Lake Wakatipu sits beside Queenstown, so plan to base yourself in town and treat the lake as your playground: take the iconic TSS Earnslaw cruise to Walter Peak for a scenic meal, rent a kayak or SUP from Queenstown for a calm paddle, or use it as the starting point for hikes like Queenstown Hill and Ben Lomond. Be practical: book boat trips and equipment in advance during peak summer, arrive early for popular viewpoints or parking, and layer your clothing because wind and weather change fast. The water is cold year round, so swimming is best with a wetsuit and there are no lifeguards; if you want to fish, buy a New Zealand freshwater licence first. For a quieter, more dramatic drive head north to Glenorchy, but expect narrow, winding roads and occasional gravel sections.