Lake Ōmāpere

Lake Ōmāpere
Lake Ōmāpere
LocationFar North District, Northland Region, North Island
Coordinates35°21′S 173°47′E / 35.350°S 173.783°E / -35.350; 173.783
Primary outflowsUtakura River
Catchment area3,392.8 hectares (8,384 acres)
Basin countriesNew Zealand
Max. length5 km (3.1 mi)
Surface area1,231.5 hectares (3,043 acres)
Max. depth2–3 m (6.6–9.8 ft)
Surface elevation237 metres (778 ft)

Lake Ōmāpere is the largest lake in the Northland Region of New Zealand. It is located to the North of Kaikohe.

The lake sits within the Kaikohe-Bay of Islands volcanic field. The lake was formed when an ancient lava flow blocked a valley, forming the northern shoreline. It is five kilometres in length and covers 12.3 km2, however it is only 2.6 metres deep (and as low as 1.5 m during summer). The lake has few inflow streams, mostly in the southern part of the lake. The Utakura River (south-western margin) is the main outflow which goes to the Hokianga Harbour. The lake catchment is predominantly pasture, with a few areas of native scrub and mature bush.