Lake Wainamu Day Trip
The sand dunes at Lake Wainamu near Auckland in New Zealand
The Auckland Desert With Its Own Oasis
We are so fortunate to have friends in New Zealand who can show us local gems we otherwise may have ignored or never would have heard of.
Lucas and Josh (brothers, and sons of our friends Leighton and Sharon) took us to such a destination on a warm Saturday in late February. Lake Wainamu was our destination.
Depending on your location in Auckland you should be able to drive to Lake Wainamu in less an hour.
Sand Dunes
When we arrived at Lake Wainamu we faced an expansive area of sand dunes and we trekked our way over the hills. If you let your imagination roam free it feels like you crossing the Sahara, if only for a brief moment.
If, however, you look up and onto the horizon, the area is surrounded by lush forest and at the end of the sand dune is a wonderful lake, that is very suitable for a swim. From a photographer's perspective, it is fun to isolate the desert elements such as in the feature photo above.
Di is navigating the sand dunes at Lake Wainamu near Auckland, New Zealand
Lake Wainamu
There are steep embankments near the lake and playful souls were running up and down the hills. We stopped at the lake and decided to head out for a swim. Be aware, that the lake is very deep and it only takes a few steps until you are in water up to your neck.
The water in Lake Wainamu was warm and yet refreshing after hiking in the sand dunes. Di stayed at the beach while Josh, Lucas, and I did a short hike along the lake out to the rope swing.
The treed area around the lake was lush and rainforest-like.
A refreshing dip in Lake Wainamu
If you are looking for a quick getaway from Auckland and have a few hours to spend we highly recommend Lake Wainamu. It is a feast for the eye and has an air of adventure and everyone can join the fun, young and old.
The sand dunes at Lake Wainamu in New Zealand
Hiking at Lake Wainamu, New Zealand
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The photos in this article are made using a Fujifilm X-Pro2. Lenses: XF 14mm f/2.8 R - XF 35mm f/1.4 R (links to my camera and lens reviews). Editing was done in Capture One Express. I used Fujifilm film simulation for some of the photos.
