The extraordinary Mou Waho Island actually forms an island in Lake Wanaka, on South Island, New Zealand, which itself hosts a lake with an island in it.
To put it another way, you have an island, in a lake, on an island in a lake, on an island, in the ocean. Talk about a hodgepodge of geology.
This tiny island remains almost mysterious to outsiders, yet ranks as popular among those who do know of it, for its natural beauty.
Hiking this scenic island also forms a popular activity among local enthusiasts. Mou Waho Island now has the honor of being a World Heritage Walking Tour site.
Mou Waho Island Geology
Along with the lake that it sits in, the diminutive yet beautiful Mou Waho Island also formed from glacial action during the last ice age. Incredible; such destructive force created such beauty.
In addition, the lake that this picturesque island resides in sits almost at the summit of a small mountain.
The water of all the lakes earned fame for its extraordinary clarity, due to their glacial origins. The water stays so still that it has been called glass-like.
The tiny island within an island on Mou Waho Island also possesses numerous small, shallow pools.
Mou Waho Island Preservation Efforts and Wildlife
In wonderful news, the entirety of Mou Waho Island now holds the designation of a Nature Reserve.
The invasive, non-native animals and insects which once threatened to overwhelm the native populations now no longer do so. What an effort that must have been.
A relatively stable population of wetas and geckos also now resides on the island.
The rare Buff Weka equals perhaps the most interesting life on Mou Waho Island. This remarkable, small flightless bird remains infamous for its insatiable curiosity. They will approach strangers without fear, often joining their camps and refuse to be chased away.
Check out our articles on Kiawah Island, Palawan Island, Ometepe Island,
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