New Zealand’s lakes are something special. Think turquoise waters surrounded by snowy mountains, still surfaces reflecting the sky, or misty mornings. From north to south, NZ lakes offer unforgettable stops for road trippers, photographers and nature lovers. This guide covers the seven most beautiful lakes in New Zealand, each with its own appeal, whether that’s alpine views, volcanic history or wildlife. Adding in a stop to see these beautiful lakes is a great way to see some of New Zealand’s stunning scenery on your visit.
1. Lake Tekapo: Stars Scenic Views
Lake Tekapo earns its reputation from every angle. In between the Southern Alps with a bring, glacial blue colour, this iconic South Island lake draws travellers in all seasons. On clear nights, the sky above Tekapo lights up with stars like you’ve never seen before. What sets Tekapo apart is the combination of water, sky and snow. Whether you’re passing through en route to Mount Cook or Queenstown or you’re basing your stay here, Lake Tekapo is an absolute must-see. Visit during the winter months to enjoy the snowy mountains or even catch snow on the ground, or stop in from November to January to catch the famous foxglove season
What Makes Lake Tekapo Special
Lake Tekapo also sits inside the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve. With minimal light pollution, stargazing here is world-class. The lake’s unique colour comes from rock flour carried by glacier-fed rivers. The Church of the Good Shepherd provides a scenic photo spot, especially at sunrise.
Things to Do Near Lake Tekapo
- Soak in hot pools at Tekapo Springs
- Stargaze with Dark Sky Project tours
- Walk up Mount John for views over the basin
- Enjoy lunch at the lakeside Astro Café
2. Lake Pukaki: Turquoise Waters & Mt Aoraki Views
Lake Pukaki often catches drivers off guard. One minute you’re navigating an open highway, the next you’re staring at an electric-blue lake with Mount Cook rising behind it. Fed by the Tasman River, Pukaki’s colour changes slightly with the seasons and sunlight. Located near the start of the road to Aoraki/Mount Cook Village, this South Island lake makes a perfect photo stop or picnic spot when heading into the national park.
What Makes Lake Pukaki Special
Pukaki offers uninterrupted views of New Zealand’s tallest mountain, Aoraki. It’s part of a hydroelectric system and is one of three major glacial lakes in the Mackenzie Basin. The lake’s stillness and clarity, paired with its backdrop, make it a favourite for landscape photographers.
Things to Do Near Lake Pukaki
- Stop at Peter’s Lookout for photos
- Drive the scenic 45-minute route to Mount Cook
- Sample salmon sashimi at Mount Cook Alpine Salmon
- Walk the short Lake Pukaki Foreshore Trail
3. Lake Taupō: NZ’s Largest Lake & Adventure Hub
In the heart of the North Island sits Lake Taupō, formed by a volcanic eruption roughly 26,500 years ago. It’s New Zealand’s largest lake and offers every kind of activity, fishing, sailing, jet boating, hiking and hot springs. Lake Taupō is a perfect mix of natural beauty and easy access to fun activities.
What Makes Lake Taupō Special
Lake Taupō spans 616 km², almost the same size as Singapore! It was created by one of the world’s most violent eruptions and now sits in the Taupō caldera. Despite its size, the lake remains swimmable with calm waters near town.
Things to Do Near Lake Taupō
- Cruise to the Mine Bay Māori rock carvings
- Soak in geothermal pools at Wairakei Terraces
- Visit Huka Falls
- Try trout fishing or skydiving over the lake
4. Lake Wakatipu: Queenstown’s Scenic Stop
Lake Wakatipu curves around the base of Queenstown, giving the town its postcard backdrop. This glacier-carved lake offers reflections of the surrounding mountains and accessible walking trails, plus plenty of food, adventure and rest stops along the lakeside. As one of the most recognisable South Island lakes, Wakatipu is easily accessible from Queenstown, you can just walk out of your hotel and experience stunning lakeside views.
What Makes Lake Wakatipu Special
At 291 km², it’s the third-largest lake in New Zealand. Its S-shaped curve and surrounding mountain peaks, especially the Remarkables range, give it a dramatic look. The lake rises and falls every 26 minutes by a few centimetres, something locals call a “lake tide.”
