New Zealand is like a fairytale end of the world, with indescribably beautiful mountain landscapes, lakes and natural phenomena. Our highlights in the land of long white clouds definitely include the lakes and rivers, which will make you fall head over heels in love with this planet. All the lakes listed are actually located on the South Island of New Zealand.
Lake Tekapo
Lake Tekapo is one of the lakes in the Canterbury region. It is located 243 kilometres southwest of Christchurch and 275 kilometres northeast of Queenstown in the Mackenzie Region. To the north, it faces the impressive Southern Alps, which also create the lake’s milky turquoise colour. It is also part of the UNESCO Light Sanctuary – a fantastic place for stargazing. Another highlight is the church called Church of the Good Shepard, a popular photo motif for photographers.
Lake Pukaki
Not far from Lake Tekapo is Lake Pukaki. This is another beautiful turquoise jewel, framed by stunning mountain scenery just like its neighbour. The trail along the western side of the lake leads to Mount Cook Village, from where the famous Hooker Valley Track starts.
Lake Wakatipu
A legend of the Māori culture says that Lake Wakatipu was created by the burning of a giant named Matau. This giant kidnapped the daughter of a tribal chief and was therefore burnt in his sleep. That created a large hole in the earth where the snow and ice from the surrounding mountains formed the water of the lake. The giant slept with his knees drawn up, which gave the lake its S-shape. His head was in Glenchory, his feet in Kingston, and Queenstown is right by his knees.
Lake Wakatipu plays an important role in tourism, as the area around it is famous for extreme sports in New Zealand.
Lake Wanaka
Lake Wanaka is located in the western part of the Otago region and attracts many tourists. The visitors are offered a lot – from deep glacial lakes to snow-blown mountain landscapes. Lake Wanaka is the third largest lake in the South Island and is approximately 42 kilometres long. On the west coast, the adjacent mountains reach up to 2,000 metres, while in the east the mountains are much smaller. The lake is home to New Zealand’s most photographed tree, the Lone tree of Lake Wanaka. This tree can be found in the middle of the lake and is a famous postcard motif.
Lake Matheson
Lake Matheson is a lake close to the west coast of the South Island and is located not too far from the Fox Glacier. A full circuit around the lake takes around 1.5 hours, while the walk to the first viewing platform takes 40 minutes round trip. The Te Ara Kairaumati Walk starts at the Clearwater River suspension bridge, where the water is still very brownish at the beginning. Downstream, however, the water turns very clear. The dark water of Lake Matheson makes it a perfect natural mirror. With little wind and clear skies, it reflects the fantastic image of New Zealand’s two highest mountains, Mount Cook and Mount Tasman. The best times to see and enjoy the reflection in the lake are dusk and dawn.
Hooker Lake
Often forgotten, but one of the most beautiful lakes in New Zealand, is Hooker Lake. A very popular hike of around 10.5 kilometres across suspension bridges through the New Zealand Alps leads to Hooker Lake. This is the final highlight of the Hooker Valley Track and offers breathtaking views of Mount Cook.
The lake is one of the most accessible glacial lakes; not only because you can hike to the base of the lake, but also because you can visit it all year round.
Im Winter ist der See gefroren, jedoch ist der Track zum Hooker Lake auch in den Wintermonaten sicher. In den wärmeren Sommermonaten hingegen schwimmen kleine Eisberge auf dem See, welche ein schönes Fotomotiv hergeben.
