Lake Aroarotamahine

Summary

Lake Aroarotamahine, also known as Green Lake, is one of two small crater lakes on Mayor Island / Tuhua in the Bay of Plenty, New Zealand. Its outlet is a wetland leading to the smaller Lake Te Paritu or Black lake.[1]

Lake Aroarotamahine
Green Lake
Caldera of the Mayor Island
Caldera of the Mayor Island (New Zealand ). 1986.
Location of Lake Aroarotamahine
Location of Lake Aroarotamahine
Lake Aroarotamahine
Green Lake
Coordinates37°17′0″S 176°16′2″E / 37.28333°S 176.26722°E / -37.28333; 176.26722
Basin countriesNew Zealand
Surface area10.5 hectares (26 acres)

The lake has a green colour due to algae. According to Māori legend, the green is the blood of Pounamu (greenstone) which fought a battle with Tuhua (obsidian), and, defeated, fled to the South Island.[2]

References edit

  1. ^ New Zealand 1:50000 Topographic Map Series sheet BC37 – Mayor Island
  2. ^ Eagles, Jim (17 July 2009). "Bay of Plenty: The island of dark crystal". New Zealand Herald.