Things to Do Near Lake Wakatipu
- Ride the historic TSS Earnslaw steamship
- Hike Queenstown Hill or Bob’s Peak
- Walk the Frankton Track
- Grab coffee at Boatshed Cafe overlooking the water
5. Lake Wānaka: Relaxed Alpine Beauty
Wānaka strikes a balance between wild nature and small-town charm. The lake itself stretches out under Mount Alta, with a gentle curve along the town. Lake Wānaka is perfect for strolling along while you're stopping in or staying in Wānaka. In winter, the lake is also great for swimming or kayaking, whilst in winter, you can enjoy cool and crisp lakeside air with your morning coffee. Famous for the now-iconic “Wānaka Tree,” the lake delivers peaceful mornings, golden sunsets and just a nice space to unwind.
What Makes Lake Wānaka Special
Lake Wānaka covers 192 km² and is New Zealand’s fourth-largest lake. It’s surrounded by mountain peaks and valleys, with easy access to nearby hikes and national parks. The water stays cold year-round but looks stunning in every season.
Things to Do Near Lake Wānaka
- Walk the Waterfall Creek Track
- Rent a kayak or paddleboard
- Photograph the famous Wānaka tree
- Visit Rippon Vineyard for lakeside tastings
6. Lake Hawea: Peaceful Mountain Backdrops
Just 15 minutes from Wānaka, Lake Hawea offers a quieter alternative for those after a bit of quiet and stunning scenery. With clear waters and a small town centre, it’s a favourite for fishing, wild camping and slow mornings. If Wānaka feels busy, Hawea offers space to breathe without sacrificing mountain views.
What Makes Lake Hawea Special
Lake Hawea stretches over 35 km and sits at a higher elevation than neighbouring lakes. The landscape feels untouched, with beautiful cliffs, wild tussocks, and stunning ridgelines giving it a remote feel. Winds from the north can make it choppy, so early mornings tend to be calmer.
Things to Do Near Lake Hawea
- Stop at the Gladstone lookout
- Walk or bike the Hawea River Track
- Swim or fish from the lakefront reserve in summer
- Camp near the township or further north at Kidds Bush
7. Lake Rotoiti: Forest Trails & Lakeside Serenity
Tucked inside Nelson Lakes National Park, Lake Rotoiti offers peaceful surroundings, alpine views and access to some of New Zealand’s most scenic native bush. Located near the village of St Arnaud, this South Island lake feels far removed from crowds. Whether you’re walking through beech forest or paddling across glassy water, Rotoiti is a stunning and calm lake to add to your list. In winter you can expect chilly but beautiful frosts along the shoreline and in summer enjoy picnics and dips in the water. Black swans and shags are often seen on the lake as well as beautiful birdsong in the nearby walking tracks.
What Makes Lake Rotoiti Special
Lake Rotoiti sits at the northern tip of the Southern Alps in Nelson Lakes National Park. Surrounded by native forest and steep hills, the lake offers both accessibility and a wild feel. The jetty at Kerr Bay is one of the most photographed spots in the region, especially during calm sunrise reflections. It’s also a gateway to alpine hikes, including the popular Angelus Hut Route for experienced trampers.
Things to Do Near Lake Rotoiti
- Walk the Lake Rotoiti Loop Track through beech forest with lakeside views
- Launch a kayak or paddleboard from Kerr Bay
- Visit the Department of Conservation Centre in St Arnaud for track maps and info
- Hike to Lakehead Hut for a full-day alpine walk or overnight tramp
Planning Your Lake Adventure in New Zealand
Many of the most scenic NZ lakes are located far from public transport lines, tucked behind ranges or spread across both islands. Travelling by car gives you the freedom to move at your own pace, pull over for scenic stops and reach viewpoints before the crowds. Mode Rentals offers five branches across the country, including Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and Queenstown, making it easy to start and end your journey wherever suits you. Whether you’re after a compact option or space for gear and hiking boots, we’ve got a vehicle for your lake loop.
NZ Lakes FAQ
What are the 5 largest lakes in New Zealand?
The five largest lakes in New Zealand by surface area are:
Lake Taupō (616 km²), Lake Te Anau (344 km²), Lake Wakatipu (291 km²), Lake Wānaka (192 km²), Lake Pukaki (182 km²).
How many lakes are in NZ?
New Zealand contains thousands of lakes. Estimates vary depending on size thresholds, but there are approximately 3,820 lakes larger than one hectare.
What is the cleanest lake in New Zealand?
Rotomairewhenua (Blue Lake), located in Nelson Lakes National Park, is considered the clearest natural lake in the world. Visibility has been measured up to 80 metres, according to New Zealand's National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research (NIWA).
