Rivers and Access Points

Find more information on each Wairarapa river and the access points for the best fishing experience

Ruamahanga River

The Ruamahanga River rises in the Tararua Range and drains southward over 120kms past Masterton to enter the sea at Lake Ferry. Access to the river is quite good. The upper Ruamahanga within the Tararua Forest Park has walking access either at Mt Bruce where SH2 crosses the Ruamahanga or via the headwaters of the Mangatainoka River at Putara. From Masterton to Martinborough accesses are from a number of road ends or bridge crossings all leading off SH2 down to Martinborough. Downstream of Martinborough access can be gained from either side of the river off either Kahutara Road or the Martinborough Lake Ferry Road.

Kopuaranga River

This small river, with its origins in the hill country to the north of Masterton, is the only one of its kind in the Wairarapa. Access is across the Ruamahanga River off SH2 about 10km north of Masterton. There is no public access along this river – landowner permission is required. A small meandering stream frequently overhung by willows.

Waipoua River

The Waipoua River originates in the eastern foothills of the Tararua Range and flows southward to join the Ruamahanga River at Masterton. The river parallels SH2 and access is possible off a number of roads off Paierau Road or SH2. An important spawning tributary of the Ruamahanga.

Tauweru River

The Taurewu River has an extensive catchment to the east of Masterton and joins the Ruamahanga at Gladstone. Access to the lower part is off Gladstone Rd, or Matinborough/Masterton Rd or Te Kopi Rd. To the middle access is from the Masterton/Stronvar Rd or Castlepoint Rd.

Waiohine River

This large tributary of the Ruamahunga River flows from the eastern side of the Tararua Range and can provide excellent wilderness fishing in the upper part for the fit angler. Access to the middle and lower areas are off a number of roads that parallel the river upstream or downstream of SH2. Access to the Tararua Forest Park is by the Waiohine Gorge Rd to Walls Whare and walking from there. Alternatively a climb up and over Mt Holdsworth from the Mt Holdsworth Rd will get a very fit angler into the mid Waiohine Hut (please check trip time and weather before attempting this tramp).

Waingawa River

This medium sized tributary of the Ruamahunga River flows from the eastern side of the Tararua Range. Access is off Upper Plain Road to Upper Waingawa Road and then walking from the road end. It is very scenic within the Tararua Forest Park.

Tauherenikau River

This medium sized river flows from the eastern side of the Tararua Range and flows into Lake Wairarapa just north of Featherston. Access to the Forest Park is either from Underhill Rd and Bucks Rd (from Featherston or Greytown), or from the Upper Hutt side of the Rimutaka Range at Kaitoke, and walking 3hrs from the carpark off Marchant Rd.

Henley Lake

This is a smallish, man-made lake, near the centre of Masterton, Henley Lake is stocked annually with rainbow trout. Perch around as well and the lake provides an ideal area for junior anglers to fish safely and for families to picnic while fishing together.

Kourarau Dam

The Kourarau dam is a water supply lake that has been a popular fishing location for many years. Access is at Gladstone immediately south of Masterton off the Masterton/Martinborough Road then off Tupurupuru Te Wharau Road. A great location for a family outing, the dam holds impressive sized rainbow trout and perch. It is managed as a “trophy” rainbow lake fishery – the only one of its type in the Wellington region.