Photo: Krzysztof Golik · CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Lake Hāwea
A quieter lake 15 minutes from Wānaka, on the road north towards Makarora and the West Coast.
Lake Hāwea sits an easy scenic drive from Wānaka and is noticeably quieter than its neighbour. There are lakeside walks and harder mountain climbs from the same area. The lake is popular for boating, fishing, windsurfing and kite surfing when the wind comes up. The small township has places to eat and stay.
Highlights
- Quieter than Lake Wānaka, with big mountain ranges around it
- Lakeside walks and tougher climbs from the same base
- Boating, fishing, windsurfing and kite surfing
- On the way north to Makarora and the West Coast
Good to know
- Location
- Lake Hāwea township, Otago
- Drive time
- An easy scenic 15-minute drive from Wānaka as stated by Lake Wānaka Tourism
- Cost
- Free
- Family-friendly
- Yes
Visiting from Sundale
Lake Hāwea is an easy scenic 15-minute drive from Wānaka, on the road north towards Makarora and the West Coast. From the park that means a short run out and a whole day if you want one, or a quiet couple of hours tacked onto the end of an afternoon.
It is noticeably quieter than Lake Wānaka. There are lakeside walks and harder mountain climbs from the same base, and the water suits boating, fishing, windsurfing and kite surfing when the wind comes up. Take layers, water and sunscreen, because there is little shade along the shore.
The small township has places to eat if you want lunch out there. Otherwise pack something from the park shop and eat by the water, then come back for a swim in the seasonal pool or a slow evening in the communal kitchen.
Stay nearby
Questions
How far is it from Wānaka?
Lake Wānaka Tourism describes it as an easy scenic 15-minute drive, on the road to Makarora and the West Coast.
Is there anything to do besides look at it?
Plenty. Lakeside walks and tougher mountain climbs start from the same area, and the lake is used for boating, fishing, windsurfing and kite surfing.
Does it cost anything?
No. The lake and its walks are free, and the township has dining and accommodation if you want to make a day of it.
Sources
- An easy scenic 15-minute drive from Wānaka, on the road to Makarora and the West Coast; walks from lakeside to mountain climbs; windsurfing, paragliding, kite surfing, fishing and boating; dining and accommodation in the township — source
Nearby
More things to do.
Mou Waho Island Nature Tour (Eco Wānaka Adventures)
A boat cruise across Lake Wānaka to a predator-free island reserve with a lake of its own on top.
3.5 to 4 hoursAll ages and fitness levels
Paddle Wānaka
Kayak and stand-up paddleboard hire straight off the beach at Roys Bay on the Wānaka lakefront.
1, 2 or 3 hour hire
The Wānaka Tree
The lone willow standing in the shallows of Lake Wānaka, and the most photographed tree in the country.
Easy
Your Wānaka basecamp
Make Sundale your base.
Cabins, studios, motels and soft-grass camping, five minutes from the water and close to everything above.