Lake Rotopounamu facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Lake Rotopounamu |
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 Lake Rotopounamu
Location in North Island
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| Location | Tongariro National Park, North Island |
| Coordinates | 39°01′36″S 175°44′18″E / 39.0267°S 175.7382°E |
| Type | landslide formation |
| Primary inflows | seven streams |
| Primary outflows | Nothing visible but has a gurgler (drain) |
| Basin countries | New Zealand |
| Max. length | 1,265 m (4,150 ft) |
| Max. width | 1,025 m (3,363 ft) |
| Surface area | 1 km2 (0.39 sq mi) |
| Max. depth | 9 m (30 ft) |
Lake Rotopounamu is a beautiful and quiet lake in New Zealand. Its name means "Greenstone Lake" in the Māori language. This special name comes from the Māori words roto (lake) and pounamu (greenstone).
The lake is found in the Pihanga Scenic Reserve. This reserve is part of the amazing Tongariro National Park in New Zealand's Central North Island. Lake Rotopounamu sits at the bottom of Mt Pihanga. It was formed a very long time ago, about 10,000 years ago, by a huge landslide.
How Lake Rotopounamu Formed
Lake Rotopounamu is known as a landslide lake. This means it was created when a large amount of earth and rocks slid down a hill. This landslide blocked a valley or a river, causing water to collect and form the lake.
The lake gets its water from seven different streams that flow into it. However, you won't see any rivers flowing out of the lake on the surface. Scientists believe the water drains away underground. It's like the lake has a secret drain!
Fun Things to Do at the Lake
Lake Rotopounamu is a great place for outdoor activities. Many people enjoy walking around the lake. There is a lovely walking path that goes all the way around it.
Walking the Loop Track
The walking path around the lake is about 5 kilometers (3 miles) long. It's called the loop track because it goes in a circle. Walking this track usually takes about two hours. It's a perfect way to explore the area and enjoy nature.
You can get to the track from the Pihanga Saddle road. This road is also known as State Highway 47. It connects the towns of Turangi and Tongariro.
