Lake Ianthe / Matahi facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Lake Ianthe / Matahi |
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 Lake Ianthe / Matahi
Location in West Coast
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| Location | Westland District, West Coast Region, South Island |
| Coordinates | 43°03′S 170°37′E / 43.050°S 170.617°E |
| Primary outflows | Wanganui River |
| Basin countries | New Zealand |
Lake Ianthe / Matahi is a beautiful lake found on the West Coast of New Zealand's South Island. It's a popular spot for people who love the outdoors, offering lots of fun activities like boating and fishing.
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Discover Lake Ianthe / Matahi
Lake Ianthe / Matahi is a freshwater lake. Many small streams flow into it. The lake then empties into the Wanganui River. It is quite close to the ocean.
Where is Lake Ianthe / Matahi?
This lovely lake is located in the Westland District. You can find it near the small towns of Pukekura and Hari Hari. State Highway 6 runs right along the eastern side of the lake. This highway connects the towns of Ross and the famous Franz Josef Glacier.
Fun Activities at the Lake
Lake Ianthe / Matahi is a great place for outdoor fun. Many people enjoy going boating on its calm waters. It's also a popular spot for swimming, especially on warm days. If you like fishing, you'll be happy to know that trout are often found in the lake. It's a perfect place to spend time with family and friends.
A Look Back in Time
Long ago, in the early 1900s, there was a special bush tramway near the lake. This was like a small railway line. It was built by a private company. The tramway helped transport logs from the forests around Lake Ianthe. These logs were then used for sawmilling. The tramway stopped working in 1959. This happened when the sawmilling company closed down.
The Lake's Special Name
The lake has two names: Lake Ianthe and Matahi. This dual name became official in 1998. It happened after a special law was passed. This law was called the Ngāi Tahu Claims Settlement Act 1998. It was an agreement between the New Zealand government and the Ngāi Tahu Māori tribe. This act recognized the historical connection of Ngāi Tahu to many places. Adding the Māori name "Matahi" honors this important cultural link.
