Last updated July 2026
Waitahanui is a small village on the eastern shore of Lake Taupō, approximately 14 kilometres south of Taupō town. It sits where the Waitahanui River meets the lake, creating a renowned trout fishing location known locally as the rip. The village is a long-established Māori settlement and the home area of Ngāti Tūtemohuta, one of the hapū of Ngāti Tūwharetoa. It retains a strong connection to the lake and river that define it, with a quiet, rural character suited to fishing and relaxation.
Practical Information
| Location | Eastern shore of Lake Taupō, 14 km south of Taupō town |
| Access road | State Highway 1 (lakeside route south of Taupō) |
| Population | Waitahanui statistical area: 846 (2023 census) |
| Character | Quiet holiday and residential settlement; strong Māori heritage |
| Famous for | Trout fishing at the Waitahanui River rip where the river meets the lake |
| Marae | Waitahanui (Pākira) marae |
About Waitahanui
Waitahanui is a quiet settlement of holiday homes, baches, and a small permanent community. State Highway 1 runs through it along the lakefront, providing direct lake access along the eastern shore. The Waitahanui River flows through the settlement before entering the lake.
The village has Waitahanui (Pākira) marae, reflecting the area’s significance to local iwi Ngāti Tūwharetoa. The eastern lakeshore here is less developed than the Taupō CBD waterfront, offering a quieter, more rural character.
The marae opened a new ancestral house and dining hall in 2017, coinciding with its 100th anniversary. Ngāti Tūtemohuta has longstanding connections to the area, including gathering food from the lake and river for generations.
The Waitahanui Rip and Trout Fishing
The rip at the Waitahanui River mouth is famous in New Zealand fly fishing circles. Where the river current meets the still water of Lake Taupō, trout congregate, particularly rainbow trout during winter spawning runs. Anglers often stand in a line in the water, casting into the lake from the river mouth, a sight known as the picket fence.
The Waitahanui River is one of the closest fishing rivers to the Taupō CBD. It is a small spring-fed river with a gravel, sand and small rock bed, offering relatively stable flow and clear water. The Department of Conservation provides guidance on access, seasons and regulations for the Taupō trout fishery, including this river.
What Visitors Often Say
Anglers describe the rip as an iconic spot where lining up in the water produces good catch rates, especially when conditions create a strong outflow. Many appreciate the proximity to Taupō and the chance to fish alongside locals in a traditional setting.
Visitors note the peaceful lakeside atmosphere and the strong Māori cultural presence, with the marae adding to the sense of community and history. Some mention enjoying the quieter eastern shore compared to busier parts of the lake.
Where to Learn More
Department of Conservation – Waitahanui River: details on fishing access, techniques and regulations for the Taupō trout fishery.
Wikipedia – Waitahanui: village profile, location details and statistical information citing census data.
Māori Maps – Waitahanui (Pākira) Marae: information on the marae, its hapū and location.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Waitahanui?
On the eastern shore of Lake Taupō, 14 km south of Taupō town along State Highway 1.
What is Waitahanui known for?
Trout fishing at the Waitahanui River rip, where the river meets the lake and anglers line up in the water to cast. It is one of New Zealand’s iconic fly fishing spots.
Is Waitahanui a Māori settlement?
Yes. It is a long-established settlement of Ngāti Tūtemohuta hapū of Ngāti Tūwharetoa, with Waitahanui (Pākira) marae in the village.
Can you swim at Waitahanui?
The eastern lakeshore provides lake access for swimming and other recreation, though the area is primarily known for fishing.
What is the population of Waitahanui?
The Waitahanui statistical area had a population of 846 in the 2023 New Zealand census.
When was the marae updated?
The marae opened a new ancestral house and dining hall in 2017, marking its 100th anniversary.
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