Lake Moeraki facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Lake Moeraki |
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Location | West Coast, South Island, New Zealand |
Coordinates | 43°44′S 169°17′E / 43.733°S 169.283°E |
Lake Moeraki is a beautiful small lake found on the West Coast of the South Island in New Zealand. It's located right on the Moeraki River, and a main road, State Highway 6 (SH 6), runs along its northern side.
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Lake Moeraki: A Natural Treasure
Lake Moeraki is a special place surrounded by amazing native plants and trees. It's part of a much larger area called Te Wahipounamu, which is so important and unique that it's been named a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. This means it's recognized globally for its outstanding natural beauty and importance.
Discovering Wildlife at Lake Moeraki
One of the most exciting things about Lake Moeraki is the incredible wildlife you can see there. Many visitors come specifically to watch the amazing Fiordland crested penguins. These unique birds are a real highlight!
Humphrey the Elephant Seal
Since 1989, a very special visitor named "Humphrey" has returned to Lake Moeraki almost every year. Humphrey is a large male southern elephant seal. It's quite rare to see this type of seal on the coasts of New Zealand, which makes Humphrey's visits even more exciting! Sometimes, another elephant seal might even join him.
Other Marine Visitors
Besides Humphrey, other interesting marine animals also visit the area around Lake Moeraki. You might spot New Zealand fur seals or even sea lions resting on the shores. If you're very lucky, you might even see Hector's dolphins swimming close to the lake's edge.