Lake Manapouri has for arms: North, South, West and Hope - and some 33 islands, 22 of which are wooded. The Waiau River forms the lake's natural outlet.
The lake provides hydro-electric power via the Manapouri Power Station sited in the lake's West arm. The station discharges water 10km away through a tailrace tunnel to Doubtful Sound and the sea. In 1960, it was proposed to raise the lake by up to 30 metres for the power station but a strong nationwide protest during the 1960's prevented this from happening. The lake levels are instead carefully controlled to be close to natural fluctuations.
Nestled next to the shores of LakeManapouri and the banks of the Waiau River lies the peaceful township of Manapouri (population 300).
LakeManapouri is often described as the loveliest of all lakes with its array of 33 small islands, back drop of the majestic Cathedral Mountain range, and native bush clad edges with a variety of sandy beaches and coves.
Manapouri provides visitors to the area with a variety of accommodation and with 2 cafe's, a restaurant, a garage and hotel, we have all the amenities for those who enjoy peaceful surroundings.
Manapouri with a population of just over 300 is situated on the shores of LakeManapouri and framed by the Cathedral Mountains.
It is easy to see why sites on and adjacent to the lake were used to lend their atmosphere to the filming for the Lord of the Rings movies, as visitor should have no problem imagining Orcs and hobbits amidst the dense rainforest, as they travel across the lake.
A feature of the lake is the number of coves, bays and islands, set in astonishingly pure water, and at 433m deep Manapouri is the second deepest lake to Lake Hauroko in southwest Fiordland.
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