Wakatipu Basin facts for kids

The Wakatipu Basin is a special area in New Zealand. It's a flat plain surrounded by tall mountains. You can find it in a region called Central Otago, on the South Island.

Welcome to the Wakatipu Basin!

This beautiful basin is a wide, flat area of land. It is completely surrounded by impressive mountains. It's a popular spot for both locals and visitors.

Where is the Wakatipu Basin?

At one end of the basin, you'll find Frankton. This is a suburb of Queenstown. Queenstown Airport is also located here. This part of the basin touches the Frankton arm of Lake Wakatipu.

Towards the northeast, you'll discover the historic town of Arrowtown. In the northwest, there's a place called Arthur's Point.

Mountains and Lakes Around the Basin

The Wakatipu Basin is truly surrounded by nature's giants. To the south, you can see the amazing Remarkables mountain range. To the north, stands Coronet Peak. The Crown Range forms the eastern edge of the basin.

Right in the middle of the basin, you'll find the beautiful Lake Hayes. A lot of the water in the basin flows into the Kawarau River. This river helps drain the area.

What Happens in the Basin?

The main way people make a living in the Wakatipu Basin is through tourism. Many people visit this area for its stunning views and fun activities.

Tourism and Fun

Because of the beautiful mountains and lakes, lots of tourists come here. They enjoy activities like skiing, hiking, and exploring the towns. Queenstown, being very close, is a big draw for visitors.

Growing Grapes for Wine

Since the 1990s, another important industry has grown. This is the Central Otago wine region. Many vineyards have been planted in the basin. They grow grapes to make delicious wine.