10 Largest Lakes in New Zealand You Probably Didn't Know
Posted by Maris on 6th Dec 2023
New Zealand has 3,820 lakes, some of which are crater lakes generated by volcanoes and others fed by glaciers in the Alps. To save time, here are the ten largest lakes to include in your trip itinerary.
1. Lake Taupo
Lake Taupo, New Zealand's largest lake, sits almost in the center of the North Island. This lake draws tourists and locals looking for a pleasant weekend outdoors not only because it is beautiful, but also because it is full of adventure and water activities. Taupo has a lot of geothermal activity, which is a big draw.
2. Lake Te Anau
Lake Te Anau is located on New Zealand's South Island. Te Anau is also the starting point for excursions to world-renowned places such as The Kepler Track, Milford Sound, and Doubtful Sound. Three of the lake's arms extend into Fiordland National Park, which is beautiful. Enjoy hiking paths, boat excursions, and fishing on and around Lake Te Anau, one of New Zealand's most beautiful lakes.
3. Lake Wakatipu
This is a body of water in Queenstown, New Zealand, a popular tourist attraction. Lake Wakatipu, which encircles this town and offers a range of water and boating sports, is well-known and frequently visited. When it comes to lakes in New Zealand, Lake Wakatipu is a must-see.
4. Lake Ellesmere (Te Waihora)
If you want to see Lake Ellesmere, head to the Canterbury region on the east coast of the South Island. Lake Ellesmere is a large, shallow body of water connected to the Pacific Ocean only by a long, narrow sand spit. It is also an important animal habitat.
5. Lake Wanaka
Lake Wanaka is a beautiful setting with adjacent mountains and rugged shores. It's too cold to swim in at more than 300 meters below the surface, but it's frequently a good surface for kayaking, paddleboarding, and boating. Visitors to the Otago region's Lake Wanaka flock in droves both in the summer and winter, thanks to the nearby Treble Cone ski resort.
6. Lake Manapouri
Manapouri hamlet and Lake are located in Fiordland National Park. A lovely lake on the South Island, with little islands and lonely nooks to explore. Excursions to Doubtful Sound can begin at Lake Manapouri, which also boasts the largest underground power plant in the southern hemisphere.
7. Lake Hawea
Lake Hawea is a genuine South Island lake refuge close to renowned locations such as Queenstown and Wanaka. Tourists flock to this lake in both the summer and winter, with mountains in every direction and a plethora of outdoor activities.
8. Lake Pukaki
Lake Pukaki, in the Mackenzie Region, has to be one of New Zealand's bluest lakes. Its milky, baby blue tone lasts all year and is particularly evident on a sunny day. Travelers between Queenstown and Christchurch, as well as visitors to the Mt Cook National Park, frequently stop at Lake Pukaki, which is located at the base of Aoraki Mt Cook. Lake Pukaki is the largest lake in the region, which is home to numerous breathtaking natural landmarks.
9. Lake Tekapo
Lake Tekapo is a deep blue lake surrounded by rough terrain, making it just as beautiful as its neighbor, Lake Pukaki. Lake Tekapo has various attractions, one of which is the Dark Sky Reserve, where stargazing is at its best.
10. Lake Rotorua
Mokoia Island is a small island in the middle of Lake Rotorua, the second-largest lake on the North Island. Lake Taupo is about an hour away and borders the town of Rotorua. The Bay of Plenty is a must-see for its breathtaking landscape and two of New Zealand's largest lakes.