New Zealand is one of the most beautiful countries in the World. Famed as the Garden City, Christchurch an adorable city in New Zealand and s known for historical monuments that are an epitome of rich culture and architecture. Christchurch is also the largest city in the South Island and has numerous gardens, parks, and streets and places crowded with trees and greenery.
Since, the city is located in the southern end of Pegasus Bay and rests beside the banks of the Avon River, the city is surrounded by many lakes which are a major tourist attraction. Get ready to relax at the stunning lakes in Christchurch and have a refreshing vacation!
10 Best Lakes In Christchurch
Here is the list of mesmerizing lakes in the city where you can relax while you are exploring Christchurch.
Keep scrolling down and read along!
1. Lake Roto Kohatu
This is a small lake located at the north west of Christchurch city center and is part of the Sawyers Arms Reserve. It is one of the modest beaches and gives you the boating facility. This is one of the best boating lakes near Christ church. The lumber yard around the reserve gives it the Industrial feel. Initially, the lake was started as a gravel pit and later on it was modified for the park and recreational purposes. It is a nice place to visit with friends and family you can enjoy the natural beauty and can watch the eye-filling view of the lake while having a sip of coffee.
Location: Sawyers Arms Road, Harewood, Christchurch
Must Read: 10 Places To Visit In Christchurch For A Terrific New Zealand Vacay
2. Victoria Lake
Victoria Lake is a man-made lake in the heart of the lovely picturesque Hagley Park. It is a lovely place to sit around and enjoy natural scenes. The park remained quite wild during the first decade of Christchurch. The sailing ship there is very relaxing and enjoyable in the afternoon. Whenever you plan to visit this place you must plan on holidays or at weekends for sailing the boat. This lake is close to many other historical places in Christ Church. It is a peaceful place to walk around and enjoy the water views.
Location: North Hagley Park, Christchurch 8001, New Zealand
Suggested Read: 8 Best Hostels In Christchurch For A Soothing Holiday Falling Within Your Budget!
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3. Bottle Lake
It was founded in 1940 and is the very beautiful lake in Christ Church (New Zealand). It is rated as one of the most unique and challenging courses in Canterbury. The natural scene around the lake will definitely win your heart. The surrounding like Parkland, elevated trees, greenery, and water hazards provide a great challenge to even the skilled golfers. It is operated seven days in a week and you will be always greeted with a warm friendly smile. There is also a bottle Lake Forest near the bottle lake which over the years has overgrown with trees which provide a habitat for the large variety of birds life.
Location: 15 Waitikiri Dr, Bottle Lake, Christchurch 8083, New Zealand
Suggested Read: 9 Best Cafes In Christchurch To Try The Different Flavours Of The South Island City!
4. Horseshoe Lake
The wetland in Christ Church is almost disappearing but the horseshoe is the lake which is still remaining. The reserve shows the old habitat of wetland which reminds you of how the Christ Church looks like. It starts with the junction of the Carlsen Street and Lake Terrace road. One should indulge in taking a stroll around the area and witness the peaceful ambiance it offers.
Also, don’t forget to watch the wildlife flourishing in an undistributed habitat. There is also a specially designated dog exercise area within the park.
Location: Lake Terrace Road, Burwood.
5. Alpine Lake
The Alpine safari lake is a full day adventure tour from Christ Church which includes a scenic four-wheeler drive adventure. You can enjoy a thrilling jet board ride, a short nature walks, a delicious lunch and return from Arthur’s pass to the Christ Church on the world famous Tranz Alpine train. Some highlights of this place are exciting and scenic jet board ride, three exciting adventure all in one day. You will like the breathtaking alpine scenery which includes lakes, rivers, and mountains. As this is a small tour so the prices can be changed per person basis on the group size. Tour price includes the pickup and drops facility from your accommodation place in Christ Church.
Location: 21 Rearsby Dr, Halswell, Christchurch 8025, New Zealand
Suggested Read: Top Five Airports In New Zealand For A Memorable NZ Beginning
6. Lake Tekapo
This lake is near to Christ Church and is located at three hours’ drive from southwest of Christ Church. It is a lake with turquoise colour water and the mountains the Southern Alps. On the shore of the lake, you will see the beautiful church of the Good Shepherd. This church is the popular spot for the visitors but please note that weddings and services may be taking place so respect is needed by the visitors. Tekapo lake is one of the best places to see in New Zealand and the best time to visit this place is between April and September. Lake Tekapo is basically known for their clear night which makes it a great viewing destination.
