Lake Ohakuri: Its limnology and aquatic vegetation

Abstract

In pre-european times most New Zealand lakes were of an oligotrophic type, but since then many have become altered and enriched through the various cultural activities of man, as well as through natural causes. A great number of New Zealand’s lakes lie in those areas which are considered unproductive in the general sense of the world. Thus, in the alpine region of the South Island and the volcanic plateau of the north there are numerous lakes of an oligotrophic nature. E.g. Manapouri, Taupo. Such lakes are well suited for the introduction of salmoniod fish, have a great potential as sources of energy and potable water, and are increasingly important as centres of recreation.