Visit New Zealand and prepare to be amazed by the spectacular natural beauty that surrounds you. From the highest mountains piercing the clouds and deepest valleys carving their way through the land, to sparkling giant glaciers and magnificent ancient volcanic craters, there are so many stunning landscapes in New Zealand, guaranteed to take your breath away.
While these make up many of New Zealand’s highlights, the country’s beautiful lakes are also not to be missed. The lakes in New Zealand are some of the most breath-taking in the world. There are many dotted all over the country, each which their unique allure, but to help you decide which ones you might like to visit, we’ve put together our recommendation of four of the best lakes in New Zealand.
Emerald Lake
Lord Of The Rings fans might recognise this New Zealand lake as is it situated beside the summit of Mt Tongario, where Mordor was set in the films. Part of the Tongario Alpine Crossing in the North Island’s Tongariro National Park, fascinating volcanic terrain surrounds the lake, with lava flows, hot springs and steam geysers bubbling away. Named Emerald Lake due to its stunning colouring, its glistening deep green waters are almost unbelievable!
Lake Wakatipu
Of all of New Zealand’s lakes, Lake Wakatpu is possibly its most famous. If you’re planning to visit Queenstown on the South Island, the lake is well worth a visit, with many taking part in the numerous water sports and activities that are hosted on its waters. Look just beyond the lake and you’ll see The Remarkables mountain range, which also featured in The Lord Of The Rings and is extremely popular with skiers.
Lake Taupo
The largest lake in New Zealand, Lake Taupo is impressively the size of Singapore! Located right in the centre of the North Island, the lake itself sits right in the middle of a volcano that erupted approximately 26,500 years ago. Another of New Zealand’s lakes, Lake Rotorua, also lies in the crater of an ancient volcano in Rotorua and takes claim as the North Island’s second largest lake.
Lake Tekapo
The last of our New Zealand lakes that made it in to our top four is Lake Tekapo. Its dazzling turquoise waters and spectacular Southern Alps backdrop make this lake one of the most-loved beauty spots on the South Island. On a clear day, you can also see New Zealand’s tallest mountain, Mt Cook, in the distance from the lake’s embankments. If it’s breath-taking views you’re after, there’s no better place to find them!
