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New Zealand is home to some of the most beautiful lakes in the world. From crystal-clear alpine lakes to large volcanic crater lakes, these waters are an important part of the country’s landscape and culture. There are thousands of lakes across both islands, and many of them are formed by glaciers and volcanoes.
Lake Taupō, which is New Zealand’s largest lake, is roughly the size of Singapore. It It was created by a massive volcanic eruption thousands of years ago.
2 Hours 30 Mins 
Experience the wonder of our 1935 Scottish built motor sailor
3 hours
Scenic flight with aerial views of Mount Tarawera and Volcanic Craters
1 Days 
2 Hours 30 Mins 
2 hours
Aerial highlights include: Crater Lakes, Geothermal Reserves and Volcanic Craters
40 Mins 
1 Hours 30 Mins 
Spend 90 minutes soaking in the natural hot pools on Lake Rotoiti, only accessible by water
2 Hours 20 Mins 
Fly through stunning Fiordland National Park
40 mins
1 Hours 
Experience the wonder of our 1935 Scottish built motor sailor
1.5 hours
2 Hours 
Thrilling take off and landing on Lake Rotorua
40 Mins 
Beat the crowds with a bird’s eye view of iconic Milford Sound
1 Hours 30 Mins 
9 Hours 
Feel the thrill of whitewater rafting over 3 waterfalls and 14 rapids
2 Hours 
Discover the majesty of the Molesworth Station as you ride through the incredible terrain
11 days 
2 Hours 30 Mins 
River landing at Orakei Korako Geothermal Park plus a hour long self guided tour through the park
2 Hours 30 Mins 
Guided lake tour of Rotoiti onboard the one of a kind Airstream vessel
2 Hours 30 Mins 
The only Ziplining experience to fly over waterfalls in New Zealand
2 Hours 
6 hours 
Thrilling backroad blasted by hand into a shear rock face 60m above Lake Hawea
5 hours 
12 Hours 
25 mins
20 mins
5 Hours 45 Mins 
1 hours 
25 Mins 
4 hours 
5 Hours 
Scenic Cruise to the famous Ngātoroirangi Māori Rock Carvings.
1 Hours 30 Mins 
Hobbiton Movie Set & the newly opened Bagshot Row
12 Hours 
13 Hours 
Scenic return flights from Queenstown over alpine backcountry and Fiordland’s untouched landscapes
4 hours 
12 Hours 
Kayak or cruise with a Glacier & Mountain Backdrop
2 Hours 
1 hours 
30 Mins 
30 Mins 
Experience two landing locations including landing in the famous Earnslaw Burn valley floor
1 Hours 15 Mins 
The stunning Lake Matheson - a photographers dream!
12 Hours 
1 hours 
15 mins
10 Hours 
Get up close and personal with The Remarkables mountain range
20 Mins 
See remote Fiordland valleys, forests, waterfalls and lakes
5 Hours 
45-min TSS Earnslaw Steamship Cruise from Queenstown to Wa-l-t-e-r Peak
2 Days 1 Hours 30 Mins 
2 Hours 30 Mins 
3 Hours 
9 Hours 
Native Flora and Faune surrounding you as you float through a prehistoric like canyon
3 Hours 
5 Hours 
1 hours 30 mins
Lake Tekapo - including the Church of the Good Shepherd
5 Hours 
8 Hours 30 Mins 
1 Hours 15 Mins 
13 Hours 
Hobbiton Movie Set & the newly opened Bagshot Row
13 Hours 
Flexible wine tour through top wineries in Arrowtown, Queenstown, and Gibbston Valley.
6 Hours 
1 Hours 
View Aoraki/Mt Cook -the highest mountain in New Zealand
30 mins
3 Hours 30 Mins 
1 Hours 
Aerial highlights include: Northern Crater Lakes, Bay of Plenty
2 Hours 
7 Hours 
1 hours 45 mins
Take a luxury catamaran cruise amid the outstanding natural beauty of Lake Wanaka
1 hour
4 hours 
3 Hours 
2 Hours 
Gourmet picnic at a hidden alpine lake in the Kahurangi National Park
3 hours 
Lake Tekapo & Church of the Good Shephard
13 Hours 
1 hours 30 mins
The hike along Snake Ridge to Beuzenberg Peak, 2070m, highest point on Te Araroa Trail
2 days 
Historic geothermal pools drawing from Rotorua’s unique Priest and Rachel Springs
1 Hours 
Experience Taupo's highest skydive at a whopping 16,500ft!
1 Hours 
1 Hours 
Embark on an epic 25-minute helicopter flight into the impressive Mount Aspiring National Park
5 Hours 
13 Hours 
Milford Sound Cruise with Cruise Milford
13 Hours 
45 mins
Get behind the scenes of a genuine New Zealand High Country farm – West Wanaka Station
4 hours 30 mins
Best Mercedes Tour Van from Queenstown to Milford Sound
12 Hours 30 Mins 
1 Days 12 Hours 
Glowworms surrounding you as you float through a prehistoric like canyon
3 Hours 
Queenstown is widely known as the lakes tour capital of New Zealand. Located on the shores of Lake Wakatipu and surrounded by stunning alpine scenery, Queenstown is a popular base for many iconic lake tours and cruises. Other top lake destinations include Lake Taupō in the North Island, famous for its size and scenic cruises to the Māori rock carvings at Mine Bay, and Lake Rotorua, known for its volcanic setting and lakeside experiences. In the South Island, Lake Wānaka and Lake Pukaki are also very popular, offering beautiful water activities and amazing mountain views, while Lake Te Anau is a gateway to Fiordland and Milford Sound, making it a must-visit for lake and nature tours.
