Lakes of New Zealand facts for kids

Lake Taupō, the largest lake

Lake Marian in Fiordland National Park

There are 3,820 lakes in New Zealand that have a surface area larger than one hectare. Many of the lakes in the central North Island are volcanic crater lakes. The majority of the lakes near the Southern Alps / Kā Tiritiri o te Moana were carved by glaciers. Artificial lakes created as hydroelectric reservoirs are common in South Canterbury, Central Otago and along the Waikato River.