Lake Manapouri

Lake Manapouri

Lake Manapouri is located in Fiordland National Park in the Southland Region. It was formed during the last Holocene epoch through glacial activity. The lake stretches 28 kilometers in length, covers a surface area of 142 square kilometers, and reaches a maximum depth of 444 meters, making it the second deepest lake in New Zealand.

There is also a poignant legend about the formation of Lake Manapouri. According to local Māori legend, the lake was formed by the tears of two sisters, daughters of a local chief. While playing deep in the forest, the younger sister fell and was seriously injured. Realizing she could not save her sibling, the elder sister lay down beside her and died. Their tears formed what is now Lake Manapouri. The lake includes 33 islands, 22 of which are densely forested and serve as prime highlights for lake cruises. Lake Manapouri is also renowned for fishing, with species such as longfin eel, brown trout, rainbow trout, and Atlantic salmon found in its waters.

Several walking tracks begin along the eastern shore of Lake Manapouri, making it an ideal destination for day trips or 2–3 day hikes, where visitors can enjoy the lake’s stunning scenery as well as the surrounding mountains and towns.

Lake Manapouri

Must-visit reason: New Zealand’s most serene and elegant lake

Continent: Oceania

Country/Region: New Zealand

Province/State: Southland Region