Lakes and Boating

Lakes and Boating

There are three main lakes in the Queenstown Lakes District – Lake Wakatipu, Lake Wanaka and Lake Hawea. These are all popular for boating, swimming and other water sports.

Information about our Lakes

Lake Wakatipu

New Zealand's third largest lake, being 80km long and covering 293 square kilometres. It averages 300 metres deep for over half its length. Lake temperature ranges from 8 - 10 degrees Celsius.


Lake Wanaka

New Zealand's fourth largest lake, covering 180 square kilometres. It is 45.5 kms long, 11.6 kms across at its widest and up to 300m deep. Water temperature ranges from 8 - 10 degrees Celsius.


Lake Hawea

Is separated from Lake Wanaka by a narrow isthmus and is 35 km long. Although narrow this lake plummets to a depth of 392m.

 

Moorings

Got a boat mooring in the Queenstown Lakes District?  Check out our Moorings Booklet below for information on construction and maintenance. 

Remember!

In this district it is compulsory to wear a life jacket at all times in any boat of 6 metres in length and under. 

→ Boat Safety Tips

→ Boat Ramp Permit Fees

→ View Bylaws

Lake Levels

Want to check the lake level? See our Flooding page for full information on flood risks from the lake and checking lake and river levels.

Harbourmaster

Queenstown
Marty Black
Southern Monitoring Services
03 442 3445 or 0274 345 289
harbourmasterqt@smsl.co.nz 

There is also a full time Deputy Harbour Master - Dave Black phone 0274 142 270

Wanaka
Craig Blake
021616700
craig.blake@smsl.co.nz

Lagarosiphon management

Lagarosiphon is a pest plant present in some of Otago's waterways. You can help prevent its spread by checking your fishing and boating gear to make sure you don't take it away with you.