One of the great attractions of traveling to New Zealand is the perfect scenery of the country. For hiking and outdoor adventure, there really is no place on the planet more lush; with rolling hills, thick forests, beaches, and green grass in every direction you look. The country’s South Island offers all kinds of landscapes to explore, from the towering mountains of the Southern Alps to the view of the sea from Picton to the north.
south island lakes
If you’re looking for some landmarks to plan your trip, why not take a trip that’s a little more interesting than just driving from city to city? The South Island has beautiful lakes in almost every region – planning your itinerary around them is an exciting way to take in the charm of the country while taking in all that is available.
Lake Wanaka
Surrounded by the Otago Mountains, Lake Wanaka is the fourth largest in the country and is adjacent to one of New Zealand’s fastest growing tourist towns. It’s not just a good view: Lake Wanaka offers its visitors plenty to do, from kayaking and fishing to jet boating on the waters.
Wanaka itself is a laid-back alternative to its Queenstown counterpart, sharing a similar aesthetic without the rush of younger commuters thronging the city.
Lake Matheson
Overlooking Mount Cook, the largest in Australasia, situated in the heart of the West Coast, Lake Matheson is one of the most beautiful in the country. Easy access to the nearby township of Fox Glacier makes Lake Matheson a great stop before heading southeast for a guided glacier climb and overnight.
Lake Wakatipu
Lake Wakatipu is New Zealand’s longest lake and is located next to the South Island’s most popular ski and resort town, Queenstown. It is both a stunning lake and a stunning part of the country. The view from the Remarkables is stunning and Queenstown itself is absolutely perfect.
A popular ski and snowboard destination, Queenstown is the place to be during the winter and adventure sports such as bungee jumping, abseiling and white water rafting are big draws year-round.
Christchurch’s central location and large airport make it the hub of tourism in the south, and most travelers make their way to the island via Garden City if they don’t take the ferry between Wellington and Picton. It’s a good idea to hire a car at Christchurch Airport when you first arrive – having a vehicle gives you much more freedom to move at your own pace. See more during your stay in New Zealand’s South Island and plan a lake-hopping trip.