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Lake Wakatipu
Occupying a crater carved by glaciers, Lake Wakatipu resembles a lightning bolt in shape. Surrounded by towering mountain ranges, the lake draws tourists looking for an adrenaline rush along nearby ski fields, paragliding spots, and bungee jumping sites. Because of its unusual shape, the lake has a strange tide that rises and falls by 10 cm (3.9 in) every 25 minutes; Maori legends link this to the heartbeat of a huge monster named Matau. The beaches here serve as popular swimming spots during the summer and the lake itself offers year-round trout fishing. For those looking just to sightsee, a vintage steamboat, the T.S.S. Earnslaw, cruises the lake every day. Plan to see Lake Wakatipu and other attractions that appeal to you using our Queenstown online vacation planner.
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Tours to Lake Wakatipu
Lake Wakatipu reviews
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This is a beautiful lake; in all it's moods and seasons. You must see more than just what is available from Queenstown Bay. Drive/walk/cruise around as much as you can. more »
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Gorgeous lakefront with activities and restaurants spread out across clean and tidy paths. From watching the TSS Earnslaw to power crafts. Chasing Seagulls to spotting trout. Sophisticated... more »
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Been past the lake a few times. Once travelling back from the Routeburn and then a family trip into Queenstown. This is an amazing place and even without high numbers of tourists it was still busy on.... more »
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Absolutely stunning!!! Natural beauty and untouched world. This lake is pure, water is clean and covers a large area (from Kingston to Queenstown). These pictures are from 2018 Summer. Water is still very cold; swimming in the water is not an option... There are lots of water activity including speed boat, kayaking etc. Must visit place in South Island in New Zealand.
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Wonderful part of New Zealand. Queenstown is the main place to set out to do things on the lake, especially the coal fired steamer that takes you round it. Views are spectacular, especially on a bright sunny day with mountains reflecting in the water. Can be a strong wind blowing down the lake.
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Beautiful lake. We took a cruise and thoroughly enjoyed views
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Fantastic lake in which to cruise aboard as number of different vessels. The water sports are amazing with so many different types of sports to enjoy. Surrounded by mountains and Queenstown this is the ideal place to spend a few days or longer if you are touring New Zealand. Take a ride in a speed boat, or a gentle cruise about the steam ship TSS Earnslaw that was first in service in 1912. Lake Wakatipu truly is a fantastic place to visit.
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Very Beautiful but a little similar after driving round it a few times
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