Lake Wānaka and Hāwea, Otago, NZ | Medium

For the one who swims off Roys Bay on a hot January afternoon. The fisher who trolls the Hāwea shoreline at first light. The one who always pulls over at The Neck, where the two lakes nearly touch.

This handcrafted wooden depth map captures Lake Wānaka and Lake Hāwea side by side, the two glacial lakes split by the narrow ridge at The Neck. Ruby Island off Roys Bay, Mou Waho and Mou Tapu out in the middle of Wānaka, and the deep troughs where both lakes drop well past 300 metres. Laser-cut from premium European Birch in our Auckland studio, and hand-painted layer by layer to reveal the lakebed beneath.

Product details

Area: Lake Wānaka and Lake Hāwea, Otago
Size: Medium — 45 × 60cm
Total layers: 8
Topography: 0m, −60m, −120m, −180m, −240m, −300m, −360m, −420m
Deepest points: Lake Wānaka 311m, Lake Hāwea 384m
Bathymetry: Earth Sciences NZ / NZ Oceanographic Institute charts 1975-76
Materials: European Birch Plywood, water-based paint, tung oil
Frame: Built into the map — comes strung and ready to hang

How they're made

Each map starts by sourcing the appropriate bathymetric data source. We spend hours in design making sure the contours appear smooth yet accurate, and the whole map feels balanced. From there, we paint and laser-cut sheets of wood to bring the underwater landscape to life. Every piece is assembled by hand by our team in our Auckland studio.

Every map is made this way — slowly, carefully, until the seafloor comes to life.

Handcrafted to order

Your map is made in our Auckland studio once you place your order — we don't keep stock on the shelf. Allow 2 weeks from your order date, and we'll keep you updated as yours is made.

Our current capacity is up to 15 maps per week — if you're ordering for a gifting deadline, please let us know and we'll do our best to accommodate.

Personalise it (+$50)

Want to mark a home fishing spot, a favourite anchorage, or somewhere that simply means something to you? Select "Personalised" above and leave a note at checkout telling us where to mark. We'll take care of the rest.

Note: some of our product photos show personalised engravings. Your map will arrive unmarked unless you request a personalisation.

Learn more about personalisations →

Common questions

What if I'm not happy with my map?
We offer a full guarantee on craftsmanship. If you're not happy when your map arrives — or any time in the next 3 years — let us know and we'll make it right. Our small team takes real pride in the build quality of everything we send out.

How long will it take to make?
Every map is made to order in our Auckland studio. Allow 2 weeks from your order date, plus shipping. If you need it by a specific date, get in touch and we'll do our best to accommodate.

Can I personalise it?
Yes — select "Personalised (+$50)" above and leave a note at checkout telling us what to mark. A bay, harbour, surf break, or anywhere that matters. If you're giving one as a gift, a personalised marker can make it feel extra special. See examples →

Will it be safe to ship?
Yes — we take extra care with our packaging to make sure your map arrives in perfect condition (in the rare case something goes wrong in transit, we'll replace it at no extra cost). We use NZ Post's courier service for everything within NZ.

Do you ship overseas?
Yes — we offer free shipping within NZ and Australia. If you're further afield, send us a message and we'll let you know the shipping cost to your country.

What if my area isn't on the map?
Get in touch — we may be able to create it. Email us or fill in our enquiry form with your request and we'll let you know what's possible.

About the data

The lake depths on this map come from Earth Sciences NZ, digitised from the New Zealand Oceanographic Institute lake charts:

Irwin, J., Main, W. de L., 1975: Lake Hawea, Provisional Bathymetry, 1:47 520. N.Z. Oceanogr. Inst. Chart, Lake Series.
Irwin, J., Ridgway, N.M., 1976: Lake Wanaka, Bathymetry, 1:55 440. N.Z. Oceanogr. Inst. Chart, Lake Series.

Earth Sciences NZ makes no representations or warranties regarding the accuracy, completeness or fitness for purpose of the data in this map. Any reliance on or other use of the data by a third party is entirely at the third party's own risk. Earth Sciences NZ accepts no liability for any loss or damage, whether direct or indirect, consequential or otherwise, arising from reliance on or use of the data.