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

Lake Wairarapa at a Glance#

Website: https://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/places-to-go/wairarapa/places/wairarapa-moana/

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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.

Air Quality: AQI 24 Good
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
22°
Warmest Month
5°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions
Month Comfort Temp Feels Rain Sky Humidity Wind UV Daylight
January - 14° - 22° 18° 54 mm - - 4.5 m/s - -
February - 13° - 22° 18° 76 mm - - 4.0 m/s - -
March - 12° - 20° 16° 83 mm - - 4.1 m/s - -
April - 10° - 17° 14° 82 mm - - 3.5 m/s - -
May - 8° - 15° 11° 181 mm - - 4.3 m/s - -
June - 6° - 12° 7° 142 mm - - 4.5 m/s - -
July - 5° - 12° 6° 141 mm - - 4.9 m/s - -
August - 6° - 12° 7° 126 mm - - 4.5 m/s - -
September - 8° - 14° 11° 132 mm - - 4.4 m/s - -
October - 9° - 16° 13° 72 mm - - 5.0 m/s - -
November - 11° - 18° 14° 77 mm - - 5.0 m/s - -
December - 12° - 20° 16° 72 mm - - 4.8 m/s - -