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Lake Wakatipu, Queenstown

4.8

#2 of 6 in Nature in Queenstown

Water Body Nature / Park

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Occupying a crater carved by glaciers, Lake Wakatipu resembles a lightning bolt in shape. Surrounded by towering mountain ranges, the lake draws tourists looking for an adrenaline rush along nearby ski fields, paragliding spots, and bungee jumping sites. Because of its unusual shape, the lake has a strange tide that rises and falls by 10 cm (3.9 in) every 25 minutes; Maori legends link this to the heartbeat of a huge monster named Matau. The beaches here serve as popular swimming spots during the summer and the lake itself offers year-round trout fishing. For those looking just to sightsee, a vintage steamboat, the T.S.S. Earnslaw, cruises the lake every day. Plan to see Lake Wakatipu and other attractions that appeal to you using our Queenstown online vacation planner .

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Lake Wakatipu Reviews

Rate this attraction

TripAdvisor Traveler Rating

932 reviews

Google

4.7

facebook

4.7

1,157 likes

• By Scubaskier

  You can’t beat the views or scenery In Queenstown. Unfortunately, the area is one big tourist trap, whereby some visitors are quite rude, especially those interested in their “selfies”.  more »

• By kupieckorzenny

  Lovely views right in the heart of Queenstown. If you're passing through the city, don't skip it (if you're staying for longer it'll be hard to miss).  more »

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Google

• By Sumith Meegama

  Absolutely stunning!!! Natural beauty and untouched world. This lake is pure, water is clean and covers a large area (from Kingston to Queenstown). These pictures are from 2018 Summer. Water is still very cold; swimming in the water is not an option... There are lots of water activity including speed boat, kayaking etc. Must visit place in South Island in New Zealand.

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• By David Williams

  Wonderful part of New Zealand. Queenstown is the main place to set out to do things on the lake, especially the coal fired steamer that takes you round it. Views are spectacular, especially on a bright sunny day with mountains reflecting in the water. Can be a strong wind blowing down the lake.

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