Lake Wakatipu
Lake Wakatipu
5
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Top ways to experience Lake Wakatipu
The area
Best nearby
Restaurants
178 within 3 miles
Attractions
56 within 6 miles
See what other travelers are saying
- SeemagovesPune, India842 contributionsStunning , beautiful to see at all times of the dayWe had heard so much about Queenstown and the Lake and it was worth every penny spent in going to Queenstown. The lake is beautiful and one should see it from different angles and at different times of the day . Just sit and watch the ducks and the waterVisited January 2020Written January 23, 2020
- KL1234_12Taipei, Taiwan107 contributionsGreat Views and Comfortable LivingWe rented a three-bedroom house on the hill through AirB&B, and stayed for three pleasant days. It was late Summer and the weather was very comfortable. The view was astounding. All the amenities(supermarkets, restaurants, etc.) were close and convenient. It was a great experience to watch the sunset on the lake while having dinner on the balcony1Visited January 2020Written February 2, 2020
- Linda FWellington, New Zealand92 contributionsBeautiful lake and surroundingsWe walked by the lake each day during our stay, it is so beautiful. We went on on a boat trip on the Million Dollar cruise which was very nice, it heads to the Frankton end of the lake. We also walked the trail from Queenstown to Frankton Marina which is along the lake edge, there is a lovely cafe by the lake at the Marina.Visited November 2020Written November 28, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
1,105 reviews
Excellent
892
Very good
194
Average
14
Poor
1
Terrible
4
Alex B
Tutukaka, New Zealand40 contributions
Dec 2020
Lake Wakatipu offers everything. You can go crazy with activities - shark boats, jetski, paddlesteamer, paragliding etc but it can be a pretty peaceful place easily enough. Promenading the town lakefront with its bars/cafes/gelato etc, recommend the park for a peaceful and free stroll and you can even walk all the way to Frankton on the lake if you want exercise. In town there's even a shingle beach to spend time on. Highly recomend going up the gondola to see it from on high and if you have a car then well worth the trip to both ends of the lake - Glenorchy is stunning and the south end of the lake is so peaceful you can be the only car on the road at times with superb views. TBH it's easy to get tired of all the constant activity in QT but it's so easy to get peace and quiet not far out of town on the lake.
Written December 21, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
BangkokSachse
Bangkok, Thailand41,271 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
We drove around the lake, took a cruise, stopped at the Lookouts, Lake wakatipu view point, and took the Gondola to see Lake wakatipu. Lake wakatipu and the mountains are beautiful and wonderful. The views at the Queenstown Waterfront and the garden are also good.
Written March 4, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Shanth148
Pune District, India167 contributions
Nov 2019
Lake Wakatipu, on whose banks lies Queensland is a big lake with sheep stations along the side of the lake. We saw some of them when we took the TSS Earnshaw around some part of the lake, from the wharf, at the end of the promenade.
The lake side promenade is long and windy on the side of the lake and by the side of down town Queensland. On Saturdays there is a market which has artists with their wood sculptures, paintings, jade jewellery, and looms weaving woollen, shawls, and scarves and stoles.
There are people who also sell wooden vessels and artefacts, and interesting food.
It was lovely just weaving through all these artisans tables, and seeing things we had never seen before. A great morning, with the sun high up in the sky and cool breezes keeping us cool.
The lake side promenade is long and windy on the side of the lake and by the side of down town Queensland. On Saturdays there is a market which has artists with their wood sculptures, paintings, jade jewellery, and looms weaving woollen, shawls, and scarves and stoles.
There are people who also sell wooden vessels and artefacts, and interesting food.
It was lovely just weaving through all these artisans tables, and seeing things we had never seen before. A great morning, with the sun high up in the sky and cool breezes keeping us cool.
Written January 8, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kathy
573 contributions
Jan 2020
From our hotel window in the outskirts of Queenstown, we had a spectacular view of beautiful Lake Wakatipu every morning and night. A stroll along Marine Parade in the city center provided yet another view. Bordered by the rugged slopes of the Remarkables range, it is a breathtaking sight any time of day.
Written April 28, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jon M
Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand580 contributions
Mar 2021
We did not like Queenstown at all...
Stupid prices asked by everyone everywhere.
We found ourselves with spare Bread and went down to Lake Wakatipu and the Ducks were very happy to see is and eat out of our hands...
Cost = Zero Enjoyment & Fun - 100%
We spent our Tourist dollars at The Warehouse and Pak n Save - the End!!
Stupid prices asked by everyone everywhere.
We found ourselves with spare Bread and went down to Lake Wakatipu and the Ducks were very happy to see is and eat out of our hands...
Cost = Zero Enjoyment & Fun - 100%
We spent our Tourist dollars at The Warehouse and Pak n Save - the End!!
