Waikato wetlands

Introduction

You can view Waikato wetland reserves by car, on foot or by boat. Not all wetlands have formed or easy public access. Where foot access crosses farmland, please ensure the rights of landowners are respected. Keep to marked tracks and leave gates as you find them.

Sports fish and game can be harvested in most reserves provided you purchase a current licence from the Auckland/Waikato Fish and Game Council and request a permit from the Department of Conservation to carry a firearm (including bows).

Features

Hauraki Plains wetlands

Kopuatai and associated reserves

The Kopuatai Wetland Reserve is the largest raised 'peat dome' in a natural condition left in New Zealand. The vegetation occupying the dome is fragile and easily damaged so entry is by permit only.

Access is possible, however, to a number of adjoining Wildlife Management Reserves. From SH 27, Tramline Road gives access to the Piako River and from there, foot access along the stop-banks to Patterson's Lagoon and Lake Patetonga. The boat ramp at the end of Tramline Road is suitable for 4x4 vehicles, but a better maintained boat ramp is at the end of Maukora Landing Road.

ABCD Flax Block Reserve can be accessed from Maukoro Landing Road.

Torehape Wetland Management Reserve

This reserve protects the remnant of what was once a large peat dome. It is also the home of the giant rush Sporodanthus and wetland birds such as the fernbird. Several tracks provide foot access into the reserve from Torehape Road although they may be overgrown.

Miranda and the Firth of Thames

The tidal flats and mangroves of the Firth of Thames between Miranda and Thames support up to 40,000 birds including many migratory species. You can find out more about when migratory species are present from the Miranda Shorebird Centre on the Miranda Kaiaua roadway. Sign posted access is available to bird viewing sites from this roadway.

Birds at Miranda.

Lower Waikato River Basin

Lake Waikare

Waikare is Waikato's largest lake and can be viewed from Waerenga and Waikare Roads. Boat ramps and limited lake edge access is possible at the Ruahine roadend and Gill roadend.

Whangamarino Wetland Reserve

The mosaic of floodplains and peat domes around the Whangamarino and Maramarua Rivers make up the internationally recognised Whangamarino wetland. It is home to Australasian bittern, NI fernbird, black mudfish, rare orchids, bladderworts and a range of native fish species. There are boat ramps on Island Block Road and Falls Road beside the bridges over the Whangamarino River. For a scenic drive take Falls Road and turn left onto Island Block road which climbs to an 'island' separating two arms of peat. From high points on these roads you can obtain panoramic views of the wetland.

Whangamarino River

Lake Whangape Reserve

Formerly a Waikato River oxbow before being blocked off, the large shallow lake is an important habitat for waterfowl, waders and native fish. There are two picnic areas, one downstream from the lake outlet on the Glen Murray-Rangiriri Road and the second, together with a boat launching area, on the lakes northern shore line at a sign posted access way.

Opuatia Swamp Reserve

A floodplain of the Opuatia Stream just before it flows into the Waikato River, this willow dominated wetland has two access strips from Churchill Road. You can also gain access from the stream.

Lake Waahi

Waahi is another large lake on the Waikato River flood plain close to Huntly with a picnic area and boat access available off Weaver's Crossing Road

Lake Hakanoa Reserve

Situated on the east side of Huntly, Lake Hakanoa is popular for boating and coarse fishing. A 3.6 km circular walk around the lake starts at the Huntly Domain off Wight Street and passes through many specially themed gardens and wetlands areas. It takes approximately 60 minutes to walk the circuit.

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Hamilton Basin

The peat lakes of the Hamilton Basin are unique in the world. The lakes formed where sand and gravel from the Waikato River blocked valleys and subsequently, thick peat has developed within the flooded valley.

Lake D Reserve

Lake D (Lake Kainui) is situated on Lake Road north of Hamilton and administered by the Waikato District Council. The lake edge has been planted in a mix of native and exotic species and a walking track formed around the lake (1 hour circuit).

Lake B Reserve

Lake B (Lake Kaituna), also off Lake Road, is being progressively cleared of willows and replanted with native plants and walkways are being developed through community effort. Access is via private land. Contact the landowner at +64 7 829 4706.

Lake Cameron Reserve

Lake Cameron is a small lake at Rukuhia south of Hamilton. Access to the lake edge is available off Rukuhia Road.

Lake Serpentine Reserve

This reserve can be accessed directly from State Highway 3 south of Hamilton. There is a mown walkway around the east lake with interpretation.

Lake Serpentine

Lake Rotomanuka Reserve

Foot access to the lake follows the fence line opposite Ryburn Road on SH 3 at Ohaupo.

Lake Rotopataka Reserve

Fenced foot access leads down to the lake from Thompson Road.

Lake Ruatuna Reserve

This wildlife management reserve is accessed off Forkett Road, Ohaupo. Waipa District Council administers a recreation reserve which includes a youth camp and picnic area on the western side of the lake. Foot access is available through the recreation reserve to the lake.

Lake Rotomanuka

Lake Ngaroto Reserve

Lake Ngaroto is one of the largest peat lakes in the Waikato and is administered by the Waipa District Council. Access is via Bank Road to a picnic area where yacht and rowing clubs are established. A circular track can be accessed from this point and takes approximately 2 hours to walk.

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Activities