Lake Clearwater facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Lake Clearwater |
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Lake Clearwater is situated in a wide tussock covered mountain valley surrounded by high, generally snow covered, mountain peaks at the headwaters of the Ashburton River
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 Lake Clearwater
Location in South Island
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| Location | Canterbury, South Island |
| Coordinates | 43°36′12″S 171°02′37″E / 43.6033°S 171.0437°E |
| Basin countries | New Zealand |
| Surface area | 1.97 km2 (0.76 sq mi) |
| Max. depth | 19 m (62 ft) |
| Surface elevation | 620 m (2,030 ft) |
Lake Clearwater is a stunning lake located in the Canterbury area of New Zealand. It's famous for its clear water and the strong winds that often blow across it. The lake's water flows into the south branch of the Ashburton River / Hakatere.
Near the lake, you'll find a small village of holiday homes also called Lake Clearwater. This village is nestled between Lake Clearwater and a smaller lake called Lake Camp. The area around Lake Clearwater is part of the Hakatere Conservation Park. This park is huge, covering almost 60,000 hectares. It includes rugged mountains, grassy plains called tussocklands, beech forests, and many clear rivers and lakes.
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Exploring Lake Clearwater
Lake Clearwater is a great spot for outdoor fun. To get there, you'll drive about 38 kilometers past a place called Mount Somers. The last part of the road is a gravel road, so it can be a bit bumpy!
Fun on the Water
Because Lake Clearwater is a wildlife reserve, there are some rules to protect the animals. You can't use motor-powered boats or bring dogs onto the lake. However, the strong and steady winds coming from the mountains make it perfect for activities like windsurfing and kitesurfing. These sports use the wind to glide across the water.
If you want to use motor-powered boats, the smaller Lake Camp is right next door and allows them.
Meet the Great Crested Grebe
Lake Clearwater is a special place because it's home to the great crested grebe. This bird is the main reason why the lake is protected as a wildlife reserve.
About the Grebe
The great crested grebe is the largest member of the grebe family found in Europe and Asia. Some even bigger grebes live in the Americas. These birds are about 46 to 51 centimeters (18 to 20 inches) long. Their wingspan can reach 59 to 73 centimeters (23 to 29 inches). They usually weigh between 0.9 and 1.5 kilograms (2 to 3.3 pounds).
Grebe Skills and Looks
Great crested grebes are amazing swimmers and divers. They hunt for fish underwater. In summer, adult grebes have unique decorations on their heads and necks, making them easy to spot. In winter, their feathers become whiter, especially above their eyes, and they have a pink beak.
Young grebes look very different from adults. Their heads are striped with black and white, almost like a zebra! They lose these stripes as they grow up and become adults.
