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]
| Lake Rotopounamu | |
|---|---|
 Lake Rotopounamu | |
  Lake Rotopounamu | |
| Location | Tongariro National Park, North Island |
| Coordinates | 39°01′36″S 175°44′18″E / 39.0267°S 175.7382°E |
| 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 km2 (0.39 sq mi) |
| Max. depth | 9 m (30 ft) |
Recreation edit
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.
References edit
- ^ a b c "Rotopounamu Track". Department of Conservation. Retrieved 23 August 2020.
- ^ "Place name detail: Lake Rotopounamu". New Zealand Gazetteer. New Zealand Geographic Board. Retrieved 25 July 2020.
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