Moke Lake

It is due to the prominence of its bigger brother Lake Wakatipu that the more solitary, placid Moke Lake is visited by a comparably small number of tourists. Moke Lake lays a 10-kilometre drive from Queenstown, and its stunning location surrounded by mountains makes it the perfect destination for active people who want to swim, kayak, bike or hike. The three-hour trail between Moke Lake and Lake Dispute which winds through gentle hills, verdant Douglas fir forests and wide grassy plains is a particularly popular one, especially because it leads walkers much of the way back to Queenstown.

And it’s not just day-trippers who visit the lake the area also caters for longer stays. There’s a small campsite next to the lake which is basic but reasonably priced and it’s also possible to take overnight treks that lead you deeper into the mountains.

For those who only have a day to spend at Moke Lake, a great way to see it is on horseback – the Ben Lomond Station offers treks of between 1.5 and 5 hours. Whether you’re an experienced rider or a novice, young or old, this is one of the best ways to explore the area.

Although mountain lakes like Moke tend to be quite cold, many brave the chilly waters for a swim during the summer months. If you're one of those daring people, it’s always advisable to bring a wetsuit! Or, if you like the water but don't fancy the cold, why not go on one of the kayak tours organised by operators out of Queenstown?

Lake Moke can be visited at any time of the year and the difficulty of reaching it by road means that there are no fees for entering the area. There are no surfaced roads leading here, so off-road vehicles or organised tours are often a good choice.