| Lake Rotorua, Canterbury | |
| Pushpin Map: | New Zealand South Island |
| Pushpin Map Alt: | Location of Lake Rotorua |
| Coords: | -42.4081°N 173.5814°W |
| Basin Countries: | New Zealand |
| Area: | 43ha |
| Max-Depth: | 3m (10feet) |
| Elevation: | 25m (82feet) |
| Cities: | Kaikōura |
Lake Rotorua is 8km (05miles) due west of Kaikōura in the Canterbury region of the South Island of New Zealand.[1]
A 2010 report showed that Lake Rotorua had the second highest trophic level index, an indication of pollutant levels, of all the lakes that were measured.[2] Topdressing, shags and willow trees contributed to the high levels of pollution. 29 species of green algae were identified.[3] The lake was fenced to keep cattle away from it and there were conflicting reports on pollution levels in 2022.[4] [5] A wildlife reserve surrounds the lake, with birds including riroriro, toutouwai, pīpipi, pīwakawaka, korimako, tītitipounamu, kāruhiruhi, kuruwhengi, tētē, pūtangitangi, pūteketeke, mallard and Canada geese.[6]
The lake was formed by greywacke shingle in the Kahutara River building up to block the mouth of a former tributary.