Lake Whakatipu Family Holiday Adventure Guide

Lake Whakatipu and its surrounding mountains draw people from all over the world. It's an incredible place to come for a family holiday at any time of year - but of course the lake really comes into its own over summer when the water is warm enough for swimming and watersports.

With two stores within a few hundred metres of the lake in Shotover Street and at Queenstown Airport, and a third only a little distance way in Arrowtown, Outside Sports has everything you need to set you up for a memorable holiday at Lake Wakatipu.

Lake Wakatipu snakes its way between craggy mountain ranges and fills a deep glacial trough that was carved out by glaciers 20,000 years ago in the last major ice age. The landscape around the lake is incredibly dramatic – in fact it’s so spectacular the one of the mountain ranges that line the lake shore is named The Remarkables because of how jaw-droppingly magnificent they look.  

At 80km Lake Whakaptipu is the longest lake in New Zealand, but it’s not wide – only 5km from shore to shore at its widest point. It is pretty deep though at around 420 m at the deepest point so even though the lake is 310 m above sea level it reaches below sea level at its deepest places. 

Lake Whakatipu is mainly fed by the glacial Dart and Rees Rivers, and drains into the Kawarau River, which runs through an ancient gorge that also takes you by road to Cromwell to the east. As you drive you can see across the river to old shacks and mine works left by gold miners in the Gold Rush of the early 1860s. 

Get the Whakatipu vibes with a scenic flat, stroller-friendly stroll with playgrounds, ducks, and great views all along the way to the lovely Queenstown Gardens. 

Right beside the lake is a playground that’s perfect for younger kids. 

At the northern end of the lake near the airport you’ll find this safe swimming area and picnic tables. 

 Another gentle lakeside walk just minutes from town. 

A trip on the iconic TSS Earnslaw steamship is a must-do Whakaptipu excursion for all ages. There’s also the option to visit the farm across the lake at Walter Peak, which is only accessible to the public by water. 

Calm mornings on the lake are perfect for beginners and you can hire your watercraft right on the the main beach at Queenstown. 

No licence is needed for this self-drive blast on the lake and it’s great for families with young kids. 

Next to to town you’ll find this beautiful loop though the rose gardens with ducks for company and lovely lake views. 

A 45 minute drive from Queenstown along a winding lakeside road takes you to Glenorchy, where you’ll be able to enjoy a relaxed family walk in a drop-dead gorgeous location. 

Check out the iconic red shed. 

Beginner-friendly horse treks on relaxed horses with incredible scenery everywhere you look. 

About 15 minutes along the Glenorchy Road from Queenstown you’ll find Bob’s Cove, which is picturesque bay with an easy 30–40 min return walk next to the lake 

This a network of short, kid-friendly trails with a also a great picnic spot. 

Fun for the whole family. We have frisbees for sale at Outside Sports. 

Close to the waterfront at Frankton, this kiwi sanctuary is a good rainy-day backup activity.  

This is a flat and easy walking and biking trail the runs beside the lake from Queenstown to Frankton. It’s perfect as family bike ride. If you don’t have bikes we have rental bikes for everyone at Outside Sports in Shotover Street. 

On the Remarkables side of the lake you can find this easy biking or walking trail with fascinating sculptures and safe swimming spots. This track looks back to towards Queenstown for a different perspective of the lake front. 

KJet and Shotover Jet have rides that are suitable for children, depending on their age and height. 

 Short stop with epic lake views — perfect for family photos. 

About 25 minutes drive for Queenstown Moke Lake is tranquil spot for walking, picnics, and hiking or running an easy lakeside loop track. 

This one’s for bigger teens and adults than kids. Can you really say you’ve been to Queenstown without doing a bungy jump? 

Our main store in Shotover Street, Queenstown has the biggest and best range of premium outdoor and adventure apparel anywhere in Australasia. Nowhere else can you find all the top international brands like Arc’teryx, Patagonia, The North Face, Picture Organic Clothing, Norrona, Icebreaker, Salomon, On Running, and many more in one place. We’ve been outfitting visiting families, hikers, and lake enthusiasts since 1995 from our stunning premises at the top of Shotover Street. 

We also have Queenstown’s best selection of hiking and running footwear plus hiking gear, tents and sleep systems. 

If you’re getting out on the lake for fun with your watercraft or to do a spot of fishing, we can help you with both of those activities too.  

If you’re visiting nearby Arrowtown we have a store there too, as well as another one at Queenstown Airport.