Waihola


The township of Waihola lies between Dunedin and Milton, New Zealand in Otago, in New Zealand's South Island. It lies close to the southeast shore of the shallow tidal lake which shares its name.
The town is located on State Highway 1, and the South Island Main Trunk rail line runs through it, though trains no longer stop. The township is within the boundaries of Clutha District.

Etymology

The name Waihola is accepted to be analogous with the word wai-hora, meaning "spreading waters". The place name for the location of Waihola is assigned as an official place name by the New Zealand Geographic Board. The place name also creates some interest as the Māori alphabet doesn't normally contain the letter 'L'. This is most likely an example of an earlier Southern Māori dialect.

Tourism

Waihola is a popular destination for day-trips from Dunedin, 35 kilometres to the north, and the lake is a venue for many water sports, including waterskiing, rowing, and yachting.
The 2175-hectare Waihola Waipori wetland system is one of the largest and most significant remaining lowland wetland systems in New Zealand. It is a diverse and highly productive ecosystem, supporting threatened species such as the giant kokopu and the South Island Fernbird. The wetland is of great significance to Kai Tahu and is used for recreational hunting and fishing.
The Sinclair Wetlands are also located at Waihola.

Education

Waihola District School is a co-educational state primary school for Year 1 to 8 students, with a roll of as of.

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