Lake Bomoer
Lake Benmore is located in the South Island of New Zealand and is the largest man-made lake in the country. Although it is man-made, the minerals in the lake's water are a natural wonder. Walking along the Benmore Peninsula, you can enjoy the beautiful scenery of the lake's islands, surrounding mountains, and forests. In addition, boating and fishing are also very popular activities.
Dunstan Lake
Lake Dunstan is located in Cromwell, just an hour's drive from Queenstown. It is the best way to enjoy the central Otago region, including the renowned pinot noir wine. The Old Town area of Cromwell, located on the shores of Lake Dunstan, is representative of the town's history. The gold rush center here is still very active, preserving the legacy of historic buildings and local handicrafts.
Lake Rotokakahi
Lake Rotoiti is located in the Nelson Lakes National Park, backed by Mount Robert and surrounded by beech forests. Hiking along the trails around the lake, you may encounter tui birds and bellbirds, and listen to their calls. The nearby Robert Ski Area is a great club-style ski resort and a good destination for winter mountain skiing.
Lake Tikapu
Lake Tekapo is known worldwide for being listed as an "International Dark Sky Reserve", one of the best places in the world for stargazing. Located just three hours from Christchurch on New Zealand's South Island, Lake Tekapo is also a popular sports destination during the day. From April to September, the turquoise-colored sea ice on the lake transforms into a massive ice skating rink. Additionally, visitors can enjoy the fun of snow tubing. In the summer, water slides become the hottest attraction. Of course, there are also hot springs and pools to provide endless amusement.
Sili Bingdou Lake
Sealy Tarns. If you want to go on the Routeburn Track to Lake Sylvan, you must have enough courage and be well prepared. Here you can enjoy the unparalleled beauty of New Zealand's highest peak, Mount Aspiring, and admire the magnificent views of the Hooker Glacier, Mueller Glacier, and their glacial lakes. After a challenging and surprising day of walking, you may want to stay at the Mueller Hut for a few days of relaxation and take the time to enjoy the small mountain ponds that dot the trail.
Lake Mavrovo region
Mavora Lakes, located in the southern region, boasts a unique wilderness landscape. It has both rugged and steep mountain ranges and open, gentle grassy slopes. Mavora Lakes is not only the filming location for the three-part film "The Lord of the Rings," but also a great place for boating, mountain biking, fishing, camping, and hiking. You can choose to take a day hike, or, if you feel up to it, embark on a four-day trek along the Mavora Greenstone Trail.
Pindertal
Pinders Pond is a must-visit spot on the Clutha Gold Cycling Trail, encircling the Mata-au River in the De Victot Valley of Central Otago, New Zealand. In the 1860s, a gold rush brought a large number of prospectors to the region, many of whom settled in the area and left behind remnants of their mining equipment. Today, Pinders Pond offers a glimpse into this bygone era. The cycling trail takes two days to complete, and informational signs along the way offer insights into the area's history of moa hunting and European cultivation.
Povakai Crater Lake
Pouakai Circuit Tarns
The west coast of the North Island is not only home to magnificent black sand beaches, but also an impressive surfing destination. The near-perfect volcanic cone of Mount Taranaki towers over it all. The Pouakai Circuit Tarns encircle this volcano and take two to three days to complete. Along the way, you'll traverse foothills, pass by clear glacial lakes, forests of moss and steep rock faces. The Pouakai Track is also a great option for a day trip.
Lake Bowakai Circular Trough Glacier
Pouakai Circuit Tarns
The west coast of the North Island boasts not only magnificent black-sand beaches, but also an impressive surfing destination. Taranaki, a near-perfect volcanic cone, towers over the region. The Pouakai Circuit encircles this volcano and takes two to three days to complete, passing over foothills, crystal-clear glacial lakes, swathes of mossy wetlands, and steep rocky bluffs. The Pouakai Track is also a great option for a day trip.
Gun Lake
Lake Gunn is located in the Fiordland National Park and boasts some of the most stunning scenery in New Zealand, despite the fame of nearby Milford Sound. The Lake Gunn Nature Trail is just an hour's drive from Te Anau and is covered in moss and surrounded by beech forests and mountain ranges. The trail also offers access to leisure activities such as swimming and fishing.
