Lake Rotorua

This is a picture of Lake Rotorua, taken on the way home tonight, just as the sun was about to set. In the distance you can see two lots of rowers practicing.

Lake Rotorua is the second largest lake in the North Island of New Zealand by surface area, and covers 79.8km2, and was formed from the crater of a large volcano in the Taupo Volcanic Zone - its last major eruption was about 240,000 years ago.

The island in the middle is Mokoia Island, and is privately owned by local M?ori iwi, who run it in conjunction with the New Zealand Department of Conservation. It is a bird sanctuary and access is limited to tour parties only. It is home to several rare species, including the kokako, the kiwi, and a breeding population of the endangered Saddleback.

Tomorrow we are going back to The National Field Days at Mystery Creek, and hopefully my blip will have a photo or two from the Field Days.