Lake Wanaka is located in the Otago region of New Zealand, at an altitude of 300 metres. Covering an area of 192 km2, the lake is New Zealand's fourth largest lake, and estimated to be more than 300m deep. The name is Māori, a corruption of Oanaka, 'The place of Anaka', a local tribal chief.
Lake Wanaka lies in a u-shaped valley formed by glacial erosion during the last ice age, more than 10,000 years ago. The lake is fed by the Matukituki and Makarora Rivers, and is the source of the Clutha River. Nearby Lake Hāwea lies in a parallel valley carved by a neighbouring glacier eight kilometres to the east. At their closest point, a rocky ridge called The Neck, the lakes are only 1,000 metres apart. The glacial lakes in this part of Otago dominate the landscape, with large 'U' shaped valleys and rivers which have high sediment loads.
Lake Wanaka is dammed to the south by an ancient terminal moraine created some 10,000 years ago. The only flat land around the lake is at its southern end, surrounding its outflow into the Clutha River. The settlement of Wanaka is found at the lake's southern shore. The lake is a popular resort, and is well used in the summer for fishing, boating and swimming. The nearby mountains and fast-flowing rivers allow for adventure tourism year-round, with jetboating and skiing facilities located nearby.
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Q1) What material forms the natural seating?
Q2) Describe the water colour?
Q3) Does the water in the lake contain silt or clay? Explain your answer.