Lake Hawea Tours and Activities

Lake Hawea which includes mountains and a lake or waterhole
Lake Hawea featuring mountains and a lake or waterhole
Lake Hawea featuring mountains, tranquil scenes and a lake or waterhole
Lake Hawea featuring mountains and a lake or waterhole
Lake Hawea featuring mountains and a lake or waterhole


The clear blue waters of this striking lake are surrounded by a peaceful landscape of rolling green hills and rugged mountains.

Stay at Lake Hawea and be rejuvenated by the vivid scenery at this popular South Island destination. Hike nature trails, fish for trout and enjoy water sports on the lake.

Swim through crystal clear waters on warm summer days. Explore the small pebble beaches around this big lake to find a calm swimming spot and a patch of shady grass to read a book.

Walk the trails around the township and into the surrounding mountains bordering Mount Aspiring National Park. Get stunning views over sparkling water and snow-capped peaks from the top of the challenging Isthmus Peak Track. Camp or picnic along the Timaru Creek, where a beautiful trail winds through a valley of ancient trees.

Organise a fishing charter boat or paddle a kayak out onto the lake to admire the area’s natural beauty. The lake and surrounding rivers are said to have some of the best trout and Chinook salmon fishing in New Zealand. Join a tour with a local fishing and hunting guide so that you can find the best spots.

Hire a bike and enjoy a ride along the Hawea River track all the way to Wanaka. This trail, suitable for family groups, passes through nearby Albert Town where you can purchase food and drinks.

Enjoy the excitement of a visit to the Hawea Whitewater Park, known as the Wave. The free park features two rapids that were built to form permanent waves in the river. Watch the board riders and kayakers play in the top section or observe the experienced elite riders battling the challenging lower wave. Changes in water flow force differences in the rapids regularly so check conditions before you visit. Be aware that this activity is suited to highly experienced riders only.

Dine in local cafés and restaurants or enjoy the long twilight of a New Zealand summer with a picnic on the lake’s beach. The larger town of Wanaka is about a 15-minute drive away and has a larger selection of shops and facilities.

Spend lazy days at Lake Hawea to enjoy the tranquil beauty of this wild natural region.

Plan a trip to see Lake Hawea

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.
The Spire Hotel Queenstown
Eichardt's Private Hotel
Azur Luxury Lodge

Popular places to visit


Top Lake Hawea Hotel & Accommodation Deals

The Camp - Lake Hawea

The Camp - Lake Hawea

3.5 out of 5
1208 Makarora-Hawea Road State Highway 6, Lake Hawea
The Camp - Lake Hawea
Fantail Inn Johns Creek Lake Hawea

Fantail Inn Johns Creek Lake Hawea

Lake Hawea
Fantail Inn Johns Creek Lake Hawea
Cross Hill Glamping

Cross Hill Glamping

2.5 out of 5
1208 Makarora-Lake Hawea Road, Lake Hawea
Cross Hill Glamping
Lake Hawea Hideaway - Lake Hawea Holiday Home

Lake Hawea Hideaway - Lake Hawea Holiday Home

Lake Hawea
Lake Hawea Hideaway - Lake Hawea Holiday Home
Lake Hawea Lakefront Cabin

Lake Hawea Lakefront Cabin

Lake Hawea
Lake Hawea Lakefront Cabin
Lakefront Fantail House

Lakefront Fantail House

Lake Hawea
Lakefront Fantail House
Lakefront House - overlooking Lake Hawea

Lakefront House - overlooking Lake Hawea

Lake Hawea
Lakefront House - overlooking Lake Hawea
Lake Hawea Haven - Lake Hawea Holiday Home

Lake Hawea Haven - Lake Hawea Holiday Home

Lake Hawea
Lake Hawea Haven - Lake Hawea Holiday Home
Hāwea Delight - Lake Hāwea Holiday Home

Hāwea Delight - Lake Hāwea Holiday Home

Lake Hawea
Hāwea Delight - Lake Hāwea Holiday Home
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Lake Hawea

Lake Hawea offers a range of activities for visitors, including scenic walks along the lakeside, rejuvenating spa experiences, and thrilling rock climbing adventures. Don't miss the chance to explore the stunning surroundings and participate in weekend events that showcase the local culture. With easy walking trails suitable for all levels, Lake Hawea is a perfect destination for a relaxing getaway and outdoor exploration in the Queenstown Lakes District.

