The 10 Best Bodies of Water in New Zealand, New Zealand

March 16, 2022 Tambra Mccollister

New Zealand (/njuːˈziːlənd/ ( listen); Māori: Aotearoa [aɔˈtɛaɾɔa]) is an island country in the southwestern Pacific Ocean. The country geographically comprises two main landmasses—the North Island (Te Ika-a-Māui), and the South Island (Te Waipounamu)—and around 600 smaller islands. New Zealand is situated some 1,500 kilometres (900 mi) east of Australia across the Tasman Sea and roughly 1,000 kilometres (600 mi) south of the Pacific island areas of New Caledonia, Fiji, and Tonga. Because of its remoteness, it was one of the last lands to be settled by humans. During its long period of isolation, New Zealand developed a distinct biodiversity of animal, fungal and plant life. The country's varied topography and its sharp mountain peaks, such as the Southern Alps, owe much to the tectonic uplift of land and volcanic eruptions. New Zealand's capital city is Wellington, while its most populous city is Auckland.
Restaurants in New Zealand

1. Lake Wakatipu

Queenstown New Zealand http://www.realjourneys.co.nz/en/experiences/dining/walter-peak-gourmet-bbq-lunch
Excellent
80%
Good
18%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 1,061 reviews

Lake Wakatipu

Reviewed By 194fayh - Christchurch, New Zealand

When visiting Queenstown a "Must see & Do" is the trip on the TSS Earnslaw boat - built in 1912 a great old ship that takes you up to Walter Peak - again a beautiful old Homestead/Farm wonderful hosts - great gift shop and a sing song on the journey with Lovely Eleanor on the piano playing some great old favourite songs which all the passengers join in on the singng. wonderful adventure and a chance to meet people from around the Globe. cant wait to do it again.

2. Marlborough Sounds

Picton New Zealand +64 3-577 5587 http://www.marlborough.co.nz/sounds.asp
Excellent
88%
Good
11%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 688 reviews

Marlborough Sounds

Reviewed By paulohartson1 - Amersham, United Kingdom

Take the scenic route from Nelson and you'll find laybys at the side of the road that give you stunning views down the sounds

3. Doubtful Sound

Te Anau, Fiordland National Park New Zealand
Excellent
83%
Good
12%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 2,296 reviews

Doubtful Sound

Reviewed By Nalacoops1950

Go Orange provide a very professional, organised service and meet their promise of a trip with small numbers on a comfortable boat. Travis and Karina were the guide and.captain for the day, both being amusing, knowledgeable and enthusiastic in making it enjoyable for all, The trip across lake Manapouri is a great start to the day, followed by an interesting bus ride to the harbour. Karina made a few stops showing interesting place on the way. The 3 hours sailing the Sound is full of spectacular mountains, waterfalls and scenery all around. Time passed quickly and at the end you have the pleasure of reversing the bus journey and Manapouri lake crossing to look forward to. It is not a cheap trip but does provide the small personal tour promised in a comfortable boat with enough personal space to view the Sound. We would certainly do the trip again and would recommend it to others. Thanks for a superb and memorable day

4. Lake Pukaki

New Zealand
Excellent
84%
Good
14%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 738 reviews

Lake Pukaki

Reviewed By pd7 - London, United Kingdom

Fabulously picturesque/scenic lake and views with its ridiculously turquoise colour! Just amazing - especially as you drive towards the far distant mountains and they inch closer & higher - we had to stop again & again & again for photos and just to stroll around and take it in. Superb drive from the east coast across south island to the mountains & Aoraki/Mt Cook. A definite must see Top 10 location of NZ.

5. Lake Wanaka

Wanaka New Zealand http://www.lakewanaka.co.nz
Excellent
80%
Good
18%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 2,293 reviews

Lake Wanaka

Reviewed By ivangH5657RG

This natural wonder is so pleasant, families with children can enjoy many water activities by boating, water skiing or just having tasty picnic and feeding local ducks. Also nearby there is children playground as well. To walk to town takes about 10 minutes where you can get ice cream or cosy lunch or diner. And prices are very moderate.

6. Tama Lakes

Tongariro National Park, Central North Island, Whakapapa, Tongariro National Park New Zealand +64 7-892 3729 [email protected] http://www.doc.govt.nz/link/c10e3e79bed84e329e140a53f90dabe2.aspx
Excellent
82%
Good
17%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 92 reviews

Tama Lakes

Always check the website for changes that might affect your trip.

Reviewed By PuntRdTigers

We visited the Whakapapa Visitors Information Centre & got excellent advice from staff member Hari. We were concerned we weren't Alpine Crossing prepared & we were shown some options to do with our teenagers. A pleasant walk to Taranaki Falls starting from the car park near Skotel in the village. Slight rising elevation on firm ground with some loose stones. Lots of photo opportunities. Not very busy. Good signage. We wore lots of layers, even in December as the wind is cold, but the sun harsh-a hat & sunglasses very handy. A short detour down steep steps gets you to Taranaki Falls. Back up the steps & follow the signs on to Tama Lakes. The lower lake is viewed from a windy spot-lots of people sheltering for lunch in the short foliage. We braved the 30min climb to the upper lake for a great view of both lakes as well as Mount Ruapehu & Mount Ngauruhoe. It is steep with loose small stones coming back down-best done with walking poles-but take your time! There are drop toilets just before the lower lake view & near the bridge above Taranaki Falls. Round trip took us 6 hours with plenty of photo stops, lunch & snack breaks. Sunscreen is useful. We saw no flies, no mosquitoes & no snakes!

7. Lake Alexandrina

Lake Tekapo New Zealand
Excellent
80%
Good
20%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 25 reviews

Lake Alexandrina

Reviewed By mebates00 - Belfast, United Kingdom

This is a beautiful lake in the Mackenzie district of S Island New Zealand. The autumn colours were spectacular! The lake is a severe location far from the ‘real world’ in terms of stillness solitude and calm. Visit if you can...just a short drive from Lake Tekapo!

8. Avon River

Christchurch New Zealand +64 3-366 0337 http://www.punting.co.nz
Excellent
50%
Good
40%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 649 reviews

Avon River

A unique part of the city, the Avon River sustains a diverse plant and animal life and is a source of many recreational activities.

Reviewed By riggersrock - Port Ludlow, United States

Thought it would be a quick little stroll but this park is amazing and the river just calls to you. Found a bench and just enjoyed. Weeping willows are impressive, this place is perfect for photos.

9. Lake Taupo

Taupo Marina New Zealand +64 7-376 0400 http://www.greatlaketaupo.com
Excellent
61%
Good
36%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 338 reviews

Lake Taupo

Reviewed By moetum - Perth, Australia

We were lucky as kids to camp and have this beautiful lake as our swimming pool and back yard. You would always feel refreshed when dipping in the lake clean, clear and serene.

10. Milford Sound

Te Anau, Fiordland National Park 9679 New Zealand +64 3-441 1137 http://www.realjourneys.co.nz/en/destinations/milford-sound
Excellent
80%
Good
16%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 5,688 reviews

Milford Sound

Reviewed By EugenioA193 - Singapore, Singapore

The tour we take starts from Queenstown to milford Sound national park, ee contract our tour with #southerndiscoveries and starting wit our guide and driver Greg, we feel safe with Greg due to the weather conditions on the road, slippery road with snow and Etc, the trip Magic all the information along the road Greg gave us, we arrive on time and the service incredible all the logistics without a mistake, we arrive the ship and start the trip beautiful sights and all incredible until we returned to Queenstown Safe and Happy, magic experience is a must on the south Island in New Zealand

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