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Lake Wanaka, South Island, New Zealand

Formed by glaciers thousands of years ago and located on South Island, New Zealand, Lake Wanaka is New Zealand’s fourth largest lake and contains crystal clear water. The name is from the Maori, the first settlers of the area, which means “place of Anaka” who was an early Maori Chief. The lake is fed by the Makarora River and is the source of New Zealand’s largest river,…
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Welcome to the ultimate guide to Lake Wanaka! Article topics include:

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    • All About Lake Wanaka, New Zealand

    Lake Locations: New Zealand - South Island, NZ - Wanaka Region, South Island, NZ -

    Formed by glaciers thousands of years ago and located on South Island, New Zealand, Lake Wanaka is New Zealand’s fourth largest lake and contains crystal clear water. The name is from the Maori, the first settlers of the area, which means “place of Anaka” who was an early Maori Chief. The lake is fed by the Makarora River and is the source of New Zealand’s largest river, the Clutha.

    Lake Hawea, also carved by glaciers, lies beside Lake Wanaka and is separated by a narrow strip of land a little over a half mile wide known as The Neck. It is believed that the two lakes were once connected. Both lakes are dammed at their outlets to control the water levels and to ensure a water flow for Roxburgh power stations.

    With pebbly beaches on the shoreline, and magnificent views of surrounding mountains, the lake is the beginning of Mount Aspiring National Park. Mount Aspiring, with its peak at 9,930 feet above sea level, is known and loved internationally by climbers and photographers. If you prefer easy hikes, there are many trails meandering through the park that offers excellent views of the mountains and valleys with campsites for extended stays.

    At the southern tip of the lake, is the town of Wanaka whose fortune has changed over the years. In the 1870s, the discovery of gold inspired a rush of interest in the area. As the prospectors left the area, sheep farms and farming became a way of life. But today, Wanaka is a resort region and tourism is the new gold rush. In an effort to keep tourism booming, town leaders know that requires the environment to stay picture perfect. Therefore, the lake is protected by the Lake Wanaka Preservation Act of 1973, which established a group of guardians whose members are appointed by the Minister of Conservation to advise and protect the lake and surrounding area.

    During the winter, the Lake Wanaka area is snow lovers paradise with internationally known ski resorts with downhill skiing, snowboarding, heliskiing, tubing, cross country skiing, freestyle skiing and ice climbing. In the warmer months of summer, these same areas become a mecca for mountain bikers, hiking, horseback riding, golf and rock climbing. Lake Wanaka is a top summer choice for swimming, sunning, boating, skiing, kayaking, sailing, and of course fishing for rainbow trout and brown trout. Fly-fishing is extremely popular for skilled anglers along the Clutha River for salmon. Tubing and rafting can be enjoyed along the river also. During the cooler days of autumn, the area seems to turn golden as the leaves of the poplars and willows turn vibrant hues that reflect off the clear water.

    Looking for romance? Lake Wanaka has been voted in the top ten most romantic places to visit and is fast becoming a popular destination for honeymoons or those just seeking a romantic get away. You will be able to find many vacation rentals in the lake area from cabins, lodges, to full service resorts that will fit most budgets. Add in some local wines with dinner while gazing at the reflections in lake and life time memories are made.

    Whether you are searching for outdoor adventure, majestic mountain scenery, or a romantic get away, Lake Wanaka in South Island, New Zealand will meet all of these requirements. It is all there waiting for you to enjoy!

    Things to Do at Lake Wanaka

    These are some activities in the Lake Wanaka, New Zealand area visitors can enjoy:

    • Vacation Rentals
    • Fishing
    • Boating
    • Sailing
    • Swimming
    • Beach
    • Kayaking
    • Tubing
    • Golf
    • Camping
    • Cabin Rentals
    • Hiking
    • Rock Climbing
    • Ice Climbing
    • Downhill Skiing
    • Snowboarding
    • Cross-Country Skiing
    • Horseback Riding
    • National Park

    What Kind of Fish Are in Lake Wanaka?

    Lake Wanaka has been known to have the following fish species:

    • Brown Trout
    • Rainbow Trout
    • Salmon
    • Trout
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    Find Places to Stay at Lake Wanaka

    If you’re considering a Lake Wanaka lake house rental or hotel, we’ve made it super easy to find the best rates and compare vacation accommodations at a glance. Save time using this interactive map below.

    Note: These are affiliate links and we may earn a small commission if you click and make a purchase. Read our full disclosure policy here.

    More Sites to Book a Lake Wanaka Vacation

    Our interactive Lake Wanaka lodging map above is an easy tool for comparing VRBO rental homes and nearby hotels with Booking.com, but there could be times when you need to expand your search for different types of accommodations. Here are some other lake lodging partners we recommend:

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    Lake Wanaka Statistics & Helpful Links

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    Lake Type: Natural Freshwater Lake, Dammed

    Water Level Control: Roxburgh Power

    Surface Area: 47,445 acres

    Normal Elevation (Full Pond): 915 feet

    Maximum Depth: 1,000 feet

    Drainage Area: 982 sq. miles

    Trophic State: Oligotrophic

    Lake Wanaka Map

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