Lake Wakatipu
₹ 465 onwards
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Label : Top Attraction
Tags : Lake
Time Required : Summer
Entry Fee : Free
Ways to Experience this attraction
Lake Wakatipu, Queenstown Overview
Lake Wakatipu, a glacier-carved lake in Queenstown, is New Zealand’s longest lake, stretching 80 km in a lightning-bolt shape. Surrounded by the Remarkables mountain range, it’s renowned for its scenic beauty and the unique rhythmic rise and fall of its water level, known as the lake’s "heartbeat." Visitors can enjoy activities like kayaking, cruises on the historic TSS Earnslaw steamboat, and lakeside trails starting from Queenstown's waterfront.
As a result of the lake’s unusual shape, Lake Wakatipu experiences a sort of ‘tide’ that causes the water levels to rise up and down rhythmically every half an hour. Maori folk tales speak of a massive beast that was burned but left its heart behind, in the depths of the lake, still beating which is responsible for the tide of the lake.
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T.S.S Earnslaw Steamboat Cruise
Due to Lake Wakatipu’s proximity to Queenstown, there is no dearth of activities to do around Lake Wakatipu. The iconic heritage steamboat, the T.S.S Earnslaw, with its distinctive white hull and bright red smokestacks, takes passengers on trips around the lake daily. It is also the last surviving commercial-passenger coal-powered steamship south of the equator.
Spirit of Queenstown Scenic Tour
For a more comprehensive experience of Lake Wakatipu, the Spirit of Queenstown Scenic Tour embarks with its passengers on a 2-hour long cruise around the lake. The Queenstown Scenic Tour goes farther into the lake than any other boat-cruise and as a result, reveals to its passengers secluded bays and the teal waters of Bob’s Cove. The friendly and attentive staff, along with the boat’s captain, will regale you with interesting anecdotes about the lake and is sure to keep your interest piqued.
Lakeshore Beaches
The shoreline of Lake Wakatipu, including Queenstown Bay Beach are favourite picnic spots, and even for a swim. However, be aware that the water does get frigid during the winter time. Water sports equipment are available for hire at Queenstown Bay Beach during the summer.
Fishing
Lake Wakatipu has a few different species of freshwater fish that live in its water, which make for great fishing. It is common to see locals try their luck in fishing for brown trout that feed off the vegetation that grows near the edges of the lake. If the weather is good, another option would be to go fly fishing off a boat further into the lake.
Queenstown Trails
The Queenstown Trails is a collection of walking trails totalling 120 km that meander through the incredible landscape of Queenstown and the surrounding area. The Frankton Track and Kelvin Peninsula Trail is a 16 km walking track of moderate difficulty that skirts around the edge of Lake Wakatipu and is a perfect escape for people looking for a short walk out of town.
Jet-boat ride
For a truly exhilarating experience, strap yourself into a jet-boat as it pulls you along at speeds over 90 km/h through the raging rapids of the Shotover and Kawarau rivers, which drain Lake Wakatipu. A thrilling hour-long jet-boat ride that’s sure to get your adrenaline pumping, the KJet is a staple of the ‘Adventure Capital of the World’.
Paddle-boarding
For those looking for a slower pace of things, paddleboarding on Lake Wakatipu is sure to bask in the tranquillity of the experience. A recently-emerged popular pastime amongst locals, Lake Wakatipu, offers the perfect setting to stand-up paddleboard. Paddleboards are available for rent from the lakeshore beaches.
How To Reach Lake Wakatipu
Situated just outside of Queenstown, Lake Wakatipu is easily accessible from the city centre. Bus lines 8, 9, and 11 ply the route from Queenstown to Lake Wakatipu. The closest bus stations are Queenstown (Connells/Camp St.) and Steamer Wharf/Crowne Plaza, both a short 5-minute walk away from the lake.
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