Lake Wakatipu, 1932
From the Auckland Weekly News (14 December 1932), this photograph depicts boating parties on Lake Wakatipu watching the passage of the Earnslaw in Queenstown. Leisure cruises and day trips by steamer were a popular attraction of the era, drawing visitors to experience the lake’s dramatic alpine scenery.
About Lake Wakatipu
Carved by glaciers more than 15,000 years ago, Lake Wakatipu is the third-largest lake in Aotearoa and one of its most scenic. Its distinctive S-shape and dramatic alpine surroundings have made it a defining feature of Queenstown’s identity, long celebrated by visitors and locals alike.
About the Viewfinder Series
Viewfinder reimagines historic photographs, aligning past and present to reveal how our landscapes evolve over time.
Featured Image
Auckland Libraries Heritage Collections AWNS-19321214-37-01
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Each photograph in the collection pairs a century-old view with its modern counterpart, revealing both the constants and the changes that shape our landscape.
