Lake Wairarapa wetlands
Introduction
The Lake Wairarapa wetlands are the largest wetland complex in the southern North Island, supporting native plants and animals of national and international importance.
Lake Wairarapa wetlands
The area offers many activities, including game bird hunting, fishing, bird watching, or perhaps just a stop off to take in the scenery while visiting the Martinborough wine country. Parts of the lake are used for boating and yachting. These wetlands are traditionally and spiritually important to Maori as an area for food gathering, including eel, fish, waterfowl, and plant material, in particular, flax and raupo.
The majority of the wetlands are protected as either conservation areas or wildlife and scenic reserves, managed by the Department of Conservation.
Fish and Game New Zealand owns and manages an area of wetland for game birds, and the Lake Domain recreation reserve is managed by the Southern Wairarapa District Council.
Location
Located in the southern Wairarapa plains near Featherston, the wetlands are about an hour’s drive from Wellington city. Lake Domain (with its picnic table and toilets) is around 8 km from Featherston. The Wairarapa Lake Shore Scenic Reserve (parking and a picnic area) is around 16 km from Featherston.
Getting there
To reach the Lake Domain, heading north from Wellington, turn off State highway 2 at the start of Featherston (about an hour’s drive) and onto the Featherston-Martinborough Road. Turn right onto Murphy’s Line and then right onto Lake Domain Road which takes you to the domain. To get to the Wairarapa Lake Shore Scenic Reserve, heading north from Wellington, turn right off State highway 2 at the start of Featherston onto the Western Lake Road which takes you around the shores of the lake to the reserve.
To view the eastern lake shore Turn right off the Featherston-Martinborough Road onto the Kahutara Road and drive about 15 km until you reach Paerera Road on the right. About 3km down Paerera Road there is legal access, signposted, to the lake across a paddock.
Weather
It can be very windy at times and wet underfoot so ensure you have warm clothing and waterproof footwear. Sunglasses and sun screen are recommended as protection against the sun.
Features
The diverse habitats in the Lake Wairarapa wetlands attract a wide range of wetland birds, particularly to the lake’s eastern shore, a habitat of national importance for water and wader birds.
Almost 100 bird species have been recorded there over the past two decades, including some international migratory birds.
Activities
Bird watching
Dog walking
Fishing
Kayaking/canoeing
The area offers many activities, including game bird hunting, fishing, bird watching, or perhaps just a stop off to take in the scenery while visiting the Martinborough wine country. Parts of the lake are used for boating and yachting.
You can take dogs to the lake as long as they are kept under control.
Plan and prepare
There is a total fire ban at the Lake Domain during the summer months – October to March.
Keep dogs under control to protect the wading birds.
Prevent the spread of aquatic weeds by washing down your boats and dogs after they’ve been in the water.
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