Lake Wairarapa

Lake Shallow coastal lake in southern North Island

Lake Wairarapa anchors the Wairarapa wetlands south of Wellington; visitors come for birdwatching, wetlands walks and to explore nearby vineyards and towns such as Martinborough.

Main image

How to Get to Lake Wairarapa #

Lake Wairarapa is easily reached from Featherston and Masterton by local roads (about 20-30 minutes from either town). Public transport options to small wetland reserves are limited; driving or organized tours are the most practical approaches.

Tips for Visiting Lake Wairarapa #

  • Visit early morning for migratory bird activity on the flats and quieter water levels.
  • The Wairarapa Moana Wetlands Reserve has hides and well-marked bird trails-use them for best viewing.
  • Combine a lake visit with a stop in Greytown or Masterton for local cafés and crafts.

Best Time to Visit Lake Wairarapa #

Spring and summer are best for birdwatching and outdoor activities; early mornings year-round offer the most wildlife action.

Spring (September-November)
September-November · 8-18°C
Migratory birds return and wetlands rejuvenate.
Summer (December-February)
December-February · 15-25°C
Warmer weather and more recreational use of the lake edges.
Autumn (March-May)
March-May · 10-20°C
Quiet trails and changing reeds-good for photography.

Weather & Climate near Lake Wairarapa #

Climate

Lake Wairarapa's climate is classified as Oceanic - Oceanic climate with mild summers (peaking in January) and cold winters (coldest in July). Temperatures range from 5°C to 22°C. Abundant rainfall (1238 mm/year), wettest in May.

Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
22°
Warmest Month
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

January is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 14°C. Moderate rainfall (54 mm).

Comfort

18°
Feels Like Cool
18°C
Temperature
14° 22°

Weather

54 mm
Rainfall
4.5 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

February

February is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 13°C. Moderate rainfall (76 mm).

Comfort

18°
Feels Like Cool
18°C
Temperature
13° 22°

Weather

76 mm
Rainfall
4.0 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

March

March is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 12°C. Regular rainfall (83 mm).

Comfort

16°
Feels Like Cool
16°C
Temperature
12° 20°

Weather

83 mm
Rainfall
4.1 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

April

April is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 10°C. Regular rainfall (82 mm).

Comfort

14°
Feels Like Cool
14°C
Temperature
10° 17°

Weather

82 mm
Rainfall
3.5 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

May

May is cool with highs of 15°C and lows of 8°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (181 mm).

Comfort

11°
Feels Like Cool
11°C
Temperature
15°

Weather

181 mm
Rainfall
4.3 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

June

June is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 6°C. Significant rainfall (142 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
12°

Weather

142 mm
Rainfall
4.5 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

July

July is the coolest month with highs of 12°C and lows of 5°C. Significant rainfall (141 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
12°

Weather

141 mm
Rainfall
4.9 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

August

August is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 6°C. Significant rainfall (126 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
12°

Weather

126 mm
Rainfall
4.5 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

September

September is cool with highs of 14°C and lows of 8°C. Significant rainfall (132 mm).

Comfort

11°
Feels Like Cool
11°C
Temperature
14°

Weather

132 mm
Rainfall
4.4 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

October

October is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 9°C. Moderate rainfall (72 mm).

Comfort

13°
Feels Like Cool
13°C
Temperature
16°

Weather

72 mm
Rainfall
5.0 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

November

November is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 11°C. Moderate rainfall (77 mm).

Comfort

14°
Feels Like Cool
14°C
Temperature
11° 18°

Weather

77 mm
Rainfall
5.0 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

December

December is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 12°C. Moderate rainfall (72 mm).

Comfort

16°
Feels Like Cool
16°C
Temperature
12° 20°

Weather

72 mm
Rainfall
4.8 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

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