Lake Wakatipu - Glenorchy
Further down the lake towards Glenorchy are some great
windsurfing spots. If you are unsure where to go, ask at the
local shop. Glenorchy is renowned for it's wind and flat water,
speed trials are often held here. The lake water temperature
ranges from 8 deg C in the winter to 15 deg in mid summer, so
hypothermia is a danger worth being cautious of. Look also for Lake Te Anau and Lakes
Manapouri, Monowai and Hauroko, the most southern lakes.
limited road access, rarely sailed. Conditions similar to Te Anau
with often strong winds and rapid changes. Manapouri renowned as
one of the most beautiful lakes in NZ.
 Dial-a-forecast: 0900 999 81
 Info Centre: Cnr Shotover & Camp
Sts, Queenstown. Ph 03 442 8238.
 Local Shop: Windsurf Mania. 27 Shotover St.
Queenstown. Ph 03 442 6590.
1 RAT POINT
 
Access: 13 minutes drive from One Mile towards
Glenorchy. 900 metres past the V in the lake, turn left and
drive 700m over unformed road - not to be attempted when wet.
Limited parking for 15. Rig and carry 70 metres through bush
track to beach.
Suits: Slalom. Advanced....
Wind: W, NW. Speed = all the way up to
unsailable.
Water: Wind swell up to 2 metres - biggest
waves on the lake.
Watch: Your gear is safe, next stop = other
side of the lake.
Access: 30 minutes drive from One Mile towards
Glenorchy. Turn left just before the bridge past Meiklejohns
Bay. Grass rigging area.
Suits: Slalom. Intermediate....
Wind: W, NW. All the way up to unsailable.
Water: Good wind swell.
Watch: Equipment and skill is suitable for
conditions - wind blows across point and next stop is a long
way off.
   
Access: 50 minutes drive from Queenstown. Toilets
just 100 metres away plenty of parking and grass. Camping
grounds also.
Suits: Slalom, speed. Beginners (depending
on conditions)......
Wind: W, NW strongest. S = onshore.
Water: Large wind swell in a southerly. Flat
in offshore.
Watch: Jet boats. Fishermen's trawling
lines. The beautiful scenery, even if there's no wind,
Glenorchy is worth a visit.
In Detail: Flat water speed sailing. 45 Km
from Queenstown at head of North Arm of Lake Wakatipu. Winds
from west to north funnel down to lake to give offshore winds
up to 50 knots (much stronger recorded). Closest rigging is
reached via track under trees diagonally off corner at end of
towns main street. Also good for southerlies. Great pub,
accomodation lodge, camp ground, petrol station and store.
Largest South Island lake. In southerly launch at Steamers
Beach near yacht club, in N/NW winds go to Blue Gum Point on
far side of harbour (best conditions). In westerlies launch
at end of Matai St. Several other access points off Milford
road between Te Anau and Te anau Downs.Te Anau Motor Camp
near yacht club.
LAKES MANAPOURI, MONOWAI and HAUROKO
most southern lakes, limited road access, rarely sailed.
Conditions similar to Te Anau with often strong winds and rapid
changes. Manapouri renowned as one of the most beautiful lakes in
NZ.
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