Lake Rotopounamu

Lake Rotopounamu (also known as Greenstone Lake, from the Maori roto (lake) and pounamu (greenstone)[1]) is a secluded lake in the Pihanga Scenic Reserve, in the Tongariro National Park in New Zealand's Central North Island.[2] It lies at the northwest foot of Mt Pihanga, and was formed by a landslide around 10,000 years ago.[1] The lake is fed by seven streams, but has no visible surface outflow. It is believed to drain underground.[1]

Lake Rotopounamu
Lake Rotopounamu
LocationTongariro National Park, North Island
Coordinates39.0267°S 175.7382°E / -39.0267; 175.7382
Typelandslide formation
Primary inflowsseven streams
Primary outflowsNothing visible but has a gurgler (drain)
Basin countriesNew Zealand
Max. length1,265 m (4,150 ft)
Max. width1,025 m (3,363 ft)
Surface area1 km2 (0.39 sq mi)
Max. depth9 m (30 ft)
Panorama of Lake Rotopounamu from Ten Minute Beach

Recreation

Around the lake is a scenic 5-kilometre (3 mi) loop track, which can be accessed from the Pihanga Saddle road (State Highway 47) between Turangi and Tongariro. Walking this track takes about two hours.

References

  1. "Rotopounamu Track". Department of Conservation. Retrieved 23 August 2020.
  2. "Place name detail: Lake Rotopounamu". New Zealand Gazetteer. New Zealand Geographic Board. Retrieved 25 July 2020.


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