New Zealand
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 all immensely scenic.
Lake Rotoiti
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.
Lake Ohau
Lake Ohau is located in the Mackenzie Basin area of New Zealand’s South Island and was formed by glacier processes ages ago. It’s one of three such lakes that run north-south and get their water from the Hopkins and Dobson Rivers, which start their journey in the Southern Alps.
The Lake Ohau Snow Fields are one of the country’s top winter recreation destinations, with excellent stats on height, annual snowfall, and the number of paths available for all skill levels.
The ski season usually runs from early August to late October, however it might vary depending on the weather. Fishing, hiking, and kayaking are popular activities for visitors throughout the summer months.
Lake Manapouri
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. Lake Manapouri on the south Island of New Zealand near Doubtful Sound.
Lake Te Anau
Lake Te Anau and the surrounding town of the same name are located in the far southwest corner of the South Island and are simple to view when combined with the world-famous Fiordland National Park, making them excellent places to stay while exploring the region.
For the outdoorsy types and those vacationing on a budget, there are a variety of lodging alternatives ranging from full-service lodges and resort-style hotels to campgrounds.
The lake can get busy during the peak months of January to March due to its magnificent landscape and proximity to other popular tourist destinations, but there’s so much to see and do that you’ll soon forget you’re not alone.
Lake Hawea
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.
Lake Matheson
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.
Lake Taupo
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.
Emerald Lakes
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 colors, such as aquamarine, jade, and turquoise, making each one distinct and equally beautiful.
Lake Wakatipu
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 kilometers (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.
