Lake Hāwea

Located an easy scenic 15-minute drive from Wanaka and on the road to Makarora and the West Coast, Lake Hawea is an ideal self-drive day trip or place to stay on your South Island journey.

Grab a road bike and do the Lake Hawea loop. You can even walk or mountain bike off road to Lake Hawea from Wanaka!

The track to Isthmus Peak will reward you with views to rival the more popular Roys Peak track but without the crowds. Or try the gentle lakefront walk to Johns Creek.

The mountains that hug the east, west and northern shores are cragged, rugged and jaggedly weathered, and hold secret pockets of some of the country’s finest fly fishing.

Lake Hawea is a favoured spot for wind surfing, paragliding and kite surfing. Also, boating, fishing, swimming, kayaking, and generally lazing about on the beach.

And don’t fret about food and somewhere to stay! There are several places where you can stay for the night and dine out.