Lake Rotoroa (Hamilton, New Zealand) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Lake Rotoroa |
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 Lake Rotoroa
Location in North Island
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| Location | Hamilton, Waikato, North Island |
| Coordinates | 37°47′56″S 175°16′26″E / 37.799°S 175.274°E |
| Type | eutrophic |
| Primary outflows | Waitawhiriwhiri Stream |
| Catchment area | 258 ha (640 acres) |
| Basin countries | New Zealand |
| Surface area | 54 ha (130 acres) |
| Average depth | 2.4 m (7 ft 10 in) |
| Max. depth | 6 m (20 ft) |
| Water volume | 1.3 km3 (1,100,000 acre⋅ft) |
| Residence time | approx. 2 years |
| Surface elevation | 37.15 metres (121.9 ft) |
Lake Rotoroa, also known as Hamilton Lake Domain, is a beautiful lake located in Hamilton, in the Waikato region of New Zealand's North Island. It covers an area of about 54 hectares (about 133 acres) and is usually around 2.4 metres deep. The lake is a popular spot for many activities, including sailing, and is home to the Hamilton Yacht Club.
Contents
How Lake Rotoroa Formed
Lake Rotoroa was created around 20,000 years ago. This happened when the Waikato River changed its path. Instead of flowing out near Thames, it started flowing towards Port Waikato.
The Role of the Waikato River
The Waikato River used to be a "braided river." This means it had many small, winding channels. When the river changed its main path, many of these old channels were left behind. These leftover channels then filled with water, forming lakes like Lake Rotoroa.
How Peat Helped Shape the Lake
Over time, peat (partially decayed plant matter) built up in the area. This peat acted like a natural dam, which helped to make the lakes even bigger. This is how many of the lakes in the Waikato region, including Lake Rotoroa, came to be.
What's Around Lake Rotoroa?
The area around Lake Rotoroa has some interesting features and history.
Innes Common: A Green Space
To the west of the lake is Innes Common. This area, which is about 68 acres, used to be a wetland. It was bought by the local Domain Board to help protect the lake. The land was drained sometime after 1883. It was named after the Innes family in 1956.
Historic Lake House
The Lake House is a historic building near the lake. It was designed by Isaac Richardson Vialou in 1872. It was originally built for Alfred Cox as the main house for his large Rukuhia Estate. Isaac Richardson Vialou later became the first mayor of Hamilton in 1878.
Old Locomotive Display
Near the cafe by the lake, you can see an old train engine. It's a locomotive called F230. This train was given to the community in 1957 and is now protected under a shelter.
Arthur Swarbrick Memorial Arch
On Ruakiwi Road, there is a memorial arch covered in ivy. This arch was built in 1929 to remember Arthur Swarbrick. He was a former chairman of the Hamilton Domain Board, which looked after the lake area.
Lake Health and Water Quality
Like many lakes, Lake Rotoroa's health is carefully watched.
Understanding Cyanobacteria
Sometimes, Lake Rotoroa can be affected by cyanobacteria. These are tiny organisms, sometimes called blue-green algae. They can grow quickly when there are high levels of nutrients in the water.
Improvements in Water Quality
The lake's water quality has improved since 1998. This is partly because of the regrowth of macrophytes, which are water plants. These plants, like charophytes, help to clean the water and improve the lake's health.
Past Water Treatment
In 1959, a chemical called sodium arsenate was put into the lake. This was done to control weeds. Because of this, small amounts of arsenic can still be found in the lake's bottom layers (sediment). For safety, it is not recommended to eat fish caught from the lake. Other metals like copper, lead, mercury, and zinc are also found in some parts of the lake, in amounts that are higher than recommended guidelines.
Sports and Activities at Lake Rotoroa
Lake Rotoroa is a popular place for many different sports and outdoor activities.
Water Sports
The lake is a great spot for water sports. You can often see small sailing boats and canoes on the water. While it's a bit too small for fast rowing boats, it's perfect for slower boats that can turn easily. Innes Common, a park on the east side, offers the best access to the lake for these activities.
Running and Walking Paths
There is a scenic path that goes all the way around the lake, covering about 3.8 kilometres. This path is ideal for walking and running. The Hamilton Road Runners Club uses the lake as its base. They meet at the Hamilton Yacht Club for runs every Thursday evening and Saturday morning. The club also hosts a running event at the lake each summer. You can find water fountains at the playground on the north-west side and at Innes Common.
Other Outdoor Activities
Besides water sports and running, there are also short bush walks around the lake. On the west side, you can find a small golf green, perfect for practicing your swing.
