Whāngioterangi / Echo Lake

Crater Small freshwater lake in Bay of Plenty Region

Whāngioterangi / Echo Lake on Great Barrier Island is a coastal lake and bushland site visited for walking tracks, birdwatching and nearby island beaches.

Main image

Whāngioterangi, also known as Echo Lake, is a named lake feature in the Bay of Plenty Region of New Zealand. The dual name indicates both the Māori and English names are used locally.

The feature is a small inland lake on Great Barrier Island (Aotea) in the Hauraki Gulf; it is one of several modest freshwater bodies on the island and is part of the island’s bush and wetland landscape.

The name reflects local Māori associations; detailed historical records of development or modification are not broadly documented in public sources.

Geographically the lake sits on Great Barrier Island within the Hauraki Gulf, part of the Bay of Plenty administrative region.

  • Dual name: The site is officially recorded with both the Māori name and the English name, reflecting local indigenous place naming.
Whāngioterangi / Echo Lake
Whāngioterangi / Echo Lake area, Bay of Plenty Region, New Zealand (approx. -38.28024, 176.40279)
-38.2802, 176.4028
Daylight hours
Free

How to Get to Whāngioterangi / Echo Lake #

Echo Lake is accessed by regional roads in the Bay of Plenty; the nearest significant centres are Tauranga and Rotorua. Rent a car or join local tours to reach smaller lakes and forested reserves.

Tips for Visiting Whāngioterangi / Echo Lake #

  • If visiting Hahei or the Bay of Plenty region, pair Echo Lake with a morning walk when birdlife is most active.
  • Respect rāhui (customary Māori restrictions) if present; local iwi may protect sites seasonally.
  • Access tracks can be narrow - wear sturdy shoes and expect muddy conditions after rain.

Best Time to Visit Whāngioterangi / Echo Lake #

Summer offers the warmest conditions for lakeside activities; spring and autumn are quieter and pleasant for walks.

Summer (Dec-Feb)
Dec-Feb · 18-28°C (64-82°F)
Warm water temperatures and longest daylight; best for swimming and outdoor activities.
Spring/Autumn
Sep-Nov, Mar-May · 12-22°C (54-72°F)
Milder, fewer tourists, good for walking and photography.

Weather & Climate near Whāngioterangi / Echo Lake #

Climate

Whāngioterangi / Echo Lake's climate is classified as Oceanic - Oceanic climate with mild summers (peaking in February) and cold winters (coldest in July). Temperatures range from 2°C to 23°C. Abundant rainfall (1647 mm/year), wettest in July, distributed fairly evenly throughout the year.

Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
23°
Warmest Month
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

January is cool with highs of 23°C and lows of 11°C. Significant rainfall (121 mm).

Comfort

17°
Feels Like Cool
17°C
Temperature
11° 23°

Weather

121 mm
Rainfall
3.4 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

February

February is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 11°C. Significant rainfall (111 mm).

Comfort

17°
Feels Like Cool
17°C
Temperature
11° 23°

Weather

111 mm
Rainfall
3.2 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

March

March is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 10°C. Significant rainfall (155 mm).

Comfort

16°
Feels Like Cool
16°C
Temperature
10° 21°

Weather

155 mm
Rainfall
3.3 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

April

April is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 7°C. Significant rainfall (111 mm).

Comfort

13°
Feels Like Cool
13°C
Temperature
18°

Weather

111 mm
Rainfall
3.5 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

May

May is cold with highs of 15°C and lows of 4°C. Significant rainfall (120 mm).

Comfort

10°
Feels Like Cold
10°C
Temperature
15°

Weather

120 mm
Rainfall
3.6 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

June

June is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 3°C. Significant rainfall (162 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
12°

Weather

162 mm
Rainfall
3.5 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

July

July is the coolest month with highs of 12°C and lows of 2°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (168 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
12°

Weather

168 mm
Rainfall
3.3 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

August

August is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of 3°C. Significant rainfall (135 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
13°

Weather

135 mm
Rainfall
3.9 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

September

September is cold with highs of 14°C and lows of 4°C. Significant rainfall (137 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
14°

Weather

137 mm
Rainfall
3.9 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

October

October is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 6°C. Significant rainfall (148 mm).

Comfort

11°
Feels Like Cool
11°C
Temperature
17°

Weather

148 mm
Rainfall
4.2 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

November

November is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 8°C. Significant rainfall (142 mm).

Comfort

13°
Feels Like Cool
13°C
Temperature
19°

Weather

142 mm
Rainfall
4.0 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

December

December is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 10°C. Significant rainfall (137 mm).

Comfort

15°
Feels Like Cool
15°C
Temperature
10° 21°

Weather

137 mm
Rainfall
3.8 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

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