Lake Aviemore is a hydro lake located in the Central South Island of New Zealand, with State Highway 83 running along its southwest side and Te Akatarawa Road servicing the opposite shore. The lake is well known in the windsports community, though it also attracts paddlers, anglers, and water skiers. Mornings are typically glassy and calm, making early hours well suited for non-motorized craft. From early afternoon, easterly thermal winds build up the valley — driven by the temperature differential between the coast at Oamaru and inland at Omarama — reaching 18 to 25 knots on stronger days, with chop increasing alongside wind strength. Paddlers should plan accordingly, as afternoon conditions can become challenging.

Water temperatures reach around 20 degrees Celsius during summer, making the lake reasonably comfortable for paddling in that season. Summer is the primary recreational period, with a notable community of windsurfers, kiters, and other water sport enthusiasts gathering at the lake, particularly over the Christmas–New Year period when campgrounds tend to be at capacity.

The best access point for launching is from the Waitangi West Campground on the Te Akatarawa Road side, where rigging and staging areas are on grass with trees providing shade and shelter. Several additional access points exist along SH83, though these involve harder, exposed ground with no shelter and can be awkward for larger vehicles given fast-moving highway traffic. A boat ramp is also available on the Otematata-Kurow Road.

A number of basic campgrounds are situated along the lakeshore, with Waitangi West being the most popular among water sport users. These campgrounds offer boat access and basic facilities. Casual camping is generally possible outside the peak Christmas–New Year window.

Fishing regulations apply to the lake and its tributaries. The lake itself is open year-round for trout using artificial fly, spinner, or bait, with a bag limit of four sports fish. Tributaries have a seasonal restriction running from the first Saturday in November to 30 April, with additional restrictions on sockeye salmon fishing from 1 March to 30 April. Paddlers sharing the water with anglers and motorized craft should be aware of the lake's popularity, particularly on summer weekends.