Some of the top lakes tours in New Zealand include the Rotorua City & Lakes Tour (90–105 mins), a scenic coach tour around Rotorua’s beautiful lakes with cultural and nature highlights; the Scenic Lake Rotoiti Kayak Tour – Rotorua, a peaceful paddling experience on calm waters surrounded by native forest; the Starlight Gourmet Kayak Tour – Rotorua, a unique evening kayak trip with a gourmet meal under the stars; and the Floatplane Crater Lakes Flight Plus Hotpools, an exciting aerial flight over volcanic lakes followed by a relaxing soak in natural hot pools. On the North Island, the Scenic Cruise to the famous Ngātoroirangi Māori Rock Carvings on Lake Taupō takes you by boat to view the towering rock carvings with commentary. In the South Island, the Lake Cruise & Guided Island Nature Walk on Lake Wānaka combines a peaceful lake cruise with a guided walk on a scenic island, and Taupo Sailing Adventures offers relaxed sailing on Lake Taupō with panoramic views. These tours showcase New Zealand’s stunning lake landscapes and offer a mix of adventure, culture, and relaxation.
Yes, you can visit most lakes in New Zealand in any season, but weather conditions do affect how enjoyable and safe your visit will be. Many lakes, including those around Rotorua, are accessible year-round and offer beautiful views in rain, sunshine, or even light showers, since the scenery and geothermal surroundings are stunning in all conditions. However, the weather can change quickly, especially around alpine lakes and big volcanic crater lakes, so it’s important to be prepared with appropriate clothing and check local conditions before heading out. Some water-based activities, such as kayaking or boat tours, may be more pleasant or operate more frequently in calmer, fair weather, while in wind or rain, these experiences can be less comfortable or sometimes rescheduled for safety. Always dress for the conditions, allow extra time in your plans, and if in doubt, check with local operators about weather impacts on specific lake tours or activities.
Yes, kayak tours are definitely offered and are a popular way to explore New Zealand’s lake scenery. In the Rotorua lakes area, there are several guided kayak experiences available. These include the Scenic Lake Rotoiti Kayak Tour – Rotorua, where you paddle across calm lake waters past native bush and birdlife before enjoying a soak in the Manupirua Hot Pools, and the Starlight Gourmet Kayak Tour – Rotorua, an evening paddle that features a BBQ dinner and views of a hidden glowworm cave under the stars. There is also the Glow Worm Kayak Tour that takes you out at dusk to explore shoreline caves illuminated by glowworms as night falls. For a combined land and water experience, the Waimangu Valley Walk & Steaming Cliffs Kayak Tour blends a guided walk through a geothermal valley with kayaking on Lake Rotomahana. These tours offer a range of experiences from scenic daytime paddles and nature immersion to magical evening adventures on the water.
For lakes tours in New Zealand, it’s best to dress in layers because the weather can change quickly. Wear a comfortable base layer like a t-shirt or light long-sleeve top, and bring a warm mid-layer such as a fleece or sweater. A waterproof jacket is essential, especially if you are taking a boat or kayak tour, as you may get splashed or encounter wind and rain. For bottoms, choose quick-dry pants or shorts, and wear sturdy shoes or sandals that can get wet. Don’t forget a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen for sunny days, and bring a small backpack with an extra dry layer and a water bottle. If you’re going on a kayak or water-based tour, it’s also a good idea to wear swimwear underneath so you stay comfortable in case you get wet.
Lakes in New Zealand are more than just scenic spots. They are places where people swim, fish, kayak, or simply relax by the water. Many of them are surrounded by mountains, forests, or geothermal areas, making them stunning to visit at any time of year.
Some lakes are calm and perfect for families, while others are wild and dramatic, attracting adventurers and photographers. For Māori, lakes often hold deep cultural and spiritual meaning. They are part of stories and legends, and some are considered sacred.
Visitors are often surprised at how different New Zealand’s lakes can be. In the South Island, you’ll find bright turquoise glacial lakes like Lake Tekapo and Lake Pukaki, famous for their unreal colours. In the North Island, lakes like Taupō and Rotorua sit within ancient volcanic craters. Together, they show the incredible variety of landscapes in Aotearoa.
The largest lake in New Zealand, Lake Taupō, is the heart of the North Island. It was formed by a huge volcanic eruption about 26,000 years ago. Today, it’s a favourite spot for boating, trout fishing, swimming, and enjoying views of the surrounding mountains.
Lake Rotorua is known for its volcanic setting and cultural importance. Visitors often enjoy boat cruises, kayaking, or seeing geothermal activity around its edges.
This is another glacial lake with stunning turquoise water. On clear days, it offers one of the best views of Mount Cook, which is New Zealand’s tallest mountain.
The lake is surrounded by a mountain range and is at the heart of Queenstown. It’s famous for adventure activities and its unique “heartbeat” tide, which rises and falls every 25 minutes.
Weather: Conditions can change quickly, especially around alpine lakes. Always be prepared if you’re heading out for walks or water activities.
Activities: Lakes offer everything from swimming and boating to fishing and scenic walks. Choose based on your interests.
Respect Nature: Many lakes are culturally significant or part of protected areas. Follow local guidelines and leave no trace.
Lakes are a big part of life in New Zealand. For locals, they are places to spend summer holidays, go fishing with family, or enjoy picnics by the shore. For travellers, they are highlights of any trip, offering both beauty and recreation.
Many lakes also play an important role in hydroelectric power, helping to supply New Zealand with clean energy. Others are central to Māori traditions and legends, adding cultural depth to their natural beauty.
In the end, lakes in New Zealand are more than just bodies of water. They are gathering places, playgrounds, and sources of inspiration.
Explore some of New Zealand’s most popular travel destinations.
