Lake Poteriteri facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Lake Poteriteri |
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 Lake Poteriteri
Location in South Island
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| Location | Southland District, Southland Region, South Island |
| Coordinates | 46°06′S 167°08′E / 46.100°S 167.133°E |
| Primary outflows | Waitutu River |
| Basin countries | New Zealand |
| Max. length | 28 km (17 mi) |
| Surface area | 43 km2 (17 sq mi) |
Lake Poteriteri is a large and beautiful lake found in Fiordland National Park in New Zealand's South Island. It's one of the southernmost big lakes in the park. Only two other lakes, Hakapoua and Innes, are located even further south on New Zealand's main islands. This amazing lake is about 40 kilometres (25 mi) west of a town called Tuatapere.
About Lake Poteriteri
Lake Poteriteri stretches out in a long, narrow shape within a deep mountain valley. It runs mostly from north to south for about 28 kilometres (17 mi). The lake is not very wide, usually less than 2 kilometres (1.2 mi) across. Overall, it covers a large area of 43 square kilometres (17 sq mi).
Water Flow and Rivers
The water from Lake Poteriteri flows out into a river called the Waitutu River. This river is quite short, only about 8 kilometres (5.0 mi) long. It eventually empties into the western part of Foveaux Strait, which is a body of water separating the South Island from Stewart Island.
What's in a Name?
The exact meaning of the name "Poteriteri" is a bit of a mystery! There are a few ideas about what this Māori word might mean.
- One idea is that it means 'to drift forwards and backwards'.
- Another theory suggests the name should actually be spelled "Poutiritiri". If that's true, it would mean 'a post on which offerings are hung'.
- A third idea is that the correct spelling is "Poeteretere", which would mean 'dripping wet'.
It's interesting how different spellings can change the meaning of a place's name!
How to Visit Lake Poteriteri
Getting to Lake Poteriteri can be a bit of an adventure because it's in a remote area.
- One way to reach the lake is by helicopter.
- You can also hike in on a rough deer trail that starts from a place called Slaughter Burn.
- Another path is Harry's Track, which is a marked route. This track begins from the point where water flows out of Lake Hauroko, another nearby lake.
