Places: Lake Domain (and Barton's Lagoon)

Lake Domain Reserve on the northern shore of Lake Wairarapa has large open spaces. The Domain is exposed to the elements from the north and south, so be prepared for very strong winds.

In the south-east section of the Domain, about 600 metres from the entrance, are a large wetland (Barton’s lagoon) and an informal area for trail bikes.  There are some vantage points at Barton’s Lagoon for observing wetland birds on the open water.

Continuing further along the lake shore, by walking or kayaking, will lead you to the Tauherenikau River delta.

Wildlife you might see:
The open water of the lake and lagoon, and the lake shore, provide good opportunities to view waterfowl and shorebirds such as kawau/black shag, poaka/pied stilt, tūturiwhatu/ banded dotterel, black-fronted dotterel, tōrea pango/variable oystercatcher and sometimes kōtuku ngutupapa/royal spoonbills.

Along the lake edge, Buchanan’s sedge and curly sedge can be found. These native sedges are reddish-brown in colour and are often under water for extended periods.

Kākahi/freshwater mussel shells are often found washed up along the shore – you may also feel the mussels underfoot when wading.

Getting there:
From Featherston, turn off SH2 into SH53, then head south along Murphy’s Line for 5km. Turn right onto Lake Domain Road, then left onto South Soldiers’ Settlement Road. Lake Domain Reserve is 500m at the end of this road.
Turn right into the Lake Domain camping area or left towards Barton’s Lagoon.

Download this page as a pdf. (331KB) for printing or reading.
Download the whole visitor guide booklet as a pdf. (5.8MB)

Illustration: Owen Smith