Lake Alabaster / Wāwāhi Waka, also known by the Māori name of Waiwahuika, lies at the northern end of Fiordland, in the southwest of New Zealand's South Island.[1] The lake runs from northeast to southwest, is five kilometres (3.1 mi), and covers seven km2 (2.7 sq mi).[2]
Lake Alabaster drains, and is drained by, the Pyke River, a small tributary of the Hollyford River / Whakatipu Kā Tuka.[3] It is one of two lakes (along with Lake McKerrow / Whakatipu Waitai) found in the lower reaches of the Hollyford River system.[4] A branch of the Hollyford Track, one of New Zealand's most well-known and popular tramping tracks, extends along the eastern shore of the lake.[1]
The lake was formed at the southern end of a glacial valley and, had the sea level been slightly higher, would have been the northern arm of what might have been McKerrow Fiord.[citation needed]