16 May 2024

New maps uncover Wānaka lakebed

From Nights, 9:15 pm on 16 May 2024

It's one of our most photographed natural attractions, but what lay beneath the surface of Lake Wānaka was largely unknown.

That was until now, thanks to a high detail mapping project by NIWA.

Emile Donovan speaks to NIWA scientist Dr Joshu Mountjoy about the project.

Close-up image of bathymetry data for the southern part of Lake Wānaka.

Close-up image of bathymetry data for the southern part of Lake Wānaka. Photo: NIWA / Sam Davidson