Lake Hawea, a long narrow, glacial lake, is the smallest and most northerly of the New Zealand southern alpine lakes. The lake is deep blue, crystal clear and the rugged mountains on three sides plunge steeply into the water. The summers here are long, hot and dry; winters cold with snow on the mountain tops and occasionally at lake level.

The small town of Lake Hawea (pop. 300) is situated on the southern shores of the lake, on the old glacial morraine wall. Being elevated above the lake, means the town has spectacular views and its aspect means it has a wonderful sunny position. It is quiet and relaxed, and provides a tranquil alternative to nearby Wanaka and Queenstown.

 

	Long hot summer days of fishing, boating and sunning on the beaches.
	Spectacular autumn colours as the poplars turn golden against the deep blue of the lake.
	Snow arrives on the mountains in winter, providing a memorable backdrop of the the lake view from the town.
	Spring blossoms, the trees turn green, days lengthen, lambs are born, the cycle continues.

The lake is deeper than neighbouring Lake Wanaka, from which it is separated by a narrow isthmus, The Neck. In previous ice ages The Neck interconnected glaciers which filled the valleys of Lakes Hawea and Wanaka. Lake Hawea was raised 20m in 1958 to provide extra storage in spring and summer that can be released into the Clutha River in winter during periods of peak power demand.

The name originates from a Maori sub-tribe that once lived in the area.