Queenstown Lakes: Lakes & Rivers

The Queenstown Lakes district features diverse glacial-formed bodies of water ranging from the expansive Lake Wānaka and Lake Hāwea to smaller alpine gems. These sites are fed by mountain runoff and glaciers, resulting in deep blue hues and high water clarity. The Blue Pools, located within Mount Aspiring National Park, showcase glacial water flowing into the Makarora River. This collection highlights the region's unique geography, including "The Neck"—the narrow strip of land separating two of New Zealand’s largest lakes.

Blue Pools

Glacial-fed pools of deep blue water located in Mount Aspiring National Park. The site is accessible via a track through silver beech forest and features swing bridges over the Makarora River.

Lake Wānaka

Lake Wānaka is New Zealand's fourth-largest lake and the seat of the town of Wānaka in the Otago region.

Lake Hāwea

Lake Hāwea is New Zealand's ninth largest lake.

Lake Nigel

Small alpine lake located in the Eyre Mountains south of Lake Wakatipu.

Diamond Lake

A small lake near Wānaka surrounded by bluffs. It serves as the starting point for the Diamond Lake and Rocky Mountain tracks, which overlook the Matukituki Valley.