Lake Ngaroto facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Lake Ngaroto
Lake Ngaroto in 2009, as seen from an aircraft approaching Hamilton airport, with Lake Ngarotoiti to the north (left) and Lake Serpentine (Rotopiko) to the east (top)
Lake Ngaroto Location in North Island
Location	North Island
Coordinates	37°57′24″S 175°17′17″E / 37.95667°S 175.28806°E / -37.95667; 175.28806
Type	peat
Basin countries	New Zealand
Max. length	1.7 km (1.1 mi)
Max. width	0.8 km (0.50 mi)
Surface area	108 ha (270 acres)
Average depth	2 m (6 ft 7 in)
Max. depth	4 m (13 ft)
Surface elevation	34 m (112 ft)

Lake Ngaroto is a peat lake in Waipa District of New Zealand.

Located 19 km south of Hamilton and 8 km north-west of Te Awamutu, it has a surface area of 108 ha (270 acres), making it the largest of the Waipa peat lakes. The lake is hypertrophic, leading to eutrophication. It has very high levels of nutrients, microscopic algae and suspended sediment and its water clarity is low and decreasing by around 10 cm (3.9 in) a year. A health warning was issued in 2020 for cyanobacteria.

The New Zealand Ministry for Culture and Heritage gives a translation of "the lakes" for Ngāroto.

Lake Ngaroto in 2020 from south

History

The Battle of Hingakaka was fought nearby, and the sacred carving Te Uenuku lost at this time. It was re-discovered in 1906, and now resides in the Te Awamutu Museum.

Recreation

• Power boats are banned from the lake, so Lake Ngaroto is popular for sailing and rowing.
• During the New Zealand Duck Shooting Season (May and June), the lake is used for duck shooting.
• Waipa District council has constructed a 6km track around the lake, part gravel and part boardwalk. It is popular with walkers and runners and recreational cyclists. There are several public toilets.