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Takapō / Lake Tekapo

Depth: 120 metres

Area: 5660 hectares

Altitude: 686 metres

Lake ID: 47228

Main vegetation type:
High Productivity Grassland

Tekapo Township

Canterbury
43° 54' 45" S
170° 31' 37" E
Highland

Iwi / representative groups:

  • Ngāi Tahu
    • Te Rūnanga o Arowhenua
    • Te Rūnanga o Moeraki
    • Te Rūnanga o Waihao

Description

Takapō (Lake Tekapo) is a large glacial fed lake located near the Lake Tekapo township on the north edge of Te Manahuna (Mackenzie Basin). The lake is surrounded by tall peaks and hills with the Godley and Macauley rivers flowing into the northern end of Takapō, from the Southern Alps. Lake Tekapo Regional Park, is located on the southern shore of the lake.

The lake’s water quality is very good and its ecological condition is excellent (www.lawa.com). The characteristic light turquoise colour comes from glacial silt, known as glacial flour. A popular tourist destination, on a clear day, the taller snow-capped peaks of Mount Cook National Park are visible, and Takapō and the surrounding district were recognized as an International Dark Sky Reserve in 2012.

Takapō was a mahinga kai (customary food gathering site) for Ngāi Tahu, renowned for tuna (eels) and weka (https://www.kahurumanu.co.nz/atlas).

47228
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Our Lakes

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    • Northland
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    • Manawatū/Whanganui
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    • West Coast
    • Marlborough
    • Canterbury
    • Otago
    • Southland
  • Coastal Lakes
  • Lowland Lakes
  • Highland Lakes
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About

  • The Project
  • The Science
    • Field Sampling
    • Laboratory Analysis
    • Student Projects
  • Science Aims
  • Rohe Studies
    • Rangitīkei Iwi Rohe Study
    • Wairarapa Moana iwi rohe study
  • Virtual Experience
  • Social Science
  • Iwi Relationships
  • The Team
    • Lakes380 Team
    • Advisory Groups
    • Lakes380 Co-lead Institutes​
    • National Collaborators
    • International Collaborators
  • Partners

Resources

  • Contact & Links
  • Blog, News & Publications
  • Video Gallery
  • Results
  • Glossary