Lake Tatawai facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Lake Tatawai |
|
|---|---|
 Lake Tatawai
Location in Otago peninsula
|
|
| Location | Taieri Plains, Otago Region, South Island |
| Coordinates | 45°57′43″S 170°08′06″E / 45.962017°S 170.134983°E |
| Primary outflows | Lake Waipori |
| Basin countries | New Zealand |
Lake Tatawai was once a freshwater lake found in the Otago region of New Zealand's South Island. It was located just north of Lake Waipori. This lake was special because its water levels could change with the ocean tides, even though it was a freshwater lake.
Contents
The History of Lake Tatawai
Lake Tatawai is known as a "former lake" because it no longer exists today. It was one of several lakes in the Taieri Plains area that were drained a long time ago. This happened shortly after European settlers arrived in the region.
Why Was Lake Tatawai Drained?
When European settlers came to the Taieri Plains, they wanted to use the land for farming. The area around Lake Tatawai was very wet, with many wetlands. To make the land suitable for farms and homes, people decided to drain the lake and the surrounding marshy areas. This changed the landscape of the Taieri Plains forever.
How Lake Tatawai Connected to Other Waters
Lake Tatawai was a very shallow lake. It was surrounded by natural wetlands, which are areas of land covered by shallow water. The lake had a small channel that connected it to Lake Waipori. From Lake Waipori, the water eventually flowed into the larger Taieri River. This river then carried the water out to the ocean.
The Taieri Plains Today
Today, the land where Lake Tatawai once was is part of the productive Taieri Plains. While the lake itself is gone, its history reminds us of how landscapes can change over time. It also shows how human activities can impact natural environments.
