Lake Rotopounamu

{{Short description|Lake in the North Island of New Zealand}} {{Use New Zealand English|date=April 2024}} {{Use dmy dates|date=July 2019}} {{Infobox body of water | name = Lake Rotopounamu | image = Rotopounamu MRD 02.jpg | alt = Lake Rotopounamu | caption = Lake Rotopounamu | image_bathymetry = |pushpin_map=North Island | pushpin_map_alt = Location of Lake Rotopounamu | caption_bathymetry = | location = [[Tongariro National Park]], [[North Island]] | coords = {{coord|-39.0267|175.7382|region:NZ-WKO_type:waterbody|display=inline,title}} | type = [[landslide formation]] | inflow = seven streams | outflow = Nothing visible but has a gurgler (drain) | catchment = | basin_countries = New Zealand | length = {{convert|1265|m|abbr=on}} | width = {{convert|1025|m|abbr=on}} | area = {{convert|1|km2|mi2|abbr=on}} | depth = | max-depth = {{convert|9|m|ft|abbr=on}} | volume = | residence_time = | shore = | elevation = | islands = | cities = }} '''Lake Rotopounamu''' (also known as Greenstone Lake, from the [[Māori language|Māori]] {{lang|mi|roto}} (lake) and {{lang|mi|pounamu}} (greenstone)<ref name="doc" />) is a secluded lake in the Pihanga Scenic Reserve, in the [[Tongariro National Park]] in [[New Zealand]]'s Central North Island.<ref>{{LINZ|26177||2020-07-25}}</ref> It lies at the northwest foot of Mt [[Pihanga]], and was formed by a landslide around 10,000 years ago.<ref name="doc">{{cite web |title=Rotopounamu Track |url=https://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/places-to-go/central-north-island/places/tongariro-national-park/things-to-do/tracks/rotopounamu-track/ |website=Department of Conservation |accessdate=23 August 2020}}</ref> The lake is fed by seven streams, but has no visible surface outflow. It is believed to drain underground.<ref name="doc" />

== Recreation == Around the lake is a scenic {{convert|5|km|mi|0|adj=on}} loop track, which can be accessed from the [[Pihanga]] Saddle road (State Highway 47) between [[Tūrangi]] and [[Tongariro]]. Walking this track takes about two hours.

[[File:Rotopounamu MRD 09.jpg|left|frameless|400x400px|Panorama of Lake Rotopounamu from Ten Minute Beach]]

==References== {{reflist}}

[[Category:Tongariro Volcanic Centre]] [[Category:Taupō District]] [[Category:Lakes of Waikato|Rotopounamu]] [[Category:Tongariro National Park]]