Location: Mackenzie District, Canterbury Region, South Island
7. Lake Benmore
Lake Benmore is the largest man-made lake in New Zealand and was formed behind the Benmore power station. Lake Benmore is located in 74.5 square kilometers and has a shoreline of 116-kilometer n length. It is located in the Waitaki district in the Canterbury and Otago region on the South Island of New Zealand. It has a unique blue color and autumn is the best time to visit this place when it is surrounded by the yellow poplars on the hills on the peninsula.
Location: Waitaki District, Canterbury, New Zealand
Suggested Read: Day Trips From Christchurch: 9 Places To Visit From Garden City
8. Lake Ohakuri
It is an artificial lake of Waitaki in New Zealand and it is a reservoir for the Ohakuri hydroelectric power station. The lake Ohakuri provides you the excellent fishing adventures throughout the year. Although you will find shoreline access at some places you will also find most fishing either from the boat or through trolling. However, the water park is dark but it is quiet and clean from inside.
Location: Whirinaki Valley road, Waikato, New Zealand.
9. Lake Wanaka
This lake is adorned with the craggy peaks belonging from the Southern Alps.It is famous among both national and international tourist. It has two major ski fields for winter fun and eateries to enjoy during warmer months. You can go for red star luxury burgers which has no other competitors. Wanaka is growing fastly and becoming similar to Queenstown. This place is base for all adventure sports and you can enjoy this place the most during the winter times.
Location: Lake Wanaka, Otago, New Zealand.
10. Lake Wakatipu
This place is main attraction for visitors of New Zealand. You can view across the lakes towards the snow capped remarkable view of mountains which gives you some of the unforgettable scenes. During your visit make sure to take a local guide with yourself so that he can tell you the legends of Wakatipu Lake. The rock flour is extremely fine and as the sunlight hit the water surface that scene looks extremely fine. The blue color of the lake makes its quite a beautiful lake in this area.
Location: Otago, New Zealand.
Further Read: Casinos In New Zealand: 5 Best Places For A Fascinating Outing In This Scenic Land!
Excited to relax on the pristine lakes? Don’t wait anymore , pack your bags and plan your next trip to Christchurch with TravelTriangle ,get away from the busy life of yours and go lose yourself amidst nature!
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Frequently Asked Questions About Lakes In Christchurch
Which are some of the popular lakes in Christchurch?
Christchurch is known for its mesmerizing lakes. It is a major tourist attraction. The most popular lakes are Lake Roto Kohatu, Victoria Lake, Alpine Lake, Lake Wanaka, Bottle lake and so on.
How long is Lake Tekapo?
Lake Tekapo is one of the most popular lakes in Christchurch. It has stunning turquoise color water with a length of 27 km.
Why is the lake of Tekapo so blue?
The lake is blue due to rock flour from surrounding glaciers. The glacier grinds rock into a fine dust that flows down into the Lake Tekapo. The rock flour is surrounded in the water which causes the turquoise blue. It is a great viewing destination.
Which is the deepest lake in Christchurch?
There are many lakes in Christchurch with deep lakes. Lake Hauroko is the deepest lake with 462 meters. It is the deepest lake in New Zealand as well.
Which lake is the best place to see wetlands and wildlife in Christchurch?
Horseshoe Lake is one of the places where you can see the wetland which is almost disappearing in Christchurch. It is a peaceful place and the best place to see the magnificent wildlife.
What is the best time to visit the lakes of Christchurch?
You can visit the lakes of Christchurch at any time of the year. But the best time to visit is between April to September. The natural beauty is best acknowledged during this part of the year.
What are the activities one can try at the lakes of Christchurch?
There are many activities that you can do at the lakes of Christchurch like sailing boat at Victoria Lake, jet board ride at Alpine Lake, or take a fishing adventure at Lake Ohakuri. The lakes are a great destination for adventure sports.
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