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.
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.
Weather & Climate near Lake Wairarapa #
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.
January
January is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 14°C. Moderate rainfall (54 mm).
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February
February is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 13°C. Moderate rainfall (76 mm).
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March
March is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 12°C. Regular rainfall (83 mm).
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April
April is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 10°C. Regular rainfall (82 mm).
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May
May is cool with highs of 15°C and lows of 8°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (181 mm).
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June
June is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 6°C. Significant rainfall (142 mm).
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July
July is the coolest month with highs of 12°C and lows of 5°C. Significant rainfall (141 mm).
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August
August is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 6°C. Significant rainfall (126 mm).
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September
September is cool with highs of 14°C and lows of 8°C. Significant rainfall (132 mm).
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October
October is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 9°C. Moderate rainfall (72 mm).
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November
November is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 11°C. Moderate rainfall (77 mm).
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December
December is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 12°C. Moderate rainfall (72 mm).