Shopping

In Lake Hawea, you’ll find charming local shops offering unique gifts and souvenirs. If you're up for a drive, visit the Remarkables Park Town Centre in Frankton, about 24.1km away, where you can explore a range of retail outlets and cafes in a vibrant atmosphere.

Recreation

Experience the serene atmosphere at Wānaka Golf Club, where you can enjoy a leisurely round of golf surrounded by stunning landscapes, only 17.7km from Lake Hawea. Alternatively, Crossfire Wānaka offers a fantastic golfing experience in an outdoor setting, also situated 17.7km away. Tarras Golf Course, located 30.6km from Lake Hawea, provides a peaceful escape for golf enthusiasts.

Adventure

At Puzzling World, located 16.1km from Lake Hawea, navigate through a quirky maze that challenges your mind and delights the family. Snowfarm NZ, 19.3km away, offers thrilling skiing adventures amidst breathtaking alpine scenery. For climbing enthusiasts, Basecamp Wānaka, also 19.3km distant, provides exhilarating indoor climbing experiences.

Nightlife

Lake Hawea offers a relaxed nightlife atmosphere with charming pubs like the Lake Hawea Hotel, where you can enjoy local brews and live music. For a cozier vibe, the Hawea Store serves delicious meals and wine, perfect for unwinding after a day of adventure.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Lake Hawea

Lake Hawea offers a delightful mix of outdoor adventures and family-friendly attractions, making it a perfect getaway. You can explore the stunning flower gardens, take in breathtaking views from lookouts, or visit the local transport museum. The peaceful township and picturesque lake views provide a serene backdrop for relaxation and exploration. Whether you're seeking adventure or a tranquil escape, Lake Hawea has something for every traveller.

  • Peter Fraser Park: Just 4.8km from Lake Hawea, this eco-friendly park is perfect for families seeking outdoor fun. Enjoy picnics, walking trails, and a playground surrounded by the stunning landscapes of the Queenstown Lakes District.
  • Wānaka Lavender Farm: Located 16.1km away, this enchanting flower garden offers a vibrant sea of lavender, ideal for family outings. Stroll through the fields, enjoy the aromatic scents, and capture beautiful photos amidst the blooms.
  • Mount Iron Lookout: Also 16.1km from Lake Hawea, this lookout provides an adventurous trek with breathtaking panoramic views. Perfect for a romantic outing, the summit rewards you with stunning vistas of the surrounding mountains and lakes.

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Lake Hawea

To save money on your trip to Lake Hawea, consider visiting in the cheaper months of May to June or October, and aim to book accommodation about a month in advance for the best rates. Look for last-minute hotel deals on Expedia, especially on Mondays, as they tend to be cheaper than Fridays. Use Expedia’s search tool to refine your preferences and sort by price to find the best deals. Additionally, combining your accommodation with flights and activities in a package can lead to significant savings.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Lake Hawea are May to June and October, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to December to February, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: Booking a hotel around Lake Hawea about 1 month out from when you are planning to stay is usually when prices are lowest. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals for hotels, look out for the green banner below the price, as this indicates a cheaper deal.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Lake Hawea is Monday. The most expensive day to stay around Lake Hawea is Friday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilise Expedia’s search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, preferred location, and the type of accommodation you’re looking for. To discover the best prices and deals, simply sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save some dollars by combining your Lake Hawea accommodation with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.

Explore a world of travel with Expedia

Explore a world of travel with Expedia