There was a free day at Ohaupo while our caravan was undergoing it's service, so we decided to check out the Ohaupo Peat Lakes. We drove out to Lake Ngaroto, taking a picnic lunch with us.
Ngaroto is the largest of the many peat lakes found between Hamilton and Te Awamutu. These lakes were formed about 19,000 years ago when sand and gravel carried in the Waikato and Waipa river blocked up small valleys. Water loving plants thrived and thick layers of peat eventually built up within the lake and around the margins.
There is a walkway around the lake, including stretches of boardwalk together with dirt and grass pathways, about a 6km flat walk. Self contained camping is allowed at the lake side, and there were several motor homes staying the day we arrived.
Lake Ngaroto
Carved Maori Pou were erected in 2016 and marks the place where the sacred carving Te Uenuku was lost during the Battle of Hingakaka. The ancient carving represents the rainbow god Uenuku and is one of the greatest taonga (treasures) of the Tainui people. It was re-discovered in 1906 buried close to the lake shore and now resides in the Te Awamutu Museum.
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