Virtual tour panorama showing the outflow bay at the southern end of Lake Hawea in Otago, New Zealand. Panorama taken in the summer of 2008.

Southern End of Lake Hawea - Wanaka visitor guide showing a virtual tour of 'Southern End of Lake Hawea' linked to an interactive map with local and travel information. 360° panoramas from Otago.

Lake Hawea is a large and beautiful glacial lake near to Wanaka in the Queenstown-Lakes District on the South Island of New Zealand. It is formed by meltwater from the surrounding mountains which is held back by a terminal moraine laid down about 10,000 years ago.

This 35km long lake is fed by the Hunter River which originates in the valleys of Mount Huxley and Mount Brewster at the northern end. At the southern end water drains into the Hawea River which joins the Clutha River a little further south at Albert town. Lake Hawea provides excellent swimming, fishing and other water sports. It is a popular holiday destination during the summer months.

The only settlements on the lake is Hawea and Gladstone, located at the southern end on Hawea Flat, the only flat area around the lake. As well as providing a base for exploring the mountains, climbing and cycling in the summer, Hawea is also within access of the surrounding ski areas in the winter.

Part way up Lake Hawea is The Neck, a very narrow, 100m wide, strip of land that separates it from neighbouring Lake Wanaka. The rest of the time the lakes are separated by an 8km wide mountain range. Highway 6 crosses over the lake on the way to the West Coast.

Road: Hawea at the southern end of Lake Hawea is about 15km north of Wanaka on Highway 6.
Flight: Wanaka Airport