We pass the pristine finger lakes of Wakatipu, Wanaka and Hawea.  These lakes are the remnants of enormous glaciers which began melting around 20,000 years ago.  They are the source of New Zealand's biggest river, they enable Hydro electric power to be generated and they provide great pleasure for recreational boating, water skiing, parasailing, swimming fishing and camping.  

Great quantities of water from these huge natural reservoirs are still gouging the spectacular gorges in the desert and concentrating rich gold.