Lake Alta, Glacial cirque lake at The Remarkables, New Zealand
Lake Alta is a glacial cirque lake situated at approximately 1800 meters elevation in the Remarkables mountain range within the Queenstown-Lakes District. The water sits in a deep basin carved by ice, surrounded by steep rocky slopes and alpine terrain that create a remote mountain setting.
The lake was carved by glaciers during the last ice age, which eroded the rock to create the deep basin visible today. This glacial process shaped the surrounding alpine landscape into its current form.
The lake location served as a filming site for the Dimrill Dale scene in The Lord of the Rings movies, where characters exit the Mines of Moria.
The track to the lake starts at The Remarkables Ski Area Lodge and covers 2.4 kilometers return, taking about 90 minutes to complete. The route is steep and requires good fitness and proper mountain hiking gear.
During winter months from May to November, the entire lake area transforms under deep snow, requiring specialized equipment for safe navigation.
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