| Lake Christabel | |
| Pushpin Map: | New Zealand West Coast |
| Pushpin Map Alt: | Location of Lake Christabel |
| Basin Countries: | New Zealand |
| Area: | 2.6sqkm |
| Shore: | 8.9km (05.5miles) |
| Elevation: | 655m (2,149feet) |
Lake Christabel is a small lake in the north of New Zealand's South Island. It is located 12 kilometres southwest of the Lewis Pass. The lake is the source of the Grey River, one of the longest rivers on the South Island's West Coast, although its outlet is underground.[1] The lake lies behind a landslide dam, thought to have been created by a prehistoric earthquake.[2] The river runs under the debris for about 200m (700feet). A 1976 survey said it was, "one of the very few lakes in New Zealand in a natural, unmodified state". It estimated its depth at over 90m (300feet). Galaxias brevipinnis (climbing galaxias) and Anquilla dieffenbachii (longfin eel) were the only fish found.[3]