New Zealand Lake Ruataniwha

Somehow the signboard of Twizel is the water reservoir Lake Ruataniwha. It is one of several lakes with incredible turquoise water in the area. It is used for various water sports. Where State Highway 8 runs over the dam, there is a salmon farm.

The small town of Twizel lies midway between the large lakes Lake Pukaki (to the north), Lake Ohau (to the west) and Lake Benmore (to the southeast). In 1968, the town was built as a housing estate for the workers of a hydropower project. When it was to be abandoned after completion of the project, the residents forced its continued existence in 1983.