Lake Monowai

Lake Monowai is a lake on New Zealand’s South Island, located in the southern part of the island. It lies within a relatively remote, forested area of the Southland/Fiordland region.

The lake and its outflow are associated with hydroelectric development in the area and the surrounding landscape is largely mountainous and forested. The lake is accessed via rural roads and forestry tracks rather than major urban centers.

Historically the lake has been used as part of local hydroelectric generation and for local recreation and fishing. Over time infrastructure related to power generation and forestry has shaped access and shoreline use.

Geographically it sits in southwestern New Zealand’s South Island, within the broad Fiordland/Southland area, surrounded by mountains and forest rather than large towns; the nearest significant settlements are small Southland communities rather than major cities.