Bodies of Water in New Zealand

Lake Taupo

• Lake Taupo is located on New Zealand's North Island. It has the largest surface area of any lake in New Zealand. Lake Taupo lies within the caldera of a huge volcano that first erupted about 26,500 years ago. The lake contains crayfish, brown trout and rainbow trout. The lake is bordered with Maori stone carvings intended to ward off the volcanic activity under the lake.

Lake Wakatipu

• Lake Wakatipu is located on New Zealand's South Island. Lake Wakatipu is the Longest Lake in New Zealand, at 50 miles long. From above the lake appears as a mirror image of an "N" shape. The lake is fed by the River Dart, which flows into the north end of the lake. Lake Wakatipu is renowned for its natural beauty and is a popular tourist destination and is host to many sports and activities, including hill-walking, paragliding, and bungee jumping.

Lake Te Anau

• Lake Te Anau is located in the southwest of New Zealand's South Island. Lake Te Anau has the second largest surface area after Lake Taupo. Lake Te Anau has the largest volume of any lake in New Zealand.

Lake Ellesmere

• Lake Ellesmere lies near the east coast of New Zealand's South Island. It is quite shallow and broad and is separated from the Pacific Ocean by a thin piece of land named Kaitorete Spit. The lake is fed by the River Selwyn.

Lake Wanaka

• Lake Wanaka is located in New Zealand's South Island. Lake Wanaka is the fourth largest body of water by surface area in New Zealand. Lake Wanaka is approximately 26 miles long and is a popular tourist destination. The name Lake Wanaka stems from the name of the Maori Chief who lived in the area around the lake.