icon
article-hero

6 Beautiful Lakes In New Zealand You’d Be Tempted To Take A Dip In

avatar-name

Iman Izzati Azhari •  Nov 30, 2016

New Zealand is home to many natural wonders. Oh so blue lakes with picturesque views, it is indeed a dream destination to most of us! Let's look at some of the stunning lakes that New Zealand has to offer. You'll definitely be blown away by their beauty!

Credit: giphy

1. Bay of Islands

Bird’s eye view of the Bay of Islands
Bird’s eye view of the Bay of Islands

Credit: nz-australiatours

Just like the name, the Bay of Islands encompasses more than 140 islands along the Northern coastline and hosts a variety of activities for visitors to indulge themselves in.

From appreciating the bloody history of the lands at Ruapekapeka Pa and Roberton Island…

Roberton Island: The island where the Roberton family was murdered by Maketū Wharetōtara
Roberton Island: The island where the Roberton family was murdered by Maketū Wharetōtara

Credit: newzealand

…to paving your way across the archaeological walking trails at Urupukapuka Island…

Trekking on Urapukapuka Island
Trekking on Urapukapuka Island

Credit:rankers

…to scuba diving in the clear turquoise waters of Waewaetorea…

Waewaetorea Island
Waewaetorea Island

Credit: bay-of-islands

…the Bay of Islands has got it all.

2. Lake Wakatipu

Lake Wakatipu painted in all shades of blue.
Lake Wakatipu painted in all shades of blue.

Credit: newzealand.freedomtourism

Imagine a scenery painted with all the shades of blue and you’ve got Lake Wakatipu (hey, that rhymed!).

Naturally taking the shape of a lightning bolt, Lake Wakatipu is the third-largest lake and the longest lake in New Zealand situated in the South Island. Drive along the lake or take a morning walk to experience a tranquil panorama that will tug at your heartstrings even after you move on. For those who want to experience being on the lake, they have speedboat and steamboat services for tourists.

3. Lake Tekapo

Pink and purple Russell Lupine flowers at Lake Tekapo.
Pink and purple Russell Lupine flowers at Lake Tekapo.

Credit: tekapo

Before you claim that the above image is a photoshopped image used only for Windows’ background, let me tell you that the scene is indeed real, and it lies in the heart of the Mackenzie Country. Lake Tekapo not only provides hydro electrical energy to neighbouring towns, it also offers a long list of unique activities surrounding the lake and Mount Cook.

4. Lake Pukaki

6 Lake Pukaki
Sparkling turquoise water of Lake Pukaki sourced from molten glaciers.

Credit: imaggeo

A neighbor of Lake Tekapo that runs along the Northen Edge of the Mackenzie, Lake Pukaki is no less stunning with a unique color derived from glacial flour. If you’re on a personal drive, have a stop at the Information Centre and Mount Cook Alpine Salmon for their positively-acclaimed salmon dishes. You can even purchase fresh salmon and smoked salmon from the Centre.

5. Koekohe Beach near Moeraki

The famous dinosaur egg-shaped Moeraki boulders.
The famous dinosaur egg-shaped Moeraki boulders.

Credit: ufosandalienlife

The main reason people come by and visit the Koekohe Beach on the Otago Coast is because of the spherical boulders located along the shores. These boulders age more than 40 million years and carry a thrilling mythical story behind their creations.

6. Milford Sound

8-1 Milford Sound
Milford Sound as viewed from the air

Credit: milfordlodge

Dubbed as the ‘eighth world wonder’ by author Rudyard Kipling, Milford Sound is a natural wonder that is almost untainted by humans. The lake stretches for 16km and houses two waterfalls – the Stirling Falls and the Lady Bowen Falls.

Getting up close to the waterfalls
Getting up close to the waterfalls

Credit: anotherheader

The lake is accompanied by Mitre Peak, an iconic mountain by the shores of Milford Sound which is the most photographed mountain in the country.

[caption id="attachment_8891" align="alignnone" width="1000">

Seeing double? The Mitre Peak are reflected on Milford Sound
Seeing double? The Mitre Peak are reflected on Milford Sound

Credit: keaphotography

You can drink in the cool beauty of Milford Sound and the formations surrounding it in three ways: either by coach, cruise, flight, or all of them. The cruise is highly recommended as they take you as close as possible to the waterfalls (sometimes even under them) and if you’re lucky, you might even encounter a group of seals!

#HHWT Tip: Opt to be dropped off at the Milford Discovery Centre and Underwater Observatory at Harrison Cove. You can dive more than 500 meters deep and view the underwater creatures without actually getting wet and cold.

So there you have it! Know of any other lakes in New Zealand that we have missed? Let us know in the comments and we will definitely add them into the list!