Lake Hauroko

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.

• 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.