Lake Ngaroto
Lake Ngaroto is a peat lake in Waipa District of New Zealand.
Lake Ngaroto | |
---|---|
Lake Ngaroto in 2009, as seen from an aircraft approaching Hamilton airport, with Lake Ngarotoiti to the north (left) and Lake Serpentine (Rotopiko) to the east (top) | |
Lake Ngaroto | |
Location | North Island |
Coordinates | 37°57′24″S 175°17′17″E |
Type | peat |
Basin countries | New Zealand |
Max. length | 1.7 km (1.1 mi) |
Max. width | 0.8 km (0.50 mi) |
Surface area | 108 ha (270 acres) |
Average depth | 2 m (6 ft 7 in) |
Max. depth | 4 m (13 ft) |
Surface elevation | 34 m (112 ft) |
Located 19 km south of Hamilton and 8 km north-west of Te Awamutu, it has a surface area of 108 ha (270 acres), making it the largest of the Waipa peat lakes. The lake is hypertrophic, leading to eutrophication. It has very high levels of nutrients, microscopic algae and suspended sediment and its water clarity is low and decreasing by around 10 cm (3.9 in) a year.[1] A health warning was issued in 2020 for cyanobacteria.[2]
The New Zealand Ministry for Culture and Heritage gives a translation of "the lakes" for Ngāroto.[3]
History
The Battle of Hingakaka was fought nearby, and the sacred carving Te Uenuku lost at this time. It was re-discovered in 1906, and now resides in the Te Awamutu Museum.[4]
Recreation
- Power boats are banned from the lake, so Lake Ngaroto is popular for sailing and rowing.[5]
- During the New Zealand Duck Shooting Season (May and June), the lake is used for duck shooting.[6]
- Waipa District council has constructed a 6km track around the lake, part gravel and part boardwalk. It is popular with walkers and runners and recreational cyclists. There are several public toilets.
See also
References
- "Lake Ngaroto". www.waikatoregion.govt.nz. Retrieved 4 November 2020.
- "Health warning issued for Lake Whangape and remains in place for Lakes' Ngaroto, Kainui, and Waikare". WaikatoDHB Newsroom. December 2020. Retrieved 23 December 2020.
- "1000 Māori place names". New Zealand Ministry for Culture and Heritage. 6 August 2019.
- "Uenuku - Pride of Te Awamutu Museum" Archived 2011-07-20 at the Wayback Machine
- "Welcome". Ngaroto Sailing Club. Archived from the original on 7 January 2011. Retrieved 14 January 2011.
- "Lake Ngaroto". Te Awamutu information. Retrieved 14 January 2011.