Lake Hauroko
Lake New Zealand's deepest lake in Fiordland
Lake Hauroko in southwestern New Zealand is the country’s deepest lake, set amid Fiordland scrub and steep hills; anglers, kayakers and trampers use boat access to reach wild shoreline campsites.
Lake Hauroko is a deep glacial lake in the southwest of New Zealand’s South Island, within the Fiordland region. It is notable for being New Zealand’s deepest lake and for its remote, largely undeveloped shoreline.
The lake is used for wilderness recreation including boating, fishing and backcountry access; its length and steep shores give it a fjord-like character. Access is relatively remote compared with many New Zealand lakes, and services are limited.
Shaped by glacial erosion during the last ice ages, the basin retains steep-sided features typical of glacial valleys. The surrounding landscape is dominated by native forest and rugged terrain.
Lake Hauroko sits in southwestern Southland/Fiordland, on the South Island of New Zealand, surrounded by mountainous and forested country with few nearby towns.
- Depth: Deepest lake in New Zealand, with a maximum recorded depth of about 462 metres, set within remote Fiordland terrain.
Tips for Visiting Lake Hauroko #
- Lake Hauroko is New Zealand's deepest lake, set in a remote Southland/Fiordland area - check Department of Conservation (DOC) guidance and current road conditions before you go.
- There are few services nearby, so plan fuel, food and communications in advance and consider arranging a local boat or kayak if you want to explore beyond the immediate shoreline.
- Weather and wind can change quickly in the district; aim for calm mornings for the best reflections and safer small-boat use, and file an intended route with someone before heading into remote areas.
Best Time to Visit Lake Hauroko #
Best in the austral summer (December-February) for milder weather and better trekking and boating conditions.
Weather & Climate near Lake Hauroko #
Lake Hauroko's climate is classified as Oceanic - Oceanic climate with cool summers (peaking in January) and cold winters (coldest in July). Temperatures range from 4°C to 18°C. Abundant rainfall (1451 mm/year), wettest in May, distributed fairly evenly throughout the year.
January
January is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 10°C. Significant rainfall (122 mm).
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February
February is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 10°C. Regular rainfall (97 mm).
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March
March is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 10°C. Significant rainfall (113 mm).
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April
April is cool with highs of 14°C and lows of 8°C. Regular rainfall (99 mm).
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May
May is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 6°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (156 mm).
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June
June is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of 4°C. Significant rainfall (149 mm).
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July
July is the coolest month with highs of 9°C and lows of 4°C. Significant rainfall (116 mm).
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August
August is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 4°C. Significant rainfall (111 mm).
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September
September is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 5°C. Significant rainfall (114 mm).
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October
October is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of 6°C. Significant rainfall (135 mm).
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November
November is cool with highs of 14°C and lows of 8°C. Significant rainfall (110 mm).
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December
December is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 9°C. Significant rainfall (129 mm).
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