Photographing 10 of the most beautiful lakes in the South Island

If you’re road tripping through the south island of New Zealand I highly suggest taking some time on your travels to visit the beautiful lakes the country has to offer.

Most of the lakes are glacial fed which gives them the most beautiful tones of blue and green. The water is undoubtedly freezing cold but crystal clear and surrounded by mountains. Before you think a lake is a lake, the ones in New Zealand all have a unique landscape to them. Not to be over dramatic or anything but they are simply breathtaking.

They are also all very easy to get to. Many you drive right by if you’re road tripping through the south island. A few are just off the beaten path slightly and some a fairly short walk in.

So, here is a list of 10 of the most beautiful lakes in the south island. If you’re doing a typical 2-3 week road trip in the south island chances are you will be able to see most if not all of these lakes! No fomo here!

1. Lake Camp

Lake Camp is one of the more off the beaten path spots but well worth the stop. It is situated in the Hakatere conservation area and about a 40 minute drive off the highway (20 mintues of the drive is gravel). This is an especially great stop if you are travelling in a camper van as there is plenty of room to park up near the lake.

It gets busy on the weekends with locals over Christmas holidays and the summertime but you’ll get more than you bargained for. Just across the road is Lake Clearwater and down the road another 15 minutes is the famous Lord of the Rings spot, Mt Sunday.

I particularly love this area out of all the lakes in the south island especially in the winter time (April to October) when the surrounding mountains are covered in snow. It is pure magic!

Photo tip: keep an eye out for calm weather, get up early and place yourself at the west end of the lake to catch the reflections of the jagged peak of the Potts and Arrowsmith ranges.

2. Lake Tekapo

This is THE lake to visit in the summertime (December to March). Reason being, the blooming of the beautiful lupins. It of course is super busy with a capital S but the beauty of this spot is undeniable. The lake is also situated in the dark sky reserve making it the best spot to view the stars at night. You can head up Mt John to the observatory for some amazing sky views or join in on a star gazing tour.

Photo tip: get out during the golden hour to get that nice warm glow. You can catch sunbeams off the flowers or catch the pretty colours in the sky.

3. Lake Pukaki

Only 25 minutes from Lake Tekapo (going south on hwy 8) is the stunning blues of Lake Pukaki. The water looks like blue gatorade, which is actually a result from glacial flour or tiny rock particles from glaciers and essentially appears out of nowhere as you come over the hill from Lake Tekapo. Get ready for your jaw to drop but please for the love of god keep your eyes on the road, this lake is very distracting. There are plenty of spots to safely stop your car and get down by the waters edge.

To top it off not only is the lake super impressive, but New Zealand’s tallest mountain, Mt Cook stand tall in the background. Fingers crossed you get a clear day to see it in all its glory!

Photo tip: if it’s a clear day drive down the Mt Cook Road to ‘Peter’s lookout’. You can catch that famous shot of Mt Cook with the lake in front and windy road on the side.

4. Hooker Lake

This lake requires a little bit more effort to get to but worth every step. An easy undulating 10 km track takes you right up close and personal with Mt Cook itself. There are a few swing bridges to cross and if you’re lucky the lake wont be too ‘dirty’ and have a clear turquoise colour.

Photo tip: go as early as possible. You’ll be able to avoid the crowds and the morning light will hit Mt Cook for a lovely glow

5. Tasman Lake

This lake completely blew my mind the first time I saw it. There are massive floating icebergs and the 27 km long glacier at the end of the lake is the largest in the country. There is a view point that is about 15 minutes of walking up stairs and gives an incredible overhead view of the lake and glacier in the distance. Seeing boats out on the lake just blew my mind even more as it really showed the scale of the area.

Photo tip: whether it’s sunrise or sunset you’ll catch the sun on the mountain tops and it’s perfection! I like the high up views but you can also follow the track down to the river (not the lake) to take photos looking down the lake.

6. Lake Wakatipu

Located in Queenstown, it would be hard to miss this lake as the city lines it’s shores. It is the longest lake in New Zealand at 80 km long and known for it’s stunning mountain range- the Remarkables on the south east side of the lake. The lake with it’s mountains in the background make for some nice photography composition and is part of my guide for photographing Queenstown.

You can go right down to the shore, take a boat ride on the lake or make your way up the gondola for a higher view. If you’re a hiker like me, try the Ben Lomond track for even more incredible views!

Photo tip: One mile car park is a nice spot to park you car giving you lots of choice along the shore to either shoot to the Remarkables, Walter Peak or back to the city. The lake isn’t often still so it’s a good time to try a longer exposure to smooth out the water.

8. Moke Lake

This is another lake to check out if you’re in Queenstown. The road leading to is mostly gravel but easy for any car to drive on. The part I love the most is how secluded and quiet it feels. I went in October and there was only a few people around. The horse stables are near the lake as well which is an added bonus.

There is an easy undulating track around the lake and a short boardwalk along the wetlands where, if you’re like me, you can watch the cute duckies swim by.

Photo tip: go on a calm day. Nature’s mirror will be brought to life. It is also a spot to potentially see the aurora and with it being so secluded a good spot for astro.

9. Lake Matheson

A short walk in and one worth every step. The Department of Conservation have made a nice easy walk around the lake and the views of Mt Cook are stunning. The first view point is only about 10 minutes in. The best time to go is in the morning as it increases your chance of no wind and getting that perfect reflection.

Photo tip: you can play around with the trees to frame the mountains in the background. Otherwise, the scene is so beautiful you may just want to use the light and get a shot straight on.

10. Lake Brunner

Situated near Greymouth on the west coast, Lake Brunner is a top pick among locals for water sports and fishing. This lake is a bit warmer than most so much nicer for swimming.

I quite like this lake for its serene peaceful feel and the beautiful west coast mountains.

Photo tip: take advantage of the dock by the boat ramp for an added element to an image. Try placing it in different parts of the image for a new composition. There is also a suspension walking bridge (the Rakaitane Track) at the west end of the lake that gives outstanding panoramic views.

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