Wairarapa Moana Wetlands
| Wairarapa Moana Wetlands | |
|---|---|
Western shore of Lake Wairarapa | |
Interactive map of Wairarapa Moana Wetlands | |
| Type | Reserve |
| Location | South Wairarapa District, Wellington Region, New Zealand |
| Coordinates | 41°14′02″S 175°11′35″E / 41.2339913°S 175.1930894°E |
| Area | 9,000 hectares (22,000 acres) |
| Operated by | Wellington Regional Council |
| Open | 24 hours |
| Status | Open |
| Website | waiwetlands |
The Wairarapa Moana Wetlands are a group of lakes and wetlands, located in the South Wairarapa District in the Wellington Region at the southern end of New Zealand's North Island. The wetland area includes Lake Wairarapa and the Wairarapa Lake Shore Scenic Reserve, Lake Ōnoke and Ōnoke Spit, and wetland areas around the lakes.
The wetland is the largest in the lower North Island, one of the largest in New Zealand, and was recognised as a wetland of international significance under the Ramsar Convention in August 2020. It covers an area of 9,000 hectares (22,000 acres), with the largest part being Lake Wairarapa at 7,800 hectares (19,000 acres).
The wetland is administered by Wellington Regional Council, in conjunction with Kahungunu ki Wairarapa, the Department of Conservation, South Wairarapa District Council, and Rangitāne o Wairarapa.