Moke Lake, Lake in Queenstown-Lakes District, New Zealand
Moke Lake is a small lake in the Otago Region of New Zealand, about 900 m wide and set at an elevation of 534 m. It lies in a valley surrounded by hills, with a gravel road leading to its shore and a camping area nearby.
Moke Lake was formed by glacial action during the last ice age, which carved out the valley and left the lake behind. In the 19th century, the area was part of a large sheep station, and the lake was used for water supply.
The lake is a favourite spot for locals who come to fish for trout or simply enjoy a picnic by the water. On weekends, you might see families and couples walking the loop track, taking in the views of the surrounding hills.
The access road is gravel and can be rough in places, so drive carefully, especially after rain. Once there, you can walk around the lake on a track that takes a few hours, but wear sturdy shoes because parts can be muddy.
The lake's name comes from the Māori word 'moke', which means 'solitary' or 'lonely', reflecting its remote setting. Despite being close to Queenstown, it remains a quiet spot where you can often have the whole lake to yourself.
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