Lake Ngakapua facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Lake Ngakapua |
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 Lake Ngakapua
Location in Northland Region
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| Location | Northland Region, North Island |
| Coordinates | 35°01′13″S 173°11′13″E / 35.02028°S 173.18694°E |
| Basin countries | New Zealand |
| Max. depth | 8.2 metres (27 ft) |
Lake Ngakapua is a special kind of lake found in the Northland Region of New Zealand. It's known as a dune lake because it formed among sand dunes. You can find it on the Aupouri Peninsula, not far from the towns of Awanui and Waipapakauri.
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What is Lake Ngakapua?
Lake Ngakapua is a freshwater lake. It's unique because it doesn't have any rivers flowing into it or out of it. Instead, it gets its water mainly from rainfall and groundwater. This makes it a bit different from many other lakes you might know.
How is it Formed?
A dune lake forms when water collects in hollows or dips between sand dunes. Over time, these hollows fill up with water, creating a lake. Lake Ngakapua is a great example of this natural process.
Lake Ngakapua's Shape and Size
Lake Ngakapua is made up of two main parts, or basins. Think of them like two connected bowls.
- The northern basin is smaller, covering about 2.2 hectares (which is about 5.4 acres). It's also the deeper part, reaching down to about 8.2 meters (about 27 feet).
- The southern basin is larger, covering about 6.7 hectares (about 16.5 acres). It's a bit shallower, with a maximum depth of about 5.2 meters (about 17 feet).
The Land Around the Lake
The area of land that drains water into Lake Ngakapua is called its catchment area. Most of this land is used for farming, like pastures where animals graze. There are also some areas with natural scrub plants and planted forests. This mix of land uses can affect the lake's water quality.
