Lake Wakatipu

Lake Wakatipu is a large inland lake in the Otago region of New Zealand’s South Island, known locally for its long, sinuous shape and for bordering the town of Queenstown. The lake is a central feature of the Queenstown Lakes district and a major focus for regional tourism.

The lake is used for a wide range of outdoor activities including scenic cruises, kayaking, fishing and shoreline walks. A historic steamship operates public cruises across the lake to high-country farmland, and nearby mountain viewpoints and trails offer panorama of the water and surrounding ranges. The lake’s shoreline includes towns, farms and recreational facilities concentrated around Queenstown and at the northern end near Glenorchy.

Lake Wakatipu is a glacial lake formed by ice action during successive ice ages; its present basin and surrounding terraces were shaped by glaciation. European settlement around the lake increased in the 19th century, and the area developed into a transport and tourism hub in the 20th century.

The lake sits in inland Otago, framed by ranges of the Southern Alps. Queenstown occupies the lake’s southeastern shore and the small settlement of Glenorchy lies at the northern end; mountain roads and tracks connect the lakeshore to nearby valleys and alpine areas.

• Steamship cruises: Daily public cruises operate on the lake and the historic TSS Earnslaw provides a regular return trip to Walter Peak.
• Best viewpoints: The Queenstown Gondola and nearby hilltop lookouts give panoramic views of the lake framed by the Remarkables and other peaks.

What to See #

• Queenstown waterfront: Main town on the lake's shore and the principal departure point for cruises, waterfront walks, restaurants and access to the Queenstown Gondola viewpoint.
• TSS Earnslaw / Walter Peak: Historic steamship launched in 1912 that still operates public cruises and calls at Walter Peak High Country Farm on the southern shore.
• Glenorchy: Small settlement at the northern end of the lake that serves as the start of several scenic roads and tracks into the surrounding countryside.