Lake Rotokare, Wildlife refuge and lake in South Taranaki District, New Zealand
Lake Rotokare is a landslide-dammed lake 12 km east of Eltham, shaped like an inverted T: about 875 m long north to south and 150 m at its widest, with a mean depth over 6 m. It drains southwest via the Ararata Stream and lies within the 230 ha Rotokare Scenic Reserve.
The reserve was created in the early 1870s, and road access followed in 1914. The Rotokare Scenic Reserve Trust, formed in 2004, completed a predator-proof fence around the 230-hectare reserve in 2008.
This refuge plays an important role in recovering habitats that were destroyed long ago. Visitors can hear bird calls and watch species during their daily activities around the water.
There is a level path with rest spots that runs through the area and works for most visitors. Good walking shoes and weather protection are helpful since the land is open and wind can be strong.
The reserve protects rare bird species, including a small population of flightless birds found in only a few places in New Zealand. These special species are carefully watched here and show how protection efforts help struggling populations.
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