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Best lake destinations in Oceania

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Queenstown
Adventure capital with alpine beauty
8.5
Lake Wakatipu is New Zealand's longest lake at 50 miles and plunges 1,380 feet deep. Its lake floor lies below sea level. The Remarkables mountains line the southeastern edge. A vintage steamboat regularly sails the water. A seiche raises and lowers the level in Queenstown Bay by about 8 inches.
Highlights:
  • 🚤 Cruise Lake Wakatipu on the historic TSS Earnslaw
  • ⚡ Zipline through the pine trees at Bob's Peak
  • 🚡 Ride the Skyline Gondola for panoramic views
Lake Tekapo
The Glacial Gem of the South Island
8.6
Meltwater from the Southern Alps carries glacial silt that turns the lake turquoise. It reaches 390 feet deep and lies 2,330 feet above sea level. The Church of the Good Shepherd, built in 1935, frames the view through its altar window. Aoraki Mackenzie Dark Sky Reserve was designated in 2012.
Highlights:
  • ♨️ Relax and soak in the Tekapo Springs hot pools
  • 🌌 Stargaze in the Aoraki Mackenzie Dark Sky Reserve
  • ⛪ Visit the iconic Church of the Good Shepherd
Taupō
Volcanic Lake, Adventure and Hot Springs
8.2
Lake Taupo covers 238 square miles and is the largest lake in New Zealand. It formed when the caldera from the Oruanui eruption flooded. That eruption was the largest known in 70,000 years. Brown trout arrived in 1887 and rainbow trout in 1898. A 33 foot carving of Ngatoro-i-rangi watches over Mine Bay.
Highlights:
  • 🌋 Explore the geothermal wonders of Craters of the Moon
  • 🛶 Kayak to the famous Māori Rock Carvings at Mine Bay
  • 🌊 Witness the thunderous power of Huka Falls
Wanaka
Alpine Adventure, Lakeside Serenity
8.6
Lake Wanaka is the fourth largest lake in New Zealand at 77 square miles. It stretches up to 26 miles and reaches about 1,020 feet deep. Matukituki River and Makarora River feed it before the Clutha River drains it. A willow growing just inside the water has become an attraction itself.
Highlights:
  • 🧗‍♂️ Climb the world's highest waterfall via ferrata at Wildwire
  • 🌳 Snap photos of the iconic Wanaka Tree by the lake
  • 🥾 Hike Roys Peak for breathtaking lake and mountain views
Rotorua
Geothermal Wonders and Māori Culture
8.2
Lake Rotorua fills a caldera left after a volcano's last major eruption about 240,000 years ago. It is the second largest lake on the North Island at 31 square miles. Mokoia Island rises near its centre and links to the legend of Hinemoa swimming to her lover. Ngongotaha stream draws trout anglers.
Highlights:
  • 🛷 Experience thrilling rides at Skyline Luge tracks
  • 🚡 Ride the Skyline Gondola for panoramic views
  • 🌋 Explore the colorful thermal pools at Wai-O-Tapu
Fiordland National Park
New Zealand’s Wildest Water World
8.7
Lake Te Anau and Lake Manapouri line the western boundary of New Zealand's largest national park at 4,868 square miles. A 1960s plan to raise Manapouri for hydroelectricity sparked a conservation battle. Doubtful Sound day tours cross Manapouri by boat. Lake Monowai has road access to a campsite.
Highlights:
  • 🪶 Scenic fly over dramatic fjords and hidden alpine lakes
  • 🥾 Hike the world-famous Milford Track through lush rainforest
  • 🛥️ Cruise through majestic Milford Sound and spot playful dolphins
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