Bird watching 
Enjoy bird watching from natural vantage points at the main visitor sites, or from the bird hides at Boggy Pond and the lake shore at Wairio wetland. Bird watching sites are marked on the map opposite. Take your camera and binoculars!
Walking 
Walks range from about 20 minutes to 3 hours. Most are an easy gradient over uneven ground. Tracks are marked on the map overleaf and signposted from car parks.
Camping 
Free campsites at Lake Domain Reserve and Wairarapa Lake Shore Scenic Reserve offer basic facilities for tent and motorhome camping. For more camping options nearby see www.wairarapanz.com
Swimming
Lake Wairarapa has lots of sediment making it look muddy. However, the water is usually safe to swim in unless there has been heavy rainfall when some pollutants might be present. Swimming is not recommended in Lake Ōnoke due to strong tidal flows when the mouth of the lake is open to the sea.
Kayaking, canoeing and windsurfing 
The best launch spots are at Lake Domain Reserve, Wairarapa Lake Shore Scenic Reserve, Lake Ōnoke and Ōnoke Spit. These sites are marked on the map opposite.
Cycling
The Rimutaka Cycle Trail joins Western Lake Road at Cross Creek Road (see www.nzcycletrail.com).
Cyclists can continue south on the trail to the coast of Palliser Bay or 12km north to Featherston. Cycling via Western Lake Road, East-West Access Road and Kahutara Road forms a 67km loop ride around Lake Wairarapa from Featherston.
Fishing
Brown trout in Lake Wairarapa are best found in river deltas where fly fishing and spinning can be effective. A fishing licence is required for trout, perch and tench. Licences can be purchased at some outdoor sports stores or online at www.fishandgame.org.nz. Part of the licence fee supports waterfowl and wetland conservation.
Duck shooting
Lake Wairarapa is a top waterfowl hunting location in Aotearoa/New Zealand, attracting hunters from overseas and throughout the country. The game bird hunting season runs for six to eight weeks starting in early May. A game bird hunting licence is required to hunt waterfowl. For more information on licencing visit www.fishandgame.org.nz or an outdoor sports store. Part of the licence fee supports waterfowl and wetland conservation.
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