Lake Rotopounamu

Lake Rotopounamu
Lake Rotopounamu
Lake Rotopounamu
Location	Tongariro National Park, North Island
Coordinates	39.0267°S 175.7382°E / -39.0267; 175.7382
Type	landslide formation
Primary inflows	seven streams
Primary outflows	Nothing visible but has a gurgler (drain)
Basin countries	New Zealand
Max. length	1,265 m (4,150 ft)
Max. width	1,025 m (3,363 ft)
Surface area	1 km^2 (0.39 sq mi)
Max. depth	9 m (30 ft)

Lake Rotopounamu (also known as Greenstone Lake, from the Māori 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]

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 Tūrangi and Tongariro. Walking this track takes about two hours.

Panorama of Lake Rotopounamu from Ten Minute Beach

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.