Underwater Observatory

The deep and cold Lake Wakatipu is such a massive part of Queenstown landscape, but what lives in there? There happens to be a small underwater observatory right off the main wharf in town, which provides an interesting glimpse into life below the surface. Watch rainbow trout and Quinnat salmon swim by alongside New Zealand long-finned eels in their natural habitat. The star of the show is the tiny New Zealand scaup duck as it dives from the surface and darts around the bottom to feed, transforming into a silvery illuminated glow as the air trapped under its feathers alters its dark plumage. Entry is complimentary with a jet boat tour with KJet (kjet.co.nz), or the observatory can be accessed with a separate admission fee. Main Town Pier, Marine Parade. (03) 442 8538, uwo.co.nz