Why Visit Lake Hāwea?

Located less than 15 minutes from Wanaka, Lake Hāwea is the perfect South Island getaway for nature lovers and adventurers alike. Whether you prefer an adventure packed weekend or rest and relaxation is more your style, Hāwea is the perfect balance of tranquillity and adventure activities. Lake Hāwea boasts arguably some of the bluest waters and untouched scenic vistas without having to be in the middle of nowhere. It’s the perfect location for water sports, you’ll find plenty of hiking and biking trails, plus it’s only 1hr from Queenstown International Airport.

Friday Afternoon & Evening

Check-In, Walk and Dinner

Kick off your weekend with a warm welcome from our team at Cross Hill Geodomes. Nestled among native bush, these luxurious domes offer panoramic views of Lake Hāwea and the surrounding mountains. Unwind with a bottle of renowned Central Otago wine, sourced from one of the local vineyards, and savour it on the deck out the front of your private geodome oasis.

Before dinner, take a relaxing walk along the Hāwea River Walkway. This easy, scenic track meanders through peaceful riverside landscapes, offering glimpses of the turquoise lake and the snow-capped peaks beyond. Cross Hill Geodomes offers local produce and paddock to plate inspired cuisine with a a three-course degustation experience fit for kings.

Stargazing at the Geodomes

Return to your geodome for a magical evening under the stars with a legendary Sweet Treats Platter from The Camp Food Truck, located on-site, ready for stargazing. With minimal light pollution, Lake Hāwea offers some of the clearest night skies in New Zealand, making it the perfect spot for stargazing.

Bring a blanket to your own personal deck, or watch the stars from inside your Geodome. With a unique window design that extends up and around the dome, you can enjoy unobstructed views of the night sky while keeping the curtains closed for privacy. This clever feature ensures you can relax in comfort, surrounded by the beauty of the stars above, without compromising on seclusion.

Saturday

Morning: Take a Hike

After you’ve fuelled yourself with breakfast, start your Saturday with an invigorating hike – Hāwea is a hikers paradise! There are plenty of hiking trails nearby to suit any ability or time constraints.

Our favourite hikes are:

• Isthmus Peak Track: A challenging 16 km return hike with jaw-dropping views of Lake Hāwea and Lake Wānaka. Allow 5-6 hours for this rewarding adventure – the view from the top is definitely worth it and much less crowded compared to Roy’s Peak.

• Gladstone Track: For a gentler option, this lakeside trail is perfect for stunning views without the climb. This easy walking and biking track is 6.5km and will take 1-2 hours to complete and is less crowded than other popular lakefront trails in the area. You can rent a bike through us or on the PlanIt App using the code “CROSSHILL”.

Midday: Picnic by the Lake

There are so many pristine and secluded picnic spots around Lake Hāwea – head to Hāwea’s new supermarket for some picnic snacks before setting out on your adventure. If you’d prefer to steer clear of the heavy lifting, you can swing by The Camp Food Truck or talk to us about organising a picnic ready at your destination with My Secret Picnic (if you’re popping that big question this valentines day, this is the perfect setting).

Afternoon: Lake, Sauna and Wine

Make the most of Lake Hāwea’s crystal-clear waters – take a dip in the glacier-fed lake, get out on your paddle board/kayak or read a book by the shores. For those who prefer the adventure, make sure to check out surfing in Hāwea (you heard that right). YourWave is an artificial surfing wave nearby which is perfect for all abilities, while expert surfers and white-water kayakers head to The Hāwea Wave.

The Secret Sauna is located on-site overlooking the lake and can be booked privately or as a shared session. Not only is it great for your health, it’s a great way to relax and unwind after your morning adventure – maximize the benefits of your sauna experience by taking a refreshing dip in the lake between sessions.

On Saturday afternoon, indulge in a Private Wine Tour around the Wānaka region, where you’ll visit local vineyards and sample award-winning wines. Tailored to your preferences, this exclusive tour offers a relaxed way to discover the region’s best wines while enjoying the stunning backdrop of the Southern Alps. It’s a perfect way to unwind and savour the flavours of the area.

Evening: Dinner and Wood-Fired Hot Tub

Eating is part of your experience, and dining at Cross Hill is a true reflection of the region’s rich culinary heritage. Sourced from the family-owned Glen Dene Station, known for its premium grass-fed venison, beef, and lamb from the high country and lakeside pastures, each meal celebrates the finest local ingredients.

After dinner, unwind in the private hot tub, where you can soak in the warmth while enjoying the stunning vistas. The wood-fired hot tub offers a luxurious, relaxing experience with the perfect touch of local craftsmanship. Packages including access to the hot tub are available, or you can choose to book the hot tub separately for a truly indulgent evening.

Sunday

Scenic Morning Flight

Start your Sunday with the Siberia Experience, a scenic flight over the Southern Alps, landing in the remote Siberia Valley. Explore this pristine wilderness with a guided hike, offering stunning views and the chance to immerse yourself in one of New Zealand’s most untouched landscapes. It’s a perfect blend of adventure and breathtaking scenery to kick off your last day.

Last Stop: Distillery Tour and Horse Trekking

On your way to Queenstown International Airport, you’ll pass Cardrona Distillery. You can enjoy a relaxing tasting experience of their craft spirits in a scenic setting – their award winning spirits makes a great souvenir of that perfect weekend away.

For a unique adventure, embark on a guided horse trek with Cardrona Horse Trekking. This experience takes you through beautiful landscapes, from rolling hills to serene lakes, offering a peaceful yet exhilarating way to explore the area. You can book the trek as part of a package, making it an unforgettable addition to your weekend.

There are plenty of experiences in the region, no matter your pace of exploring. Ready for your 48-hour escape? Book your stay at Cross Hill Geodomes and start planning your Lake Hāwea adventure today.

Book Your Stay

Night sky gazing at Cross Hill Lake Hawea

On Wednesday 26 May, South Islanders on the east coast will be in prime position to have unobstructed views of the first visible “blood supermoon” in nearly 40 years in New Zealand.

Blood moons – also known as total lunar eclipses – occur when the Earth lines up between the Moon and the Sun. This hides the Moon from sunlight and blocks most of the blue light, with the remaining light refracting onto the Moon’s surface and causing a red glow.

A “supermoon”, meanwhile, occurs when the Moon is at its closest point in its orbit around Earth – making it appear much larger than usual.

The lunar eclipse is due to last five hours, beginning at 8.47pm next Wednesday, and ending at about 1.49am the next morning. However, the period of “totality”, where the Moon is completely hidden from the Sun by Earth, and when the reddening is most noticeable, will only last about 14 minutes, from 11.11pm – making it one of the shortest eclipse totality periods.

“Blood supermoons occur every few years, but aren’t always visible in Aotearoa, with the last one in December 1982,” Stardome Observatory and Planetarium astronomy educator John Rowe said. “We’ve waited almost 40 years for this, so it’s exciting.” Otago Daily Times, 21 May 2021.