Save time by having your knowledgeable guide direct you to Lake Wakatipu entrance rather than making you wait in lengthy admission lines.
With the aid of a knowledgeable guide, you may learn about the origins of Lake Wakatipu.
This intimate and exclusive small-group guided tour is the ideal way to experience Lake Wakatipu because it guarantees that you will have your guide's full attention.
Depending on your request, this tour can be given in English, French, German, Italian or Spanish.
Lake Wakatipu
Located in the southwest corner of Otago region,Lake Wakatipu is New Zealand's third largest lake. Its name comes from the local Maori language, which means "hollow of the giant". It is situated in an area of extreme change and has puzzled scientists for years.
The lake was formed 15,000 years ago by a massive glacier pushing through land from the north-west. The lake is 84km long and 380 metres deep. The lake drains a 1,150 square mile basin and receives the Dart and Rees rivers from the west. The Kawarau River flows into the northern end of the lake.
Lake Wakatipu has a unique 'S' shape. Maori legend states that the shape of the lake is a burnt outline of the giant Matau. It is believed that his heart beats in the lake and his water rises and falls rhythmically. The lake is not considered large enough to be tidal, but the water levels change every twenty-seven minutes. Scientists believe that this change is due to the shape of the lake and atmospheric conditions.
There are two main lake communities around Lake Wakatipu: Glenorchy at the north end and Kingston at the south end. There are various activities for visitors to do at the lake such as kayaking, fishing and boating. The area is also a popular destination for walkers and hikers.
The lake is considered to be the final resting place of the giant Matau. His heart still beats underneath a pigeon island, and is believed to still be beating in the lake. The Maori believed that the heartbeat of Matau is connected to the rising and falling of the water in the lake.
The lake is also said to have been home to Ngai Tahu for many centuries. The tribe made their home in Te Waipounamu, which is a Maori word that translates to "the waters of the river". Ngai Tahu made their home in the area over 800 years ago, and seasonal hunting prospects drew them to the lake.
The Maori believed that the heart of Matau is the source of the rising and falling of the water in the Lake Wakatipu. The heartbeat of Matau is called a seiche and it is believed that wind changes trigger the seiches, which result in a 20cm rise in the water levels of the lake.
Those visiting the lake can take a guided tour that includes the history of the lake and the Maori legend. Visitors can also go on a jet boat or a classic steamboat trip to enjoy the beauty of the lake. There are also several rental companies that can rent paddleboards or kayaks for visitors to enjoy the lake. Those looking for a more challenging experience can go on a high-speed boat ride on the Kawarau River. There is also a shark-eye view of the lake on a hydro attack.
The lake is home to numerous species of fish. Salmon, brown trout and rainbow trout are commonly found in the lake.
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At the same time, you'll encounter culture and relaxation. Say goodbye to books where it could be tough to obtain information and the feeling of missing something significant without fully understanding what it was. The fastest admission to museums or monuments will be available to you owing to the badges worn by our guides.
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Any experience can be changed according to its cancellation policy. We may be able to make adjustments to your reservation if the activity permits cancellations.
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Our tours are offered in multiple languages, so if you're interested in taking one of them but don't speak that language, be sure to schedule it in the language you do. First, open the city's file and use the filter sidebar to choose the language in which you'd like the tour to be given. This will filter the results to only show those in the preferred language.
The guide was really kind and skilled at talking in a way that piqued your interest and kept you focused on the city's attractions! I'd strongly advise it.
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4.7
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4.5
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5
We spent a great day exploring Milan's medieval districts on foot. The tour guide told engaging stories and was well-informed.
Outstanding!
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4.9
We had a wonderful day and are very happy we took the 2-hour guided tour of Paris.
