Auckland is welcoming to different types of travel plans. It boasts of some of the best landscapes and beautiful sights; hence, it attracts many visitors yearly. For example, you can watch whales and other sea creatures at any time of the year in the Hauraki Gulf or jet ski on many beaches in New Zealand. If you prefer something quieter, visit the lakes.
Auckland lakes add beauty to the city and can be explored at convenience. Below are some of the best lakes in the city that you can visit with friends and family.
Lake Wainamu, Waitakere
Lake Wainamu is a popular swimming spot for residents and tourists. It is located behind high dunes of black sand and is comfortable to relax, away from the strong wind and riptides of the nearby Bethells beach.
Apart from the lake and evening swims, you must first go through the black sand dunes, which is an enjoyable climb. The large lake has a car park about 15 minutes from the lake. Although dogs are not allowed, there are toilets, and you can stay at nearby hotels.
You can also extend your visit to the Waitohi falls, which is only a short hike from the lake. Wainamu lake is a natural beauty famous for its excellent water quality. As a result, it is not monitored since the Auckland council does not consider the water risk to public health.
Lake Rotoiti
Lake Rotoiti is located in the Tasman Region of New Zealand. It is about 269 ft deep and is surrounded by beech forest. The beautiful lake is great for trout fishing and swimming, as the water is refreshingly cold. Apart from this, you can access hot pools on the other side of the lake by boat.
The Manipuri hot springs are quiet, and their water comes from natural springs heated by geothermal activity. As a result, the pools have different temperatures. This is the place to visit if you desire a stunning view of unspoiled nature. The lake water is crystal clear and has roads to the South and west.
Anchor Bay
The Tawharanui Regional Park is home to one of the best beaches in New Zealand. The park features pockets of rock pools, walking tracks, white sand beaches, and a lot of native birds. Anchor Bay is located 80 minutes’ drive north of Auckland and is usually packed with visitors. However, you can always check out quieter spots.
Anchor Bay is a good place to surf and enjoy a good view of the surrounding areas. There are changing rooms and bathrooms near the beach. Also, the beach is spacious enough for everyone, even on popular holidays, and is one of the best surfing and secret swimming spots in New Zealand, even for beginner surfers.
The bay is divided in two by easy-to-climb but slippery rocks. From the top, you can enjoy a view of the beach in both directions; hence, it is a perfect place to take photos. You will also visit some native birds and the famous pohutukawa trees. But since it can be slippery, tread carefully.
Lake Rotongata (Mirror lakes)
Lake Rotongata is a small volcanic lake referred to as the mirror lake. As the name implies, the lake is clear and sometimes creates a mirror effect when you visit in the morning before the high winds cause ripples. It has a platform 100 metres above, allowing a good lake view. The lake is also close to Lake Rotorua, so that will be two visits in one.
Oakley creek waterfall
Oakley Creek is the only waterfall within the Auckland city area. It is located within the Oakley reserve and is called the Te Auaunga. A path leading up to the fall is great for walking. The creek is rich with abundant native forests, exotic fauna and flora, including the threatened New Zealand longfin eel.
Oakley Creek falls is a six-metre high natural waterfall, the highest urban waterfall in New Zealand. Visitors can take the steps down for a closer view of the waterfall and enjoy many other sights within the reserve. You can’t swim in the water, which can be high after rain events.
Mount Aspiring National Park
If you fancy mountaineering, add Mountain Aspiring National Park to your checklist. The park offers a mixture of beautiful river valleys, remote wilderness, and high mountains. Visitors can explore the park’s alpine lakes, glaciers, and mountains through various short walks at the end of the access roads.
The park has a massive wilderness and wildlife habitat at the centre. With abundant rainfall in the west, there is a beech forest and various waterfalls you can visit. You don’t need to worry about accommodation as the department for conservation provides camping areas.
Some activities you can try in the public park include visiting the blue pools, valley walks and mountain trails, jetboating, and heli-skiing. The walk around the beautiful pool is suitable for children, and you can join boat trips to create a complete adventure.
Lake Pupuke
Lake Pupuke is a freshwater lake that occupies a volcanic crater between the suburbs of Takapuna and Milford on the North Shore of Auckland. Unlike other craters that were breached by erosion or buried by later volcanic rock, Lake Pupuke is famous for recreational activities.
People come to the large lake for water sports like fishing, swimming, boating, and diving. Therefore, you and your friends can visit if you all fancy water sports to participate in or enjoy the view.
Conclusion
New Zealand has some of the most beautiful lakes in the world. You can plan a visit to any of these lakes and enjoy a refreshing dip on a hot day. Some of the lakes listed above allow water sports activities, and you can even do some fishing. Interestingly, they are a few minutes’ drive from the Auckland region.
