Coopers Lagoon / Muriwai

Saltwater
Lagoon

Coopers Lagoon / Muriwai

Saltwater
Lagoon

Sq. miles: 0.1
Boat Ramps: 0
Access Points: 0
Species: 2

Coopers Lagoon / Muriwai is a small, shallow brackish coastal lagoon situated in the Selwyn District of Canterbury, New Zealand. It lies approximately midway between the Rakaia River mouth and the outlet of Lake Ellesmere / Te Waihora. This waituna-type lagoon is separated from the Canterbury Bight coastline by about 100 metres of land, though historically it was connected to the ocean by a small channel. The lagoon has a surface area of about 2 hectares (4.9 acres) and is part of a nationally significant chain of coastal wetlands. It holds dual cultural significance, officially named Coopers Lagoon / Muriwai as part of a Treaty of Waitangi settlement with Ngāi Tahu, recognizing its historical role as an important mahinga kai (traditional food-gathering site).

Species & education

Learn what type of fish are at Coopers Lagoon / Muriwai and what's needed to catch them.

Find which waters have the species you want to catch

Elephant Fish

Callorhinchus milii

Kahawai

Arripis trutta

Fishing spots, boat ramps & amenities

Learn how to get on Coopers Lagoon / Muriwai. Uncover great fishing access points, boat ramps, and all the facilities you need for an unforgettable day on the water. Some locations shown may border or include private property. Always check property boundaries and applicable regulations before visiting. onWater's Public & Private Land layer can help you plan your access with confidence.

The entire perimeter offers shore-based access. The lagoon's structure is uniformly shallow with a maximum depth of 2.1 metres. Key underwater features are not described, but the wetland margins and any remaining channels are likely productive areas. The lagoon is fed by diffuse drainage from the surrounding land rather than a single river.

Know where you can legally fish on Coopers Lagoon / Muriwai

See public and private land boundaries along the water, turn on private parcels with owner details to know where permission is required, and find land-trust parcels that offer permitted fishing access.

Canterbury licenses and regulations

No licenses or regulations available for Canterbury.

Take Coopers Lagoon / Muriwai with you

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Tides, wind & water conditions (10 day forecast)

On open water, wind and tide matter as much as the weather. See the best times to fish Coopers Lagoon / Muriwai and check the marine forecast before you launch.

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