Lake Ellesmere / Te Waihora
< Lake Ellesmere
| Lake Ellesmere / Te Waihora | |
|---|---|
Aerial view of Lake Ellesmere / Te Waihora | |
| Location | Selwyn District and Christchurch City, Canterbury region, South Island |
| Coordinates | 43°48′S 172°25′E / 43.800°S 172.417°E |
| Type | Brackish lagoon |
| Primary inflows | Selwyn River / Waikirikiri |
| Basin countries | New Zealand |
| Max. length | 30.5 km (19.0 mi) |
| Max. width | 14.5 km (9.0 mi) |
| Surface area | 197.81 km2 (76.37 sq mi) |
| Max. depth | 2.1 m (6 ft 11 in) |
| Surface elevation | 2 m (6 ft 7 in) |
Lake Ellesmere / Te Waihora is a shallow coastal lake or waituna, in the Canterbury region of the South Island of New Zealand. It is directly to the west of Banks Peninsula, separated from the Pacific Ocean by the long, narrow, sandy Kaitorete Spit. It lies partially in extreme southeastern Selwyn District and partially in the city of Christchurch's district. The lake holds high historical and cultural significance to the indigenous Māori population and the traditional Māori name Te Waihora means spreading waters. It has officially had a dual English/Māori name since at least 1938.