Lake Alta facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Lake Alta
In late April 2007, the snow is minimal. In winter it is frozen solid. the double cone peaks of The Remarkables are in the background.
Lake Alta Location in New Zealand
Location	The Remarkables, South Island
Coordinates	45°3′50.78″S 168°48′35.52″E / 45.0641056°S 168.8098667°E / -45.0641056; 168.8098667
Type	Cirque lake
Primary inflows	snow melt
Basin countries	New Zealand
Max. length	500 m (1,600 ft)
Max. width	250 m (820 ft)
Surface elevation	1,800 m (5,900 ft)

Lake Alta is a special glacial lake located high up in The Remarkables mountain range. This beautiful lake is found near the town of Queenstown on the South Island of New Zealand. It's a fascinating place that changes a lot between summer and winter!

Discovering Lake Alta

Lake Alta is about 500 metres long and 250 metres wide. That's like two and a half football fields long! It's a type of lake called a "cirque lake." This means it was formed by a glacier that carved out a bowl-shaped hollow in the mountains long, long ago.

Winter Wonderland

When winter arrives, Lake Alta completely freezes over. The ice becomes thick and strong. During this time, the lake becomes a playground for people who love winter sports.

• Skiing and Snowboarding: Many skiers and snowboarders enjoy the frozen surface of the lake. It's a unique spot for winter fun.
• Ice Diving: Brave divers also visit Lake Alta in winter. They hold an annual ice dive event here. Imagine diving under a thick layer of ice! It's also used for special training by divers from Antarctica New Zealand before they go on missions.