Beautiful lakes on the South Island of New Zealand

New Zealand is widely considered by many tourists as the ultimate heaven on earth. It is hardly surprising to see why, considering that New Zealand is filled with a rich bounty of natural beauty. The country is filled with mountains, valleys, glaciers, rivers and of course lakes. There are numerous stunning lakes in New Zealand that stand out for their otherworldly beauty. So if you are planning a visit to New Zealand, we strongly recommend that you take your time out to explore these lakes as you move through the country. Here is a list of some of the best lakes in the South Island of New Zealand.

Lake Matheson

Located in Glacier Country, Lake Matheson is certainly one of the most widely visited lakes in all of New Zealand. It is famous for the awesome reflected views that it offers of the Mt Cook. You can take a nice walk around the perimeter of the lake. The track is mainly flat and passes through the dense rainforest present around the lake region. If you are looking to enjoy the best view of the reflected Mt Cook, then you should visit this lake definitely during the wee hours of the early morning during a calm day.

Lake Tekapo

Lake Tekapo is certainly one of the most photographed lakes in all of New Zealand. The powdery blue color of the lake combines with the blue sky to create an amazing spectacle. The lake is located in Canterbury on Mackenzie basin close to Lake Pukaki and has got a small township just on the south corner of the lake. Lake Tekapo is also famous for the excellent star gazing opportunities that it offers. You can go to the Mount John Observatory during nighttime or pick a nice dark spot by the lake to see millions of stars in the sky.

Lake Pukaki                               

Lake Pukaki in Canterbury is located at a short distance from Lake Tekapo, which is one of the most famous lakes in New Zealand. Although somewhat underrated, Lake Pukaki stands out for its breathtaking beauty that can stun even the most seasoned travelers. As you dive along the road after leaving the Lake Tekapo, you will find that Lake Pukaki emerges out of nowhere to mesmerize you completely. The unique blue shade of this lake is due to the presence of glacier flour which is silt-sized rock particles that are caused by erosion. The presence of Mt Cook, the tallest mountain in New Zealand makes this lake even more impressive.

 
Lake Wanaka

Lake Wanaka in Otago is the 4th largest lake in all of New Zealand. It is an extremely beautiful lake that is also flanked by a nearby township of the same name. The lake is surrounded by snow capped mountains during most of the year.

 
Lake Te Anau

Lake Te Anau serves as the gateway to Fiordland as well as the majestic Milford Sound. It is the largest lake on South Island and the 2nd largest lake in all of New Zealand.