Which lakes in New Zealand are the clearest?

80 named lakes in New Zealand have an official Secchi depth. This page ranks the 20 deepest readings. Secchi is a clarity measurement, not a swim-safety class and not a LakeQuality A–F grade.

Is clear water the same as clean water?

No. Secchi measures how far a disk stays visible. A clear lake can still have bacteria, toxins, or contaminants this catalog does not grade. Open a lake page for the authority's values.

Clearest lakes in New Zealand

Clearest lakes in New Zealand: 80 named lakes have an official Secchi depth. The 20 below are ranked by that reading — water clarity, not a LakeQuality A–F grade.

Lake map

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Highest Secchi readings in New Zealand

Lake	Place	Total phosphorus	Chlorophyll-a	Secchi	Year
Rotoroa	South Island	—	0.10 µg/L	16 m	2020
Lake Wanaka	South Island	—	0.70 µg/L	13 m	2020
Lake Rotoma	North Island	—	0.90 µg/L	11 m	2021
Lake Taupo	North Island	—	0.60 µg/L	11 m	2019
Lake Manapouri	South Island	—	—	9.4 m	2017
Lake Okataina	North Island	—	1.1 µg/L	9.0 m	2017
Lake Waikere	North Island	—	1.4 µg/L	8.9 m	2017
Lake Wakatipu	South Island	—	0.10 µg/L	8.3 m	2020
Lake Hawea	South Island	—	0.10 µg/L	8.2 m	2020
Lake Tarawera	North Island	—	1.7 µg/L	7.3 m	2017
Lake Tikitapu	North Island	—	1.9 µg/L	7.2 m	2017
Monowai Lake	South Island	—	0.40 µg/L	7.1 m	2020
Lake Okareka	North Island	—	2.0 µg/L	7.0 m	2017
Lake Taylor	South Island	—	—	7.0 m	2018
Lake Kai-I	North Island	—	1.1 µg/L	6.5 m	2017
Lake Waikaremoana	North Island	—	1.4 µg/L	6.4 m	2017
Hauroko Lake	South Island	—	0.20 µg/L	6.2 m	2020
Lake Ohau	South Island	—	—	6.2 m	2017
Lake Rotokakahi	North Island	—	3.6 µg/L	5.8 m	2017
Lake Benmore	South Island	—	—	5.6 m	2018

Showing 20 of 80 named lakes. Open a county or place page for the rest.

Frequently asked questions

Which lakes in New Zealand are the clearest?: 80 named lakes in New Zealand have an official Secchi depth. This page ranks the 20 deepest readings. Secchi is a clarity measurement, not a swim-safety class and not a LakeQuality A–F grade.
Is clear water the same as clean water?: No. Secchi measures how far a disk stays visible. A clear lake can still have bacteria, toxins, or contaminants this catalog does not grade. Open a lake page for the authority's values.