Waipārera / Waituna Lagoon

Saltwater
Lagoon

Waipārera / Waituna Lagoon

Saltwater
Lagoon

Sq. miles: 4.7
Boat Ramps: 0
Access Points: 0
Species: 1

Waipārera / Waituna Lagoon is a significant coastal lagoon on the southern coast of New Zealand's South Island, located in the Southland District. This shallow, brackish water body is separated from the sea by a gravel barrier and is a key part of the internationally recognized Awarua-Waituna Wetland complex. The lagoon provides a unique and productive environment for a variety of saltwater and estuarine fish species, with fishing primarily accessed by small boats launched from dedicated ramps.

Species & education

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

Find which waters have the species you want to catch

Yellow-eyed Mullet

Aldrichetta forsteri

Fishing spots, boat ramps & amenities

Learn how to get on Waipārera / Waituna Lagoon. 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.

Productive areas include the channels where Waituna Creek enters the main lagoon, as these provide confluence zones with moving water. The deeper basins and drop-offs within the lagoon hold fish during warmer parts of the day. The margins with aquatic vegetation, particularly along the eastern and southern shores, provide cover for species like giant kōkopu and ambush points for predators.

Know where you can legally fish on Waipārera / Waituna Lagoon

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.

Southland licenses and regulations

No licenses or regulations available for Southland.

Take Waipārera / Waituna Lagoon with you

The onWater Fish app keeps this water's access points, species and conditions in your pocket, with the tools you use once you're there.

Use the map without signal
Download the map around Waipārera / Waituna Lagoon to use it offline when coverage drops.
Log your catches here
Keep a private fishing journal for Waipārera / Waituna Lagoon to find where and when fish are biting for 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 Waipārera / Waituna Lagoon and check the marine forecast before you launch.

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