Lake Whangape and Opuatia Wetland

OPUATIA WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT RESERVE
Shallow willow and scrub dominated floodplain. This is often covered in water spilling over from the Opuatia Stream and the nearby Waikato River.  However, it can also be bone dry some years. The Opuatia Swamp Wildlife Management Reserve is managed by the Department of Internal Affairs. Permits are not issued at present.

Access Points

1. Waikato River
   Opuatia River negotiable by boat from Waikato River (see Waikato River access points).
2. Churchill Road
   The Opuatia Swamp Wildlife Management Reserve is managed by the Department of Internal Affairs. 
   
   LAKE WHANGAPE WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT RESERVE
   Large Waikato Lake (1450 hectares of open water) and adjacent wetlands (910 hectares).  Popular area with Canada geese. A DoC permit is required.
   
   
3. Whangape Domain
   Boat ramp at public domain provides access to lake via Whangape Stream. Domain located at lake's outlet off Glen Murray-Rangiriri Road also provides foot access to many possies. Hunters camp in the domain and either walk south-east edge of the lake to find a possie or boat out to the western end. Note: Boaties beware of rock weir to protect lake levels. Shuggs Landing is a better boat launch site. Note: access road and boat ramps poorly maintained.
4. Beverlands Road
   Access also possible from Beverlands Road. Access across unformed legal road to lake edge reserve. Note: may not be suitable to launch boat in low water periods.
5. Herbert Road
   Access across private land. Landowner permission required.
6. Slater Road
   Access across private land. Landowner permission required.
7. Awaroa Swamp/Stream
   Most practical access to stream across private land.
8. Shuggs Landing
   Off Glen Murray Road has good off-road parking and is a preferred boat launch site. There is no boat ramp and 4wd is recommended to launch boats at this location especially when the lake is low.