Written March 15, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sid5515
Bangi, Malaysia887 contributions
Dec 2019
Estimated 80km length, it is the longest lake in New Zealand has it north end at Glenorchy and south end at Kingston, while Queenstown located in between. There are several activities can be done there like speed boat, lake cruise, etc. We visited several scenic lookout points along the north and west side of the lake at Devils Staircase, Gravel Pit, Closeburn, Mount Creighton & Glenorchy. In addition, you can go walking, jogging or hiking in the parks around the lake while having awesome view of the nearby mountains and lake.
Written January 2, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Eli B
Sydney, Australia3,697 contributions
Oct 2019
Its shape is unbelievably close to a cartoonish lightning bolt , this gorgeous lake is clean, 99% pure, with 5 rivers flowing into it. Its deep enough to accomodate its own Loch Nessie. Hint: don’t buy bottled water, just fill up from the lake. Swimming is only for the hardy or foolhardy. Its 10 degreesC year round. There’s 212 km of walkable shoreline. With the mountains as a backdrop sunrise and sunsets are an imperative to dally.
Written January 7, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Fay H
Christchurch, New Zealand31 contributions
Feb 2020
When visiting Queenstown a "Must see & Do" is the trip on the TSS Earnslaw boat - built in 1912 a great old ship that takes you up to Walter Peak - again a beautiful old Homestead/Farm wonderful hosts - great gift shop and a sing song on the journey with Lovely Eleanor on the piano playing some great old favourite songs which all the passengers join in on the singng. wonderful adventure and a chance to meet people from around the Globe. cant wait to do it again.
Written March 7, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Gursimran Singh
Phagwara, India20 contributions
Jan 2020 • Friends
Though there are plethora of lakes in New Zealand yet a few of them stand a class apart from rest. Lake wakatipu is one such beauty located in south island. It is absolutely marvellous and one of the largest lakes in New Zealand. During the winters, the snow covered mountains hugging this lake make it more astonishing.
Written February 3, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ArtPhemister
Chattanooga, TN386 contributions
Mar 2020
This lake and its surroundings are simply stunning. We around the park just at the edge of downtown Queenstown along the lake and enjoyed the scenery of the lake very much. The color of the water and the mountains that surround it are worth a leisurely walk to explore the beauty here.
Written March 22, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Vimala V
1 contribution
On 20 th March , 2019 except Skyline Gondola in the evening ,we dont have any activity. Will you pl suggest some thing worthy at Queenstown. We are senior citizen couple. We dont want any jet speed boating or self driven boating.
Max C
Phillip Island, Australia577 contributions
You will enjoy a lake cruise on the Earnslaw in the evening.
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Claim your listingLake Wakatipu (Queenstown) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Lake Wakatipu
- We recommend booking Lake Wakatipu tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 46 Lake Wakatipu tours on Tripadvisor
- According to Tripadvisor travelers, these are the best ways to experience Lake Wakatipu:
- Lake Wakatipu Scenic Catamaran Cruise from Queenstown (From $37.75)
- TSS Earnslaw Steamship Cruise from Queenstown (From $51.19)
- TSS Earnslaw & Walter Peak Farm Experience with Afternoon Tea (From $83.18)
- Small Group, Award Winning, Full Day Milford Sound Experience from Queenstown (From $159.96)
- Million Dollar Cruise in Queenstown (From $31.35)
- Hotels near Lake Wakatipu:
- (0.02 mi) Eichardt's Private Hotel
- (0.05 mi) Absoloot Hostel QT
- (0.11 mi) Adventure Queenstown Hostel
- (0.09 mi) Nomads Queenstown Hostel
- (0.13 mi) The Spire Hotel Queenstown
- Restaurants near Lake Wakatipu:
- (0.02 mi) The Lodge Bar
- (0.02 mi) Prime Waterfront Restaurant and Bar
- (0.02 mi) SODA
- (0.02 mi) Patagonia Ice Creamery & Chocolaterie
- (0.03 mi) Lakeside Palace Chinese Restaurant
- Attractions near Lake Wakatipu:
- (0.00 mi) Time Tripper Queenstown
- (0.00 mi) Queenstown Paraflights
- (0.01 mi) KJet
- (0.01 mi) E-Scoot
- (0.03 mi) The Sundeck
Lake Wakatipu Information
| Excellent Reviews | 892 |
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| Very Good Reviews | 194 |
| Lake Wakatipu Photos | 900 |






















































































