Story: Water resources

New Zealand’s water cycle

New Zealand’s water cycle

Most of New Zealand’s precipitation is rain. A small amount of water remains as snow and ice, but most flows into rivers and lakes, or into aquifers under the ground. Only about 30% evaporates into the atmosphere, compared with 70% in many other countries.

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Source: Ministry for the Environment The state of New Zealand’s environment 1997

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How to cite this page:

Mike Scarsbrook and Charles Pearson, 'Water resources - The hydrological cycle', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/diagram/18154/new-zealands-water-cycle (accessed 30 March 2024)

Story by Mike Scarsbrook and Charles Pearson, published 24 Nov 2008