Lake Rotoroa (Tasman) Explained

Lake Rotoroa
Pushpin Map:New Zealand South Island
Pushpin Map Alt:Location of Lake Rotoroa
Location:Nelson Lakes National Park, Tasman Region, South Island
Type:Freshwater
Inflow:D'Urville, Sabine
Outflow:Gowan River
Basin Countries:New Zealand
Length:14.2km (08.8miles)
Max-Depth:145m (476feet)
Islands:One
Cities:Rotoroa

Lake Rotoroa lies within the borders of Nelson Lakes National Park in the South Island, New Zealand. The lake is fed by the D'Urville and Sabine rivers.

The greatest depth is 145 metres, and it has a surface area of just under 23.5 km. The lake is surrounded by beech forest. Rotoroa is a small community at the base of the lake. The Gowan River flows out of the lake at this point, thus making the lake one of the sources of the Buller River system.

The Rotoroa Route, following the northeast side of the lake, has been permanently closed to public access.[1] Several other walking tracks can be accessed near the settlement at the head of the lake, and a water taxi travels the length of the lake to ferry trampers.[2]

The lake has introduced trout, which attract recreational fishermen. There is a fly-fishing lodge, Lake Rotoroa Lodge, on the lake.[3]

The word rotoroa is Māori for long lake.[4]

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Rotoroa Route closed .
  2. http://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/tracks-and-walks/nelson-tasman/nelson-lakes/lake-rotoroa-walking-tracks/ Lake Rotoroa walking tracks
  3. http://www.lakerotoroalodge.com/ Lake Rotoroa Lodge
  4. Web site: 1000 Māori place names. New Zealand Ministry for Culture and Heritage. 6 August 2019.