|
An outstanding lake in the South Islands of New Zealand, The Lake Manapouri is situated within the Fiordland National Park, and the Te Wahipounamu World Heritage Site. The natural outlet of the lake is the Waiau River. The lake is unique of its kind. It has four arms called the North, South, West and Hope. A bunch of thirty three islands are scattered here and there amongst which some twenty two are densely forested. The West Arm of the Lake is very important because it supplies hydroelectric through the Manapouri Power Station which liberates water through two ten kilometers tunnels till the Doubtful Sound and the sea. In the year 1960 a proposal came upto the Government to raise the lake up by thirty meters. But the people of the nation protested against it. The level of the lake is very vigilantly restricted in order to be close to natural fluctuations. Lake Manapouri is considered to be the most beautiful lake of New Zealand. The vast silver expanse of water with the green emerald like islands similar to gems encrusted on a silver plate and the Blue Fiordland mountains as the backdrop, makes the setting as charming as paradise. The place has an exoticism of itself. The serene aquamarine water of the lake mesmerizes your mind and it seems that one is transferred to the dreamland of his fantasies. Especially photogenic with an halo of bluish light covering the environment of the lake makes the place a favourite with the tourists. This one is glacier carved water body and is extremely deep. The nearest attraction to Lake Manapouri is Doubtful Sound. One has to cross this wondrous lake to reach this superb fjord or inlet. The area around Doubtful Sound is enchanting. It seems god has bestowed most of his natural treasures on New Zealand
|
