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Waituna Lagoon / Waipārera

Depth: 1 metres

Area: 1358.9 hectares

Altitude: 2 metres

Lake ID: 54742

Main vegetation type:
High Productivity Grassland

Invercargill

Southland
46° 34' 17" S
168° 33' 58" E
Coastal

Iwi / representative groups:

  • Ngāi Tahu
    • Hokonui Rūnanga
    • Te Rūnanga o Awarua
    • Te Rūnanga o Ōraka Aparima
    • Waihōpai Rūnanga

Description

Waipārera (Waituna Lagoon) is one of the best remaining examples of a natural coastal lagoon in New Zealand and is unique in Southland and New Zealand. It is a highly valued, large, brackish coastal lagoon that is fed by three creeks, and drains to the sea through a managed opening initially for fish passage and more recently to help manage drainage for surrounding farms. Historically the lagoon was surrounded by peat bog wetland, the drainage from which gave the lagoon its characteristic clear brown stain, low nutrient status, and low pH. It had high ecological habitat diversity, a unique macrophyte community (Ruppia dominated), internationally important bird life, and large areas of relatively unmodified wetland and terrestrial vegetation. In addition, it is highly valued for its aesthetic appeal, its rich biodiversity, duck shooting, fishing (for brown trout primarily), boating, walking, and scientific appeal (source lawa.co.nz).

54742
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Our Lakes

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    • Northland
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    • Manawatū/Whanganui
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    • West Coast
    • Marlborough
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    • Otago
    • Southland
  • Coastal Lakes
  • Lowland Lakes
  • Highland Lakes
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About

  • The Project
  • The Science
    • Field Sampling
    • Laboratory Analysis
    • Student Projects
  • Science Aims
  • Rohe Studies
    • Rangitīkei Iwi Rohe Study
    • Wairarapa Moana iwi rohe study
  • Virtual Experience
  • Social Science
  • Iwi Relationships
  • The Team
    • Advisory Groups
    • Lakes380 Co-lead Institutes​
    • National Collaborators
    • International Collaborators
  • Partners

Resources

  • Contact & Links
  • Blog, News & Publications
  • Video Gallery
  • Results
  • Glossary