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Story: Canterbury region

Te Waihora (Lake Ellesmere)

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Te Waihora (Lake Ellesmere)

South of Banks Peninsula is Te Waihora (Lake Ellesmere), Canterbury’s most significant wetland. It has been drained for various purposes over the years, and is now half its original size. In addition, its waters have been polluted and overfished. Despite these changes, it remains an outstanding wildlife habitat.

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by Christina Troup

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How to cite this page

John Wilson, Canterbury region – Landscapes, Te Ara – the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, https://teara.govt.nz/en/photograph/10302/te-waihora-lake-ellesmere (accessed 4 June 2026).

Story by John Wilson, published 2 March 2009.