There are 3,820 lakes in New Zealand that have a surface area larger than one hectare. Many of the lakes in the central North Island are volcanic crater lakes. The majority of the lakes near the Southern Alps were carved by glaciers. Artificial lakes created as hydroelectric reservoirs are common in South Canterbury, Central Otago and along the Waikato River.[1]
- ^ Nathan, Simon. Types of lake. Te Ara – the Encyclopedia of New Zealand. Updated 24 September 2007. Accessed 23 March 2019.