Lake Pupuke facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Lake Pupuke |
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 Lake Pupuke
Location in New Zealand Auckland
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| Location | North Shore City, North Island, New Zealand |
| Coordinates | 36°46′48″S 174°45′58″E / 36.780115°S 174.766184°E |
| Lake type | Crater lake |
| Basin countries | New Zealand |
| Max. depth | 57 m (187 ft) |
| Settlements | Takapuna, Milford |
Lake Pupuke is a freshwater lake shaped like a heart. It sits inside a volcanic crater (also called a maar). You can find it between the suburbs of Takapuna and Milford on the North Shore of Auckland, New Zealand.
The lake got its heart shape because two round craters joined together. A bigger crater made most of the lake, and a smaller one formed the arm in the northeast. Even though it's less than 200 meters from the sea at one point, it's a freshwater lake. It measures about 4.5 kilometers around and is 57 meters deep. Lake Pupuke is a popular spot for fun activities and has many beautiful homes around it.
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How Lake Pupuke Was Formed
The Auckland volcanic field has many similar craters. Most of these craters were either covered by new eruptions or washed away by rain. Lake Pupuke is different because its eruptions created strong lava flows. Water can escape through cracks in this lava, flowing under the crater wall. This creates freshwater springs along the beaches between Takapuna and Milford.
One lava flow near Takapuna Beach covered a kauri forest. This created a very important collection of tree molds. Experts call it "New Zealand’s only example of a fossil forest preserved in a lava flow." They also say it's one of the best examples in the world. Some of these molds are still visible at low tide. They escaped being buried by a boat ramp and car park built on top of the lava.
History of Lake Pupuke
In 1894, a pump house was built by the lake. Its job was to provide fresh water to the local area. A new pump house replaced it in 1906. But as more people needed water, the lake's water level dropped. The water quality also got worse.
So, in 1944, Lake Pupuke stopped being a water supply. New water came from reservoirs in the Waitākere Ranges. The second pump house became a protected building in 1983. It is now known as the PumpHouse Theatre. It has three places for performances, including an outdoor amphitheatre.
Māori Mythology of Lake Pupuke
A Māori myth tells a story about Lake Pupuke. It speaks of a tupua couple, who were children of the fire gods. They argued and upset Mahuika, the fire-goddess. Because of this, Matahoe, the god of earthquakes and eruptions, destroyed their home on the mainland.
Lake Pupuke was formed from this destruction. Meanwhile, Rangitoto Island rose from the sea as a place for them to live in exile. The mists you sometimes see around Rangitoto are said to be the tears of the tupua couple. They are crying for their old home.
Activities and Wildlife at Lake Pupuke
Lake Pupuke is very close to the Takapuna city center. Many wild birds, like shags, enjoy the lake. People also love to visit for picnics and water sports. You can see paddlers, kayakers, rowers, yachtsmen, divers, and windsurfers. Some people even take windsurfing lessons on the lake.
Free divers, who dive without air tanks, practice here. College rowing teams also use the lake for training. There have been many boating races. The Pupuke Boating Club and Takapuna Boating Club both operate on the lake.
The Auckland Dragon Boat Association holds a big race event here every year. They have 200-meter, 500-meter, and 2-kilometer races. Lake Pupuke was also a venue for the World Masters Games in 2017. It hosted Dragon Boat, Canoe sprints, Canoe marathon, and Waka Ama sprint racing.
Lake Pupuke is safe for swimming. However, the water can be murky, and there is thick plant growth. The lake is regularly checked for bacteria and usually meets safe swimming conditions.
Fish in Lake Pupuke
Since 2007, more people have been fishing in Lake Pupuke. This is because rainbow trout were released into the lake from a fish hatchery. The lake does not have streams flowing in or out. This means trout cannot reproduce naturally here. So, new trout must be released regularly. Other fish found in the lake include tench, perch, rudd, and carp.
Quarrying at Lake Pupuke
Parts of the crater wall around the lake have been used for quarrying. This means rocks and minerals are dug out. The most active quarrying is on the western side, between Shea Terrace and Rangitira Avenue. Smales Quarry still operates there. A long, thin lagoon called Quarry Lake was formed when an old quarry area filled with water.
See also
In Spanish: Lago Pupuke para niños
