New Zealand, which is located southeast of Australia in the Pacific Ocean, is made up of two main islands and is known for its towering mountains and breathtaking natural scenery.
Much of the land on the islands is protected as a national park, particularly on the South Island, where four national parks run parallel to each other along the Tasman Sea’s western coast.
According to most estimates, New Zealand has about 800 lakes, the majority of which were formed by glacier activity millennia ago and are now surrounded by gigantic mountains and a diversified environment that is immensely scenic.
1: Lake Wanaka
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Lake Wanaka, in the Southern Alps of New Zealand’s South Island Otago Region, is over 1,000 feet above sea level.
It’s a terrific place to visit if you want to enjoy the great outdoors away from the crowds, and it’s close to Mount Aspiring National Park, so you can see a lot of different things in a short amount of time.
The surrounding town provides a delightful contrast, with a plethora of modern restaurants, galleries, and boutiques that are ideal for passing the time after a day in the sun.
The area around Lake Wanaka has four distinct seasons, so no matter when you visit, you’ll have enough to do to pass the time. Also, read Most Beautiful Lakes in the World.
2: Lake Tekapo
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Lake Tekapo is one of three parallel lakes in the Mackenzie Basin on the South Island that stretch north to south. The Godley River, which flows from the Southern Alps and supplies the high-altitude lake with clean, chilly water all year, feeds the lake from the north.
It’s one of the country’s most popular tourist locations, with a few resorts in adjacent towns, as well as a regional park with a variety of recreational opportunities for guests. Lake Tekapo, located just over 100 kilometres west of Christchurch, is a popular day travel destination for those on a tight schedule.
The rocky and craggy seashore, the majestic snow-covered mountains looming on the horizon, and the lavender wildflowers that bloom in the spring are all well-known features.
3: Lake Wakatipu
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Lake Wakatipu, one of New Zealand’s inland finger lakes, is located in the South Island’s Otago Region and is the country’s longest lake, measuring approximately 80 kilometres (50 miles) from end to end.
It’s fed by the Dart River in the north and surrounded by an enticing mix of high-altitude, frequently snow-covered mountains and low rocky slopes that resemble desert scenery.
There are designated bathing areas with white sandy beaches that are fantastic locations to catch some rays and enjoy a bit of swimming, and boat trips are one of the most popular ways to see the lake and give views that won’t be accessible from shore. Also, read Best Lakes in Pennsylvania.
4: Lake Pukaki
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Lake Pukaki, like Lakes Tekapo and Ohau, is located in the central part of the South Island, equidistant from the Pacific and Tasman Sea coasts. Lake Pukaki is one of the great lakes that border the Mackenzie Basin, along with Lakes Tekapo and Ohau.
The lakes were produced millennia ago by glacier action and are bordered by some of the most beautiful alpine vistas in the country.
The lake’s waters often have a cloudy but vibrant aquamarine hue that makes for amazing photographs and looks like something that couldn’t possibly occur naturally. Mount Cook is the most impressive peak in the area and is covered in snow for much of the year, and the lake’s waters have a cloudy but vibrant aquamarine hue that makes for amazing photographs and looks like something that couldn’t possibly occur naturally.
5: Lake Taupo
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Lake Taupo, on the country’s North Island, is officially a caldera produced by the same-named volcano. It’s the country’s largest lake by surface area, and due to its volcanic origins, it’s home to year-round geysers, steam vents, and babbling mud pools.
The water is warmed by geothermal forces beneath the surface in several parts of the lake, and there are dedicated beach areas for swimmers, sunbathers, and paddleboarders.
Consider visiting the Mine Bay Maori carvings for an intriguing cultural experience.
The thunderous Huka Falls, one of the country’s most magnificent and frequented sites, is conveniently close to Lake Taupo. Also, read Most Beautiful Lakes in Sweden.
6: Emerald Lakes
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The Emerald Lakes, which are located in Tongariro National Park, are also part of the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, a full-day trip that is one of the most popular activities for outdoor enthusiasts visiting New Zealand.
The lakes have a lunar aspect to them because they are surrounded by some of New Zealand’s most beautiful volcanic rocks.
Don’t expect to have the lakes to yourself during peak times, but the water’s vibrant contrast to the austere mountains around will more than make up for it.
Many of the Emerald Lakes take on diverse colours, such as aquamarine, jade, and turquoise, making each one distinct and equally beautiful.
7: Lake Hawea
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Lake Hawea, located just minutes from Lake Wanaka, is a popular summer vacation place for individuals who like to be active while enjoying the great outdoors, and is particularly popular with kayaks, wind and kite surfers, and anglers.
The mountains that surround Lake Hawea are larger and steeper than those that surround most of New Zealand’s lakes, and they plunge directly into its depths, creating challenging and picturesque landscapes.
The Timaru River, which feeds the lake, provides some of the area’s most spectacular scenery, as well as excellent hiking paths, picnic spaces, and campgrounds.
Even in the hottest months of the year, the lake stays cold and welcoming.
8: Lake Matheson
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Lake Matheson, surrounded by ancient trees and noted for its reflecting tea-colored waters, is also home to the Clearwater Suspension Bridge, which offers tourists breathtaking views of constructed and natural worlds that appear to be made for each other.
The lake is also noted for the enormous kinds of eels that live in its murky water, and they’re frequently observed feeding on the surface, particularly when there’s little wind and low light circumstances, such as morning and afternoon.
Mount Cook and Mount Aoraki provide breathtaking views of the lake, and there are numerous trails that lead to various vantage spots with unrestricted views of the lake and surrounding countryside. Also, read Best Swimming Lakes in North America.
9: Lake Manapouri
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Lake Manapouri, near Fiordland National Park, is surrounded by majestic mountains and is one of the country’s deepest lakes.
The village of Manapouri, near the lake, is a wonderful base of operations for anyone interested in visiting New Zealand’s distinctive glacial terrain, and the starting point for many guided glacier trips.
At the lake’s western end is a massive dam and power producing complex, with tours available for those interested in learning more about the artificial structure’s inner workings.
The dramatic and scenic Doubtful Sound is also nearby, and many visitors recall it as the most enticing sight they saw on their journey to New Zealand.
10: Lake Rotoiti
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Lake Rotoiti is in New Zealand’s Tasman Region and is a popular recreation destination due to its location within the Nelson Lakes National Park. For much of its life, it was known as Lake Arthur after an English Army captain who was among the first Europeans to see it in 1843.
On its northern, eastern, and western coasts, Lake Rotoiti is bordered by the Saint Arnaud Mountain Range’s greatest peaks.
The peaks are snow-covered for much of the year due to their elevation, giving the lake and surrounding environment a European alpine feel that many people aren’t expecting.