Top reasons to visit Lake Hawea
- Stunning Scenery: Lake Hawea boasts breathtaking landscapes, perfect for relaxation and adventure seekers.
- Outdoor Activities: Enjoy a range of activities including hiking, cycling, and exploring the adventure playground.
- Charming Local Culture: Discover the local transport museum and engage with friendly locals in nearby Albert Town.
- Tranquil Beaches: Unwind at beautiful beaches and lush flower gardens, ideal for romantic getaways.
- Diverse Accommodation: Choose from charming guesthouses to luxurious lodges, catering to all types of travellers.
Find great hotels in and around Lake Hawea
Explore a variety of accommodation options in Lake Hawea, where adventure meets relaxation. From charming guesthouses to luxurious lodges, you’ll find the perfect retreat tailored for both leisure and business travellers. Many establishments offer air conditioning and cater to campers, ensuring a comfortable stay amidst stunning natural beauty. Experience the unique blend of outdoor activities and tranquil surroundings that Lake Hawea has to offer.
- The Camp - Lake Hawea: Perfectly situated in Lake Hawea, The Camp offers a unique eco-friendly holiday park experience ideal for adventurous travellers. With its 3.5-star rating, this property boasts direct access to the beach, inviting guests to immerse themselves in the stunning natural surroundings. The Camp provides a variety of adventure sports, including fishing onsite, as well as nearby options for skiing, hiking, and biking. Eco-certified, this accommodation embodies sustainability, making it a great choice for those who appreciate nature while enjoying exciting outdoor activities.
- Wanaka Haven: Experience luxury at its finest with Wanaka Haven, a 5-star lodge located 12.9km from Lake Hawea. This property is an exceptional choice for adventure seekers and business travellers alike, offering a blend of elegance and comfort. Guests can indulge in a range of thrilling activities nearby, such as snowboarding, skydiving, and parasailing, alongside excellent hiking and skiing rental services. The upscale facilities and serene environment make Wanaka Haven a perfect retreat for a luxurious getaway while still enjoying the thrill of outdoor adventures.
- Oasis Yurt Lodge: Nestled 14.5km from Lake Hawea, Oasis Yurt Lodge offers a nature-themed adventure experience, ideal for families. With a 3-star rating, this charming lodge provides a unique yurt accommodation that fosters a sense of closeness to nature. Guests can partake in various outdoor pursuits nearby, including downhill skiing, mountain climbing, and hiking. Families will appreciate amenities tailored for children, such as highchairs and dinnerware, ensuring a comfortable stay for all ages. This inviting atmosphere makes Oasis Yurt Lodge a delightful family-friendly option.
Where to stay near Lake Hawea
Lake Hawea offers a picturesque retreat perfect for outdoor enthusiasts and romantics alike. Explore the stunning vistas and secluded spots that invite relaxation and adventure. Nearby Albert Town boasts friendly locals and recreational activities, while the beach vibes and beautiful fairways create a luxurious atmosphere. Whether you're seeking thrilling adventures or tranquil moments, Lake Hawea and its surroundings promise an unforgettable experience for every traveller.
- Wānaka: Situated approximately 16.1km from Lake Hawea, Wānaka is a delightful suburb renowned for its breathtaking outdoor scenery and romantic atmosphere. This charming destination attracts visitors year-round, with peak arrivals occurring between January and March. Visitors can indulge in a variety of activities such as skiing in the nearby ski fields, exploring local shopping areas, or simply soaking in the stunning views of the lake and surrounding mountains. Wānaka is an ideal base for adventure seekers and nature lovers alike, offering a unique blend of relaxation and excitement.
- Hawea Flat: Located a mere 4.8km from Lake Hawea, Hawea Flat is a quaint suburb that embodies the essence of outdoor exploration and natural beauty. While traveller numbers are fairly consistent throughout the year, the busiest months are December to February. Here, visitors can enjoy skiing, golf at nearby courses, and the picturesque landscapes of the national state park. With its serene environment, Hawea Flat is perfect for those looking to unwind and soak in the stunning scenery while engaging in various outdoor activities.
- Lagoon Valley: Just 4.8km from Lake Hawea, Lagoon Valley offers a peaceful retreat surrounded by nature's splendour. Similar to its neighbours, this suburb experiences steady visitor traffic, peaking between December and February. Lagoon Valley is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, with opportunities for skiing at local resorts and exploration of the nearby national state park. The area's scenic lakes and majestic mountains create an idyllic backdrop for a romantic getaway or an adventurous holiday, making it a must-visit on your itinerary.
