Last updated July 2026
At Putere Lakes, visitors discover three small lakes in northern Hawke’s Bay that offer a quiet rural setting for swimming, fishing and boating. The lakes sit in the Wairoa District roughly 50 km northwest of Wairoa and attract day-trippers from Hastings and Napier. Rotonuiaha is the largest, followed by Rotoroa and the smaller Rotongaio. The area holds deep cultural importance for Ngāti Pāhauwera as mana whenua, with ongoing restoration work addressing water quality. Access is via the unsealed Putere Road from Raupunga on State Highway 2.
Practical Information
| Location | Wairoa District, Hawke’s Bay, approximately 50 km northwest of Wairoa |
| Access | Putere Road from Raupunga (SH2), approximately 20 km unsealed road |
| Lakes | Rotonuiaha (43.8 ha, largest), Rotoroa, Rotongaio (9.3 ha, shallowest) |
| Activities | Swimming in shallow areas, fishing, boating |
| Cultural context | Significant to Ngāti Pāhauwera; part of mahinga kai and wāhi tapu |
| Entry fee | None |
| Water quality | Variable; Rotongaio poor, others affected by invasive hornwort; restoration underway |
| Best for | Day trips, nature and cultural interest |
About Putere Lakes
The Putere Lakes comprise three distinct water bodies formed in a rural catchment near the Waiau River. Rotonuiaha, the largest at 43.8 hectares, offers the most expansive views, while Rotongaio is the shallowest at 9.3 hectares. Each lake supports different ecological conditions and visitor experiences.
Ngāti Pāhauwera holds primary mana whenua status over the lakes, which feature in oral histories, mahinga kai practices and traditional resource gathering. The lakes also connect to wāhi tapu and archaeological sites. Ngāti Pāhauwera Development Trust works with Hawke’s Bay Regional Council on monitoring and restoration.
Water quality varies across the lakes. Rotongaio shows very poor conditions with risks of cyanobacterial blooms, while Rotonuiaha and Rotoroa have seen some improvement since the 1980s, partly due to invasive hornwort that now affects biodiversity and recreation. A 2022 assessment by the University of Otago and Ngāti Pāhauwera outlines nutrient reduction, hornwort control and catchment management as key restoration priorities.
Visitors value the lakes for their peaceful setting amid rolling farmland. Swimming occurs in shallower, sandy margins, while fishing targets eels and trout where permitted. Boating provides a way to explore the waters, though conditions require care due to variable depths and water quality.
Location and Access
Putere Lakes lie in the Wairoa District of Hawke’s Bay, approximately 50 km northwest of Wairoa. The main access route follows Putere Road from Raupunga on State Highway 2 for about 20 km. The road is unsealed for much of its length, so drivers should allow extra time and check conditions after rain.
The drive from Hastings takes roughly two hours via Wairoa or alternative rural routes. No dedicated parking or facilities exist at the lakes, so visitors should plan for self-sufficiency and leave no trace.
Recreational Activities
Swimming is popular in the shallower margins of the lakes, particularly on warmer days. Fishing for eels (tuna) and trout occurs subject to regional regulations and sustainable limits. Boating allows quiet exploration of the waters, though users should remain aware of water quality and depth variations.
Restoration efforts by Ngāti Pāhauwera and Hawke’s Bay Regional Council aim to improve conditions for both recreation and mahinga kai. Visitors are asked to respect cultural sites and support ongoing environmental work by following leave-no-trace principles.
Cultural and Ecological Significance
The lakes hold profound importance for Ngāti Pāhauwera as sites of traditional food gathering, rongoā plants and connection to ancestral landscapes. Rotongaio was vested in the Ngāti Pāhauwera Development Trust following the 2012 Treaty settlement and carries a conservation covenant.
Ecologically the lakes support native aquatic species and form part of broader Hawke’s Bay biodiversity initiatives. Historical wetlands in the catchment have been reduced by drainage, prompting current riparian planting and nutrient management projects.
Where to Learn More
LAWA: Current water quality data and lake profiles for Rotonuiaha and the Putere cluster.
Envirolink / HBRC report 2022: Detailed scientific assessment of lake health, cultural values and restoration options.
Visit Wairoa: Practical driving directions and scenic route information for the Putere area.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is access to Putere Lakes free?
Yes, there is no entry fee. Access is via public roads, though visitors must respect private land boundaries and cultural sites.
What is the road condition to the lakes?
Putere Road from Raupunga is unsealed for much of the 20 km distance. Conditions can deteriorate in wet weather; four-wheel-drive or careful driving is recommended.
Are there toilets or other facilities at the lakes?
No dedicated public facilities are provided at the lakes. Visitors should plan accordingly and practise leave-no-trace principles.
Can I swim at Putere Lakes?
Swimming is possible in shallower areas, but water quality varies and can be poor, especially in Rotongaio. Check current conditions before entering the water.
What fishing is available?
Anglers target eels and trout subject to Fish & Game and regional rules. Always confirm current regulations and size or bag limits before fishing.
Who are the mana whenua of the Putere Lakes?
Ngāti Pāhauwera are the primary mana whenua, with shared interests noted from Ngāi Tūhoe and Ngāti Ruapani in some records. The lakes support mahinga kai and hold wāhi tapu values.
Are there overnight stays nearby?
No accommodation exists at the lakes themselves. Options are available in Wairoa or further afield in Hastings and Napier.
What restoration work is happening?
Ngāti Pāhauwera Development Trust and Hawke’s Bay Regional Council collaborate on monitoring, nutrient reduction, hornwort control and riparian planting to improve lake health.
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