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*Hawea, Wanaka and Dunstan Lakes
The townships at Hawea and Wanaka are mainly set up for
passing tourists and the snow season. Beautiful in autumn as the
surrounding trees turn red and gold against snow capped
mountains. Lake Dunstan is a man made lake which has only
recently been developed. Fed from Lake Wakatipu, Hawea and
Wanaka, it's waters are clear and clean. This area feature deep
glacial valleys with a prevailing wind in spring, summer and
autumn from the west, "Roaring Forties" from the
Southern Ocean. Most lakes are fed by snow and glacial melt, and
remain cold all year round. Air temperature can go into the 30s
('C) but can also go down to 5'C during southerly storms - good
steamer recommended. Check out the McKenzie
Country and Lake Ruataniwhi
 Dial-a-forecast: 0900 999 81
 Info Centre: Ardmore St, Wanaka. Ph
03 442 1233
 Local Shop: Good Sports Windsurf. Dunmore
St, Wanaka.
     
Access: 15 km from Wanaka. There is a camp ground at
Windsurfer Bay north of the Hawea Township. Good access all
round the lake.
Suits: Slalom/longboarding. Intermediate....
Wind: NW, N on hot summer days wind can
accelerate quickly.
Water: Flat - chop.
Watch: The conditions can be extreme.
In Detail: 15 km from Wanaka, one of the
windiest places, works in west to north pre-frontal
conditions. Access all round lake but easiest spot is
"windsurfer bay" at Lake Hawea Motor Camp just
north of township.
Access:
- 1 Roys Bay at the township is a popular place. Good
facilities and a hire school available here.
- 2 Dublin Bay is 8km round the lake on the road to
Hawea - another good launching spot, shallow - good
for beginners.
- 3 The Lake Outlet, 5 km north of town is the most
popular spot for locals. Access is out through the
marked channel.
Suits: Slalom, longboard. Beginners...
Wind: NW, W brings strong thermals =
onshore.
Water: Flat - chop.
Watch: -
In Detail: Road access restricted to
southern and northeastern shores but plenty of locations
available for launching.
- Rays Bay Popular beach in Wanaka
township, fine gravel , good beginner/int with
onshore west and north/west prevailing winds. Good in
strong winds too.
- Eely Point Another popular location,
sheltered rigging in all directions.
- Glendhu Bay Camping location 20km
west of town, good in northerly, great for family
camp/sail.
- Lake Outlet 5 km north of town, most
popular spot for locals, best in NE/N/NW winds, 5-10
knots stronger than Rays Bay. Grassy rigging, clear
channel marked.
- Stevensons Arm about 30 km from
town, 10 km down 2nd left north of Albert Town on
West Coast road. Best in N/NE, access across farm
fields, grass, clean wind and chop. Popular with
visiting sailors.
- Makarora at head of lake, 1 hrs
drive from Hawea on West Coast road. Launch from
roadside at Wharf Creek. Wind velocity high,
exeperience recommended. Settlement 7km further on,
shop, petrol, cabins and campsites.
General - camping grounds at
Glendhu Bay, Albert Town and Hawea. Camping on some out of
town reserves ok but not roadside or recreation reserves.
Good Sports in Dunmore hire beginner to advanced gear.
Christmas and NewYear is one big party.
Access: 5 hours from Christchurch, 3 hours from
Dunedin, 30 mins from Queenstown. Head for Cromwell, which is
on the Southshore of the 24.65 sq miles of lake. Picnic
areas, toilets, parking, boatramps etc.
Suits: Slalom/longboard. Beginners...
Wind: NW,W = thermals. E is also good and
steady.
Water: Flat - chop.
Watch: -
Inland basin at the foot of Mt Cook National Park includes
Lakes Tekapo, Pukaki and Ohau. Prevailing winds funnel down
lakes and can often exceed 40 knots at head of lake,
recommeneded for experienced sailors only, southern ends
feature large waves in onshore conditions with reduced
windspeeds. In calmer weather expect variable breezes up to
10 knots. Unpopulated places with plenty of access points.
A (Hu)man made lake about 5km from Twizel, purpose built.
Reliable afternoon breeze 8-10 knots on hot days. NW winds up
to 25 knots. Facilities.
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