Day 9: Queenstown
I could see it was going to be a beautiful sunrise so decided to get out early for a hike around Lake Wakatipu. It is interestingly shaped like a cartoon lightning bolt, or a sleeping giant as legend would have it. Lake Wakatipu is NZ's third-largest lake. It reaches a depth of 379m, meaning the lake bed actually sits below sea level. Five rivers flow into it but only one (the Kawarau) flows out, making it prone to sometimes dramatic floods.
Uniquely this lake fluctuates 10-15 cm every hour, like a resonating pulse (of the legendary sleeping giant), which makes it tidal. Lakes usually are not tidal so that is a unique aspect of this particular lake. At one time scientists rated it as 99.9% pure – it’s was said you're better off dipping your glass in the lake than buying bottled water. Another source says at one stage Lake Wakatipu was ranked second in the world for the purity of its water. Although still crystal clear, I would not advise you put the purity claims to the test by drinking your fill.
One of the best ways to see the shape of the lake, and the surrounding areas including the mountains, is to take the Skyline Gondola 400m above Queenstown. I was on the fence whether I should take it, I decided I would, and the views were well worth it.
All in all, a lovely day in Queenstown.
