We have a number of rivers and lakes throughout the district that are managed by either the Waikato District Council or the Department of Conservation.
Waikato District Council manages the following lakes:
Horsham Downs and Rotokauri
Lake Kainui and Lake Rotokauri are peat lakes that provide recreational opportunities and also have important ecological values.
Lake Kainui
Located in Horsham Downs and is available for fishing, hunting, and some on-water recreational activities.
Boat ramp access key: Between October and May each year a access key is available to purchase from our Ngaaruawaahia office for $99.00 per season.
You will need to provide your car and boat trailer registration number to purchase a key.
The walking path may be used by the public with no need for a key.
PLEASE NOTE: Access to carpark and track are closed during duck hunting season. You may enter at your own risk
View on Google maps
Lake Rotokauri
A popular venue for walking and other passive activities, such as picnicking. View on Google maps
Huntly
Huntly contains three Council managed lakes, which can be used for recreational activities.
Lake Puketirini
A newly formed lake that has been developed from a disused coal-mined pit, and is now part of Puketirini, a Waikato District Council owned park. Lake Puketirini is available for activities such as kayaking,
waka ama, boating, and water-skiing. Walking and cycling around the lake are also popular recreational activities. This lake has very good water quality.
Boat ramp access key: Between October and May each year a access key is available to purchase from our Huntly office and library for $79.00 per season with $21.00 refundable on return of key.
You will need to provide your car and boat trailer registration number to purchase a key.
View on Google maps
Lake Waahi
A popular for boating activities and picnicking. View on Google maps
Lake Hakanoa
Often used for fishing and walking. View on Google maps
For information about non-Council managed lakes contact the Department of Conservation and for information regarding the management of lakes within the Waikato region contact the Waikato Regional Council.
Water quality
Waikato Regional Council carries out regular water quality testing in the district during summer. Check the link below to see if it's okay to swim.
Can I swim here?