Located in the Otago Region, Lake Hawea is a spectacular lake framed by towering peaks and dense forest. You’ll find a little of everything along Lake Hawea, from water sports and adventure in the wilderness to family beach days, wine tours and luxurious spa retreats. No matter the season, Lake Hawea offers a vast array of options for things to see and do, all within reach of your holiday home. Take a look at the best ideas for activities and attractions near Lake Hawea and Lake Hawea accommodation options to plan your holiday with friends and family or on your own.
Lake Hawea accommodation
As a popular travel destination, Lake Hawea offers a range of accommodation options to suit every traveller. Find out more about the accommodation near Lake Hawea and see what you can expect.
Family holiday homes
Holiday homes are the most versatile accommodation option for your trip to Lake Hawea. You’ll find holiday homes on the lakefront, in the mountains and close to town, and you can book everything from a sprawling and luxurious home to a more practical and affordable option. Holiday homes come with many desirable amenities, including extra bedrooms and bathrooms, bunk beds for the kids, toys and games, backyards, outdoor entertainment space and beach access, so everyone will be comfortable and happy on the trip. The Fantail Cottage is the perfect choice for families and offers space for 8, a lakefront location, sports equipment, media with streaming services and books, board games and toys for children.
Charming baches
Cosy and comfortable, baches are the perfect choice for a small travel group or family. Baches come in both affordable and luxury options and offer amenities like fireplaces, backyards and beach access. You can book baches with just enough space for yourself or you and your partner, or opt for a larger bach with bedrooms for the kids. Many baches are dog-friendly, so you can bring your pet along for the trip. The Rockview Cottage offers plenty of practical amenities, as well as kid-friendly features like media with streaming services, a DVD library, wi-fi and books.
Romantic cabins
Alpine and lakefront cabins give you peace and privacy for a couple’s retreat. You can choose cabins on the lakefront or surrounded by the splendour of the wilderness for a relaxing stay. Many cabins are available right on the beach or nestled in the mountains, so you’ll have access to all the fun of the outdoors. You can find cabins with decadent amenities as well, such as working fireplaces, hot tubs and decks, giving you all you need to make the most of your experience.
Things to do near Lake Hawea
From water sports and wilderness hikes to cultural attractions to wine tours, you can have it all near Lake Hawea. Whether you’re bringing the kids, looking for romance or planning some adventurous outdoor experiences, find out the best things to do near Lake Hawea.
Outdoor adventure
Lake Hawea is an adventure playground for outdoor enthusiasts. You’ll find sparkling waters and dramatic mountain peaks with thick forests to explore. With the large size of the lake, water sports like boating, kitesurfing and kayaking are popular, as is fishing. You could also hike or mountain bike on the extensive trails that weave up the mountain. The lake and its surrounding wilderness serve as a habitat for an abundance of wildlife you can see on nature encounters or wild safaris with the kids. In winter, Lake Hawea offers activities like skiing, snowboarding and snowshoeing, as well as family-friendly activities like snow tubing. If you want something more intense, tour operators offer hunting and fishing tours, skydiving excursions and helicopter rides.
Family fun
Whether young or old, kids will love all the fun on Lake Hawea. You’ll have numerous sandy beaches for sunbathing and swimming, as well as water sports for little daredevils. Kids will also like nature hikes and beach picnics. For quality family time in nature, you can camp at one of the many campsites around the lake and in the forest. You’ll find an array of theme parks and cultural attractions nearby, such as Puzzling World, a complex with illusion rooms and a maze, and the National Transport & Toy Museum, a fascinating museum with vintage trains, cars and toys.
Romance
If you’re looking for a couple’s retreat, Lake Hawea sets the stage for romance and intimacy. You can stay near the lake to enjoy spectacular wilderness views and sunsets over the water in the evening. In winter, booking a charming alpine cabin in the mountains offers a private escape with a bit of adventure. Other popular things to do for couples in the area include day spas with decadent beauty treatments and couple’s massages or touring the wineries and vineyards in the region for tastings of award-winning wines.