Things to do near Lake Hawea
Lake Hawea is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts and couples seeking a romantic getaway. Visitors can indulge in body treatments and spa experiences, while exploring shopping areas. Adventure seekers will find a plethora of activities, including an adventure playground, art exhibitions, and backcountry experiences that showcase the stunning scenery of the region. This captivating destination offers something for everyone, ensuring a memorable holiday.
Shopping
In Lake Hawea, you can enjoy local shops for unique gifts and souvenirs. If you're up for a drive, visit Cromwell Shopping Centre, located 45.1km away, where you'll find a vibrant mix of businesses, entertainment, and family-friendly options.
Recreation
Experience the serene surroundings at Wānaka Golf Club, perfect for a relaxing day on the greens, located 16.1km from Lake Hawea. Alternatively, enjoy the outdoor vibes at Crossfire Wānaka, 11.3km away, or visit Tarras Golf Course, 20.9km distant, for a refreshing round amidst stunning scenery.
Adventure
Puzzling World, a whimsical maze 16.1km from Lake Hawea, offers family-friendly fun with optical illusions and quirky puzzles. For thrill-seekers, Basecamp Wānaka Climbing Centre, located 17.7km away, provides exhilarating climbing experiences, while the DOC Trailhead, also 17.7km away, invites adventurers to explore scenic trails.
Nightlife
Although Lake Hawea is primarily known for its stunning natural beauty, nearby Paintball Central, located 46.7km away, offers a vibrant arcadeAdventureZone. Here, you can immerse yourself in exhilarating games and enjoy the lively atmosphere, perfect for an adventurous night out.
*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Lake Hawea
To save money on your trip to Lake Hawea, consider visiting during the off-peak months of May to June and October, when accommodation prices are lower. Booking your hotel about a month in advance or exploring last-minute deals on Expedia can yield significant savings. Mondays are the cheapest nights to stay, while Fridays tend to be the priciest. Utilise Expedia’s filters to find eco-friendly hotels within your budget, and consider package deals that combine flights, accommodation, and activities for additional savings.
- The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay in 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: The cheapest time to book a hotel in Lake Hawea is usually 1 month out from when you are planning to stay. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals which could secure you a cheaper stay. Look out for the green banner below the price to spot the deals.
- The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay in Lake Hawea is Monday. The most expensive day to stay in Lake Hawea is Friday.
- Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia's search tool enables you to specify your budget, preferred location, and other preferences. You can easily sort your results to display prices from lowest to highest, allowing you to find the most affordable hotels first. Additionally, you can refine your choices by hotel type; for instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels that you can book.
- Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay at Lake Hawea with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.
Find the best attractions near Lake Hawea
Lake Hawea is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts and those seeking romantic getaways, boasting stunning scenery and a variety of attractions. Visitors can enjoy exploring the local transport museum, the beautiful lake, and charming flower gardens. The area's points of interest cater to families and travellers eager for cultural experiences, ensuring a delightful stay immersed in nature and local charm.
- Lake Hawea: Nestled amidst stunning mountains, Lake Hawea is perfect for romantic getaways and outdoor adventures. Enjoy serene beach vibes, picturesque scenery, and excellent opportunities for water-based activities, such as kayaking and fishing.
- Warbirds & Wheels: A fascinating transport museum showcasing vintage aircraft and classic cars, Warbirds & Wheels offers a glimpse into New Zealand's aviation and automotive history. Ideal for families, this attraction combines culture with interactive exhibits and thrilling flight displays.
- Wānaka Lavender Farm: Immerse yourself in the beauty of Wānaka Lavender Farm, where vibrant lavender fields create a stunning backdrop. Enjoy family-friendly activities, stroll through the gardens, and indulge in delightful lavender-infused products.
Best time to go to Lake Hawea
The best time to visit Lake Hawea can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature in Lake Hawea falls in February, when visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. The coolest average temperature in Lake Hawea falls in July, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with light rain.
The nearest major airports for your trip to Lake Hawea
When planning your visit to Lake Hawea, you can conveniently fly into two major airports. Queenstown Airport (ZQN) is situated 62.8km away, with luxurious hotel options like the Hilton Queenstown Resort & Spa, only 1.3km from the airport, and the Sofitel Queenstown Hotel & Spa, 6.4km away. Wānaka Airport (WKA) is much closer at 11.3km from Lake Hawea, offering comfortable stays at the ASURE Brookvale Motel, 9.7km away, and the West Meadows Motel, just 8.0km away. Both airports provide various transportation services to and from these hotels, ensuring a smooth transition for your holiday.