Manapouri is a small town located in the South Island of New Zealand. The town is situated on the shores of Lake Manapouri, which is known…
Best for you if…
Manapouri - A Beautiful Place in New Zealand is a strong pick for hiking & boating — plan about 5-7 days. Peak season: Summer.
Deep guide guide · about 4 min to read · depth score 81/100 (coverage of intro, tips, and mapped places)
Moderate density — A mix of walkable clusters with some longer hops. (≈18.8 km span)
High season: Summer
Best months for lower-cost travel: May · June · September · October
10-20°C
10-20°C
20-30°C
0-10°C
Manapouri is a picturesque town located in the Southland region of New Zealand. Nestled on the shores of Lake Manapouri, it offers stunning views and a tranquil atmosphere. If you're planning a visit to this charming destination, here are a few ways to reach Manapouri:
The nearest airport to Manapouri is the Queenstown Airport, which is approximately 170 kilometers away. From Queenstown, you can hire a rental car or take a scenic bus ride to Manapouri. The drive takes around two hours, showcasing the beautiful landscapes of New Zealand's South Island.
If you prefer a road trip, Manapouri is accessible by car from various cities in New Zealand. From Queenstown, you can take State Highway 6 towards Lumsden, and then turn onto State Highway 94 to reach Manapouri. The journey offers breathtaking views of mountains, rivers, and forests, making it an unforgettable experience.
Another unique way to reach Manapouri is by taking a ferry from Doubtful Sound. Doubtful Sound is a popular fjord located nearby, and a ferry service operates between the two destinations. This scenic journey allows you to enjoy the beauty of both Doubtful Sound and Lake Manapouri.
If you prefer public transport, you can catch a bus from major cities like Queenstown, Te Anau, or Invercargill to Manapouri. Several bus services operate in the region, providing convenient transportation options for travelers.
If you're looking for a more leisurely option, you can also reach Manapouri by taking a cruise. Several cruise companies offer scenic cruises on Lake Manapouri, allowing you to enjoy the journey while taking in the breathtaking surroundings.
Whichever mode of transportation you choose, reaching Manapouri is an adventure in itself. Once you arrive, you can explore the beauty of the town, indulge in outdoor activities like hiking or boating, or simply relax and soak in the peaceful ambiance of this hidden gem in New Zealand.
Manapouri is a small town located in the South Island of New Zealand. The town is situated on the shores of Lake Manapouri, which is known for its pristine beauty and crystal-clear waters. It is a popular destination for tourists who are looking for a peaceful and tranquil environment.
The town of Manapouri is surrounded by mountains and is located near the Fiordland National Park, which is a popular destination for hiking, boating and camping. The park is home to a wide variety of bird and plant species, including the takahē, a flightless bird endemic to New Zealand.
One of the main attractions of Manapouri is the Manapouri Hydroelectric Power Station, which generates electricity for the region. A tour of the power station takes visitors deep into the heart of the mountain, where they can see the turbines at work and learn about the history of the project.
Manapouri is also a popular destination for boating and fishing, with many boat cruises and charters operating in the area. The lake is home to a variety of fish species, including brown trout and rainbow trout.
Overall, Manapouri is a beautiful and peaceful destination with plenty of outdoor activities and natural attractions for visitors to enjoy.
Compiled from local tips, stay length, and season notes.
18 places mapped for this destination
Evening strolls, half-days, and fuller day loops — clustered by proximity.
~0.4 km · 4 places
~0.8 km · 3 places
~0.9 km · 2 places
~1.5 km · 2 places
~0.4 km · 5 places
~2.2 km · 3 places
~0.9 km · 2 places
~4.6 km · 7 places
~6.3 km · 4 places
~0.9 km · 2 places
Places ordered by proximity into day buckets. Add what you like to your trip.
~4.2 km path
~0.5 km path
~14.5 km path
~18.3 km path
~2.9 km path
Answers compiled from stay length, season, and local tips for this guide.
Most travelers spend about 5-7 days in Manapouri - A Beautiful Place in New Zealand, New Zealand.
High season is typically Summer.
Travelers often find better value in May, June, September, October.
Manapouri - A Beautiful Place in New Zealand suits Hiking, Boating, Wildlife Watching, Scenic Drives.
A mix of walkable clusters with some longer hops.
Take insect repellent for outdoor activities
Add Manapouri - A Beautiful Place in New Zealand and the places you want to see — your itinerary stays on this device.
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