Lake Wakatipu
Address
Lake Wakatipu
GPS
-45.08880415, 168.5211107791
The valley that is now filled by Lake Wakatipu was formerly occupied by glaciers that retreated thousands of years ago. Queenstown, Lake Wakatipu, and the Remarkables are all visible to visitors from Fernhill, and they provide for a magnificent view. There is always a new view waiting for you around the next bend in Queenstown.
The Kawarau River, which begins in Queenstown and empties into the northern end of Lake Wakatipu, is responsible for the lake’s outflow. The Dart and Rees Rivers feed into the lake.
The lake is located in a single depression that was cut out by glaciers, and it is surrounded on all sides by steep mountains, the tallest of which is Mount Earnslaw, which is 2819 metres in height. Queenstown and the villages of Kingston, Glenorchy, and Kinloch are just few of the communities that can be found along the lakeshore.
The water level of Lake Wakatipu rises and falls by approximately 10 centimetres every 25 minutes or so as a result of the lake’s peculiar shape, which causes it to have a ‘tide’ (more accurately referred to as an extremely big seiche or “standing wave”). According to Maori folklore, the occurrence in question is connected to the beating heart of a massive monster called Matau, who is thought to be dozing at the bottom of the lake.
A trip around Lake Wakatipu on a steamship that has been lovingly refurbished is the most relaxing and enjoyable way to take in the breathtaking vistas of the surrounding mountains. Every day, the T.S.S. Earnslaw performs lake tours on the water.
This antique steamship is a symbol of New Zealand; it is easily recognisable thanks to its vivid red funnel, white hull, and kauri timber decks. One other opportunity to take in all of the splendour that this lake has to offer is to go on the Spirit of Queenstown Scenic Tour. During the journey, you will travel all the way across the lake to the remote Mt. Nicholas High Country Farm as well as into the aqua shallows of Bob’s Cove.
The mouths of the Greenstone and Lochy Rivers offer some of the best fishing opportunities for trout in Lake Wakatipu, which is open throughout the year. Swimming is a common activity on the lake’s beaches during the summer months. This breathtaking region of the country can be explored at your own pace on the Lake Wakatipu Ride, which is included as a section of the Queenstown Trails.