Lake Wanaka
The fourth largest lake in New Zealand (after Lake Taupo, Lake Te Anau and Lake Wakatipu )
The Lake Wanaka is the fourth largest lake in New Zealand and is located in the western part of the Otago region in the South Island of the country. The Maori name Wanaka probably derives from the term Oanaka from, which translates as "place of Anaka " means.
With an area of 192 square kilometers, the lake situated in the continental region of the South Island of New Zealand 's fourth largest lake and the third largest in the South Island dar. His greatest extent he achieved in a north-south direction at about 42 kilometers. At its widest point - at the southern end - measures the lake 10 kilometers. The west coast of the lake is extremely mountainous, here reach the adjacent mountains a height of over 2,000 meters, while the mountains and hills on the east coast are much lower. The lake itself lies at an altitude of 280 meters above sea level. NN, while in places reaches a depth of over 300 meters. Thus, parts of the body of water located below sea level.
The Lake Wanaka is nestled in a glaciated valley, which was formed during the last ice age. Its tributaries are the Matukituki River and the Makarora River. The effluent is the Clutha River, the second longest river in the country, which adjoins the lake to the south.
In the southern end of the lake there are also some islands, of which Iceland Rabbit Harwich and Iceland are the most famous. Furthermore, the two largest towns on the shores of Lake Wanaka and Albert Town, in the area.
In the immediate vicinity of the lake, more precisely a few kilometers further east is the Lake Hawea which lies in a parallel, formed by glacier valley. At the narrowest point, the two lakes are separated by a ridge, not more than 1,000 feet apart.
The lake is a popular holiday destination, ideal in summer for fishing, boating and swimming. The nearby fast flowing rivers allow various types of extreme sports, such as jet boating. In winter you can go skiing nearby. The two lakes are located entirely within the Mount Aspiring National Park, which is part of the Te Wahipounamu World Heritage Site.