As with Horsham Downs lakes most sites claimed, however hunting pressure declines after first fortnight of season providing good hunting opportunity for itinerant hunters.
Beware that there are special conditions on sites administered by Waipa District Council so be sure to get one of their gamebird permits where required – it's free!
Access Points
- Lake Ngaroto
108 hectares of open water with adjoining 42 hectares recreational reserve. Boat ramp off Bank Road. Good foot access around lake margin. DoC and Waipa District Council access permits required for gamebird hunting. - Lake Ngarotoiti Wildlife Management Reserve
DoC permit required for lake. Waipa District Council permit will be required if you access esplanade reserve on part of the lake margin. - Lake Rotomanuka
DoC and Waipa Distrcit Council access permits required for gamebird hunting. - Northern Lake Rotopiko
DoC and Waipa District Council access permits required for gamebird hunting. Do NOT discharge firearms in direction of East Rotopiko Lake. - East Rotopiko Lake (Serpentine Lake)
Note that this is now the National Wetlands Discovery Centre and is permanently closed to gamebird hunting - but visitors otherwise welcome. DoC permit required. - Lake Rotopataka
Two hectares. Foot access down to lake from Thompson Road off State Highway 3. DoC permit required. - Lake Mangakaware (a.k.a. Krippner’s Lake)
Shooting from fixed stands only. Permits from Waipa District Council. Legal access off Anderson Road. - Lake Kareaotahi, Rukuhia, (a.k.a. Cameron Lake or Rukuhia Lake). Signposted off Rukuhia Road. Shooting from fixed stands only. Permits from Waipa District Council and DoC required.
- Lake Ruatuna Reserve, Ohaupo
Signposted access off Ryburn Road. DoC and Waipa District Council permits required. - Lake Koromatua, Temple View
DoC permit required for gamebird hunting. Waipa District Council permit will be required if accessing esplanade reserves.
