Lake Wakatipu
Lake Whakatipu
New Zealand’s third-largest lake, a glacial lake shaped like a bolt of lightning. Queenstown is built along its shore, and lakeside walks, steamboats and sunsets are the highlights.
Lake Whakatipu is about 80 km long and shaped like a bolt of lightning. Its surface sits at 310 meters above sea level, and it is more than 380 meters deep at its deepest point. The water has the glacial blue typical of such lakes, and it has an unusual “breathing” phenomenon: the water level rises and falls by about ten-plus centimeters roughly every 25 minutes. The Steamer Wharf in central Queenstown is the starting point for lake trips. You can take the 1912 TSS Earnslaw steamer across to Walter Peak High Country Farm (about 1.5 hours, including a sheep-shearing show, from NZD 90). You can also walk east along the lakeshore path to the Queenstown Gardens. Going all the way around the peninsula takes about 40 minutes and is the best free walk and sunset route. Thrill-seekers can book jet boat rides or helicopter flights at the wharf. The Glenorchy–Queenstown Road along the lake is considered one of New Zealand’s most beautiful drives, and there are several viewpoints on the 45-minute drive to Glenorchy. The lake stays around 10°C all year, so swimming is not recommended. Winds are strong in winter, so dress warmly.
Opening hours
All day
Nearby sights
- Moke Lake
- Ben Lomond Track
- Skyline Queenstown Gondola
- Queenstown Gardens
- TSS Earnslaw & Walter Peak
- Kiwi Birdlife Park
- Fergburger
- Shotover Jet