This majestic lake is located in Te Urewera on the North Island, 80 kilometers west-southwest of Gisborne (our base at Christmas 2014). It covers an area of 54 km2 and its Maori name can be translated as “The Sea of Rippling Waters.” The lake is 256 meters deep and that makes it the deepest on the North Island. The lake itself is surrounded by mountains and old-growth forest that has never been logged. You can crawl through the jungle, enjoy the breathtaking views and if you are lucky enough even see an eel.
There is also a hydroelectric power station on the lake. New Zealand can be an example for the whole world because it produces 75% of all electricity from renewable natural resources. It is among the states with the lowest carbon dioxide production. Specifically, hydroelectric power stations produce 55% of all electricity and the South Island depends on hydroelectricity from incredible 98%. (For comparison the Czech Republic gets 66% of electricity from thermal power plants, 30% from nuclear and only 3% from renewable natural resources).
We discovered dozens of black swans on the surface of the smaller Lake Whakamarino. And the boy on a bicycle, who looks a bit like a hobo, is a German adventurer who has been going on the bicycle all over New Zealand. Living in the luxury of our car we felt like total losers. Next time we go on foot!!!
