Lake Quill facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Lake Quill |
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Lake Quill and the top of Sutherland Falls
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 Lake Quill
Location in New Zealand
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| Location | Fiordland National Park |
| Coordinates | 44°48′29″S 167°43′30″E / 44.808°S 167.725°E |
| Type | tarn |
| Etymology | named after William Quill |
| Surface elevation | 979 metres (3,212 ft) |
Lake Quill is a beautiful, clear lake found high up in the mountains of New Zealand's Fiordland National Park. It sits at about 979 meters (around 3,212 feet) above sea level. This special lake is the starting point for Sutherland Falls, which is one of the tallest waterfalls in New Zealand and among the highest in the entire world!
What is a Tarn?
Lake Quill is a type of lake called a tarn. A tarn is a lake that forms in a hollow area carved out by a glacier. Imagine a giant scoop of ice moving slowly across the land. As it moves, it digs out a bowl-shaped space. When the glacier melts, this bowl fills with water, creating a tarn.
The Mighty Sutherland Falls
The water from Lake Quill flows directly into Sutherland Falls. This amazing waterfall drops in three big steps, or "tiers," all the way down to Milford Sound / Piopiotahi. It's a truly spectacular sight, showing the power of nature.
Discovering Lake Quill
Lake Quill was named after a brave explorer named William Quill. In 1890, he decided to climb up the huge Sutherland Falls. His goal was to find out where the water for the falls came from. After a tough climb, he discovered the hidden lake at the top, which was then named in his honor. It's believed that no one has climbed Sutherland Falls since William Quill's amazing journey.
Visiting Lake Quill
Today, reaching Lake Quill is much safer and easier than climbing the waterfall! You can get there from Mackinnon Pass, which is part of the famous Milford Track. This track is a popular hiking trail.
Many people also enjoy seeing Lake Quill and Sutherland Falls from above. Helicopter tours are a popular way to get a fantastic view of this wild and beautiful landscape. If you prefer hiking, reaching just the base of Sutherland Falls on foot is a multi-day adventure. You need to book your trip with the Department of Conservation or a company called Ultimate Hikes.
