Located in the Mackenzie Basin of the South Island, Lake Ohau is a stunning lake with a charming lakefront town that offers peace and relaxation. You’ll find scenic surroundings and tucked-away accommodation options that let you unplug and unwind. There’s still plenty of adventure in Lake Ohau, from water sports to fishing, hiking and mountain biking. You’ll also find some unique experiences in Lake Ohau, including stargazing at one of the few dark-sky reserves in the world. No matter what you’re looking for on your trip, find inspiration for your next holiday with Lake Ohau accommodation and activities for families, couples and solo adventurers.
Lake Ohau accommodation
Whether you need space for all the kids, want a little privacy and romance or are looking for off-the-beaten-track ideas, Lake Ohau offers an array of accommodation options for your trip. Find out more about Lake Ohau accommodation to see what you can expect.
Family holiday homes
Family holiday homes offer space and comfort for large groups and families. You can find large homes with extra bedrooms and bathrooms, private surroundings, backyards for the kids to play and beachfront views. Holiday homes come in a wide variety of options, including affordable homes for a budget-friendly holiday and luxury homes with decadent features for a pampered experience. You’ll find homes all over the area as well, whether you want to be close to town, on the waterfront or nestled in the wilderness. Places like the Twizel retreat offer plenty of family amenities, such as an outdoor shower and private garden, media with video games and streaming services, toys, books, games, sports equipment and a trampoline.
Bed-and-breakfasts
For a personalised holiday experience, nothing beats a bed-and-breakfast stay. You’ll find an array of bed-and-breakfasts throughout Lake Ohau that provide you with a comfortable room, guest living spaces with entertainment systems, complimentary breakfasts with local cuisine and amenities like hot tubs, pools, backyards and gardens. One of the best aspects of staying at a bed-and-breakfast is the local knowledge. Your hosts can provide you with ideas for attractions and family activities to make the most of your trip. Some bed-and-breakfasts also offer organised tours and activities for guests, including children's activities.
Lodges
If you’re coming to Lake Ohau to ski or snowboard, booking a lodge puts you close to the slopes and all the downhill fun. You can book a lodge stay in all seasons, however, and enjoy scenic surroundings, on-site bars and restaurants, stunning lakefront views and beach access. Lodges offer a variety of options for all types of travellers, whether you need space for the kids or you want a room all to yourself.
Things to do on Lake Ohau
From stargazing to wildlife excursions and water sports, Lake Ohau offers a wide range of memorable experiences for your holiday. Find out more about the things to do near Lake Ohau for families, couples and adventurers.
Family activities
With its wide-open spaces and diverse outdoor experiences, Lake Ohau is the perfect place for kids to get in touch with nature. Kids can climb trees, ride on bike trails, take nature walks, skim rocks on the lake and swim in the shallow bay. In the creeks that surround the lake, kids can see fish swimming around and cast a line. You’ll find many outdoor areas for more adventure for older children, including Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park and the Ruataniwha Conservation Park.
Romantic experiences
If you’re planning a couple’s trip, Lake Ohau has an abundance of exciting experiences. One of the most romantic experiences you can have in Lake Ohau is stargazing. The Mackenzie region has some of the clearest skies in the world that are filled with twinkling stars. The best way to stargaze is by visiting the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve and taking an astronomy tour. Stargazing is also a great choice if you want some romance, but need an activity for the whole family. You’ll also find nature walks and wildlife safaris for a quiet and intimate experience away from the city.
Water sports and adventure
Lake Ohau offers sparkling lake waters and rugged mountain peaks for all manner of outdoor adventure for all ages. Mount Cook, the highest peak of the Southern Alps, is close to the village and home to the Ohau Snow Fields for skiing, snowboarding and family-oriented winter activities. In warm weather, you’ll find plenty of opportunities for outdoor fun, such as hiking on the extensive trails in the wilderness or taking a bike ride on the Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail, which leads from Ohau Weir to Lake Ohau Road along the lake’s edge. During your ride, you’ll see scenic lake views and an abundance of native wildlife to delight the kids. The lake is a playground for water sports, including fishing, boating and water skiing.