Lake Wiritoa

Lake Wiritoa is a coastal dune lake set among 5 hectares of park-like grounds. It is perfect for swimming as well as jet-skiing, boating and canoeing, or just hanging out with a book or having a picnic.

Lake Wiritoa is a 10-minute drive from central Whanganui off State Highway 3 south.

For information on water quality at Lake Wiritoa, please visit the Land Air Water Aotearoa website.

Whanganui District Council is responsible for maintenance of the small grass areas around the lake. Fish and Game NZ is responsible for the lake itself and the Whanganui Water Ski Club hold the licence to use it.

Regulations for boat and jet ski users

Whanganui District Council has no jurisdiction over the rules on the water. We encourage users of Lake Wiritoa to adhere to Maritime NZ guidelines.

The most important guidelines to remember are that people must not exceed a speed of 5 knots (a fast walking speed) if they are:

within 200 metres of the shore
within 200 metres of a boat displaying a diver’s flag
within 50 metres of any other boat
within 50 metres of a person swimming
on a power boat if any person has any part of their body outside the rails or edge of the deck.

Check the safe swim spots map on Horizons Regional Council’s website for up-to-date safety information before heading out.

Wanganui Water Ski Club