Lake Ruataniwha
Lake in the South Island of New Zealand / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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Lake Ruataniwha is an artificial lake in the Mackenzie Basin in the South Island of New Zealand. It was formed in 1977–1981 as part of the Waitaki hydroelectric project.[1] It lies on the traditional boundary of the Canterbury and Otago provinces, with the town of Twizel two kilometres to the north.
Quick Facts Location, Coordinates ...
Lake Ruataniwha | |
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Location | South Island |
Coordinates | 44.281°S 170.071°E / -44.281; 170.071 |
Type | Artificial lake |
Primary inflows | Ōhau River |
Basin countries | New Zealand |
Surface area | 3.4 km2 (1.3 sq mi) |
Surface elevation | 458 m (1,503 ft) |
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The lake takes its name from the Ruataniwha Station, a large sheep-station in the area, part of which the NZ Electricity Department purchased as the site for the township of Twizel (founded in 1968). Ruataniwha was a Māori chief who drowned when the canoe Arai-te-uru sank near Moeraki in the 12th century CE.[2]