Arohaki Lagoon facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Arohaki Lagoon |
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Arohaki Lagoon, with kahikatea trees in the background
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 Arohaki Lagoon
Location in North Island
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| Location | Whirinaki Te Pua-a-Tāne Conservation Park, North Island, New Zealand |
| Coordinates | 38°40′50″S 176°39′40″E / 38.68056°S 176.66111°E |
| Type | lagoon |
| Native name | Arohaki Error {{native name checker}}: parameter value is malformed (help) |
Arohaki Lagoon is a special small lake found in the Whirinaki Te Pua-a-Tāne Conservation Park. This park is located on the North Island of New Zealand. The lagoon is sometimes called an "ephemeral" lagoon. This means it might dry up during very dry seasons and then fill with water again when it rains.
You can visit Arohaki Lagoon by walking about 6 kilometers (or 3.7 miles) on a track. It's a beautiful spot to explore nature.
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What's in a Name?
The name of this lagoon was officially changed in 2012. It used to be called Arahaki Lagoon. The new name, Arohaki, comes from the Ngāti Whare people. They are the local Māori iwi (tribe).
The name describes how birds take off from the water. It means "the taking off of the birds, one by one, circling around." This shows how important birds are to the lagoon.
Why Arohaki Lagoon is Important to Māori
Arohaki Lagoon is a very important place for the local Ngāti Whare iwi. For many years, they have used the lagoon in special ways.
- Bird Gathering Place: The lagoon is a traditional mahinga manu. This means it's a place where people would gather birds during certain seasons.
- Food Source: The fish living in the lagoon were also an important food source for the Ngāti Whare people.
Animals and Plants of the Lagoon
Arohaki Lagoon is home to many interesting animals and plants. It's a great place for wildlife to live and grow.
Fish and Frogs
The lagoon has native fish called kōkopu. These fish are part of the galaxiid family. The lagoon also acts as a safe place for many types of birds. They use it for breeding and raising their young. You can also find different kinds of frogs living around the lagoon's waters.
Special Plants
One very special plant found here is water brome (Amphibromus fluitans). This is a type of native grass. It is considered a threatened species in New Zealand. This means it's important to protect it.
The edges of Arohaki Lagoon are lined with tall kahikatea trees. These are native New Zealand trees. They add to the beauty of the lagoon's surroundings.
