Lake Ellesmere / Te Waihora
New Zealand · Oceania
About
Lake Ellesmere / Te Waihora is a shallow coastal lagoon 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.
Adapted from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA). Photography via Wikimedia Commons.