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

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	North Island
Coordinates	37°57′24″S 175°17′17″E
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)

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.[1] A health warning was issued in 2020 for cyanobacteria.[2]

The New Zealand Ministry for Culture and Heritage gives a translation of "the lakes" for Ngāroto.[3]

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.[4]

Recreation

• Power boats are banned from the lake, so Lake Ngaroto is popular for sailing and rowing.[5]
• During the New Zealand Duck Shooting Season (May and June), the lake is used for duck shooting.[6]
• 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.

See also

Ngaroto railway station

References

External links

• Lake Ngaroto at Lake Ecosystem Restoration New Zealand

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