Lake Ohakuri, at 12 square kilometres (4.6 sq mi), is the largest artificial lake of the Waikato river system in New Zealand. It forms the reservoir for the Ōhakuri hydroelectric power station. Construction of the dam, approved in 1955, began in 1956 and was completed in 1960.[1] The lake was filled over 14 days in January and February 1961. This drowned two thirds of the Orakei Korako geothermal area, including two of the world's largest geysers, Minginui Geyser and Orakei Korako Geyser.[2]

Lake Ohakuri
The lake from the crown of the dam
The lake from the crown of the dam
Location of Lake Ohakuri
Location of Lake Ohakuri
Lake Ohakuri
LocationNorth Island
Coordinates38°25′22″S 176°07′32″E / 38.42273°S 176.125474°E / -38.42273; 176.125474
TypeReservoir
Primary inflowsWaikato River
Primary outflowsWaikato River
Basin countriesNew Zealand
Surface area12 km2 (4.6 sq mi)

See also

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References

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  1. ^ "Ohakuri". Mighty River Power. Archived from the original on 27 September 2011. Retrieved 13 February 2008.
  2. ^ Jones, Gregory (2006). "Tall Geysers". Minority Geoscience Program, University of New Orleans. Archived from the original on 2 April 2009.