Wainono Lagoon facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Wainono Lagoon |
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 Wainono Lagoon
Location in New Zealand
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| Location | Canterbury, New Zealand |
| Coordinates | 44°42′S 171°09′E / 44.700°S 171.150°E |
| Type | lagoon |
| Primary inflows | Hook River, Waihao River |
Wainono Lagoon is a special shallow lake, called a lagoon, located in the southern Canterbury area of New Zealand's South Island. It's a really interesting place because it's so close to the ocean but stays fresh.
Several rivers flow into Wainono Lagoon. The Hook River comes from the north, and the Waihao River flows in from the south. Small communities like Hook and Studholme are nearby. The larger town of Waimate is about eight kilometres (five miles) to the west.
About Wainono Lagoon
Wainono Lagoon is quite unique. Even though it's only a few metres from the Pacific Ocean, its water is fresh water. A natural barrier made of gravel separates the lagoon from the sea.
Scientists have studied the lagoon. They found that its water level does not change with the ocean tides. Also, the water in the lagoon has very little salt. Fresh water from the lagoon slowly seeps through the gravel barrier and into the sea.
Protecting the Lagoon
The Department of Conservation (DOC) works to protect Wainono Lagoon. They have set up the Wainono Lagoon Conservation Area. This area helps keep the natural environment of the lagoon safe.
In 1995, the Waitangi Tribunal asked DOC to work with the Ngāi Tahu people. The goal was to help develop the lagoon as a traditional fishing spot for them. This means respecting the ways the Ngāi Tahu have used the lagoon for fishing for a long time.
