Lake Wakatipu

Because of its unusual shape, Lake Wakatipu has a 'tide' (more correctly, an unusually large seiche or "standing wave"), which causes the water to rise and fall about 10 centimetres every 25 minutes or so.

Queenstown beaches on Lake Whakatipu Looking straight towards Cecil and Walter Peaks, it's the perfect scenic spot for a swim on a hot day. There's a pontoon at the far end of the beach and paddle boards, kayaks and other water sports for hire in the summer months.

Known for its stunning turquoise waters, this picturesque lake is surrounded by majestic mountains and conveniently located near some of the region's most famous attractions, including Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park and Lake Pūkaki.

The spectacular drive from Queenstown to Glenorchy is one of the world's Top 10 scenic drives, following the shores of Lake Wakatipu. The 46 kilometre, 45 mins - 1hour lakeside drive offers breath-taking views of shimmering waters, hanging valleys, glaciers, islands and sheer-sided mountains.