Whether nestled in the caldera of a volcano like the North Island’s Taupo or amid soaring fiords like the South Island’s Te Anau, New Zealand’s freshwater lakes are among the world’s most magnificent—and cleanest.

Without such basins, many of the country’s wildlife—fish, birds, and plants—wouldn’t be able to thrive, let alone survive. It’s no wonder that the Maori feel such bodies of water have their own specific “mauri” or life force.

Beyond being an integral source of livelihood for humans—be it for drinking, washing or as the source of hydroelectric power—New Zealand’s lakes provide omnivorous species such as ducks and fish with a wide range of nutritional elements from small fish, worms, bugs, grass, seeds, and berries. And when the ducks are fed well, your pets will be, too.