Pukepuke Lagoon

The lake catchment area is nearly 80 per cent pasture, which is a source of lake eutrophication (nutrient enrichment) that can lead to increased plant growth and/or algal blooms. The lake is located within a target catchment for nutrient management under Horizons Regional Council’s One Plan.

Nature and conservation of Pukepuke Lagoon Conservation Area

Pukepuke Lagoon is a dune lake resulting from the formation of sand dunes along the coast near Tangimoana which prevented inland water run-off escaping out to sea. It is a shallow lake up to 2m deep, drying out occasionally in summer droughts, but still an important wetland habitat for native and introduced birds. Originally around 160ha in area, the lake has reduced in size to around 15ha over the last century as a result of sand drift, local drainage, and the spread of raupō.

Nationally threatened birds and migratory birds

A number of species seldom found elsewhere in the region live at Pukepuke Lagoon, including the North Island fernbird (mātātā), spotless crake (pūweto), marsh crake (koitareke), New Zealand shoveler (kuruwhengi) and New Zealand scaup (pāpango).

The royal spoonbill (kotuku ngutupapa) and variable oystercatcher (tōrea-pango) visit the wetland occasionally. Two nationally threatened species, the New Zealand dabchick (weweia) and the Australasian bittern (matuku-hūrepo) are found here.

Rare plants

Three wetland herbs that are rare elsewhere in the region have been found at Pukepuke. These are Hydrocotyle pterocarpa, Zannichellia palustris and dwarf musk.

Native fish

Pukepuke is home to a large population of short-finned eel. Long-finned eel and inanga are also present.

Research station

The New Zealand Wildlife Service researched waterfowl at Pukepuke until the late 1960s and a field officer lived on site until 1987. The area is now managed by the Department of Conservation.  

History and culture of Pukepuke Lagoon Conservation Area

Ngāti Apa occupied a fortified pa at Pukepuke until about 1840 and after that visited the area seasonally to gather food. Today, they have access rights and traditional fishing rights for long-finned and short-finned eels. Members of Ngāti Apa wishing to access tuna here should contact the Ngāti Apa Rūnanga on +64 6 327 5594 or email info@ngatiapa.iwi.nz. 

Pukepuke Lagoon Conservation Area information source: Department of Conservation (https://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/places-to-go/manawatu-whanganui/places/pukepuke-lagoon-conservation-area/)