New Zealand, a remote archipelago located in the southwest of the Pacific Ocean, is known for its spectacular natural landscapes. Its mountains, valleys, and rivers have served as a stage for renowned cinematographic productions, such as the Lord of the Rings, and every year they attract millions of tourists in search of adventure and nature. The country’s unique geography has made it a haven for those seeking to connect with the great outdoors.
In the depths of Nelson Lakes National Park, on the South Island of New Zealand, lies a lake that stands out for its exceptional beauty: Rotomairewhenua, also known as Blue Lake or Blue Lake. This lake, which translates to “lake of peaceful lands” in the language of the Maori tribe Ngāti Apa, has an area of just 2.5 hectares, but holds a unique title in the world: the lake with the most crystalline waters on the planet. This recognition is endorsed by the scientific community, which has extensively studied the properties of this natural wonder.
Unparalleled Water Clarity
In 2013, researchers Mark Gall, Robert Davies-Colley, and Rob Merrilees conducted an exhaustive study on the properties of Blue Lake. Their findings, published in a scientific article, concluded that the lake’s waters allow for a visibility of between 70 and 80 meters, giving it an “exceptional optical purity.” Experts described it as the “visually clearest fresh water ever registered.” However, this unique ecosystem is in danger due to the growing popularity of the lake on social networks, which has led to a significant increase in tourism in the National Park of the Nelson lakes. This phenomenon worries both scientists and the Ngāti Apa tribe, as the constant flow of hikers could put the purity of the lake’s waters at risk.
One of the greatest fears is the possible arrival of Lindavia, a microscopic algae capable of generating a viscous substance known as Lake Snow, which can alter the water ecology. As CNN warns, this microorganism has affected other lakes in the region, and its spread to Rotomairewhenua would be devastating. To prevent its arrival, the New Zealand Conservation Department, together with organizations such as Ngāti Apa ki te Rā Tō Trust and Terāoa Trust, have implemented new biosafety measures on the hiking route that leads to the lake.
Biosafety Measures in Place
These initiatives include cleaning stations at strategic points, especially near other lakes where the presence of Lindavia has already been detected. Informative posters have been placed to raise awareness among hikers about the importance of cleaning their footwear and equipment before approaching Blue Lake. In fact, visitors are asked not to touch the water, and during the summer, a ranger is responsible for monitoring it. The aim is to protect this unique ecosystem and preserve the lake’s exceptional water clarity for future generations. With these measures in place, visitors can still enjoy the breathtaking beauty of Blue Lake while ensuring the long-term conservation of this natural wonder.