.LynEve

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The second largest of New Zealand's southern glacial lakes, Lake Wakatipu is 48 miles long and up to 3 miles wide,covers an area of 113 sq. miles. It is 1,017 ft above sea level, and 1,239 ft deep. . . . . . Maori legend saya that the giant Matau was burnt to death in his sleep after he abducted a chief's daughter, burning a massive hole in the ground and melting the ice and snow of the surrounding mountains, forming the lake. The lake is a large "S" shape, like a giant, curled up and sleeping on its side. One of Wakatipu's mysteries is the rise and fall of the lake by about 12cm (5") every five minutes. Legend states that a Giant's heart is impossible to destroy, and causes this rise and fall, while science says it is due to fluctuating atmospheric pressures. But across the lake from the town is a little island visible only from up close, from above, or from a different angle. Some say Hidden Island is the still beating heart of the Giant Matua... . . A merge of three photos taken from the Skyline complex, which is reached by Gondola (Cable car) At the top there is a restaurant and lookout. From there you can try paragliding, bungy jumping or an 800metre Luge gravity ride. I have done 1 of the 3:) . .Panasonic DMC-FZ7. Comments welcome.