New Zealand’s South Island

New Zealand’s South Island is pictured in this Envisat image from 4 April 2012. There are a number of lakes throughout the island, but one that stands out in particular is Lake Pukaki, at the centre of the image. The bright blue colouring of its waters comes from the extremely fine rock particles fed into the water from the glaciers. To the northeast, the light green colouring of Lake Ellesmere / Te Waihora can be seen. Peeking out from between the clouds to the south is Stewart Island/Rakiura – the country’s third largest island. 

This image is featured on the Earth from Space video programme.