’s loveliest lake, is located a quick 20-minute drive from Te Anau. Its breathtaking scenery can be pretty dramatic — the Southland region is among the rainiest places on Earth!
The town of Manapouri will be your first stop if you’re taking a Doubtful Sound cruise. Around Lake Manapouri, you can also take kayaking tours, go fishing, and visit glow worm caves. Helicopter and scenic flights are popular options as well.
Location: Manapouri, Southland
New Zealand lakes FAQ
What’s the biggest lake in New Zealand?
Lake Taupo is the largest lake in New Zealand (and Australasia as a whole). At 616 square kilometres (238 mi²), the lake’s surface area is about the same size as Singapore!
The next largest lakes are Lake Te Anau (344 km²), Lake Wakatipu (291 km²), Lake Ellesmere (198 km²), and Lake Wanaka (192 km²).
What’s the deepest lake in New Zealand?
The deepest lake in New Zealand is Lake Hauroko in Fiordland National Park. It measures 462 m deep — pretty shallow compared to Lake Baikal in Siberia, the deepest lake in the world, with a max depth of 1,642 m!
What’s the cleanest lake in New Zealand?
Lake Rotomairewhenua in Nelson Lakes National Park is not only the cleanest lake in New Zealand, it’s the cleanest lake in the world! The lake’s visual clarity can exceed 80 m, which is similar to that of distilled water.
To reach Lake Rotomairewhenua, you’ll need to embark on a multi-day hike. The shorter trip takes a water taxi from the Lake Rotoroa Jetty. Longer trips leave from Lake Rotoiti and follow the Travers-Sabine circuit.
Can you drink New Zealand lake water?
Lake and river water in New Zealand can contain Giardia, a parasite that can cause intestinal problems. Because of this, the official advice is to boil or treat lake water before drinking it. Anecdotally, I’ve never run into any problems drinking lake water (as long as it’s clear and not obviously murky). 🤠
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Thanks for reading this post all about the most stunning New Zealand lakes!
xoxo Niki
