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 — and it is this meeting point, known locally as the rip, that has made Waitahanui one of the most renowned trout fishing spots in New Zealand. The village is a long-established Māori settlement, the home area of Ngāti Tūtemohuta, one of the hapū of Ngāti Tūwharetoa, and retains a strong connection to the lake and river that define it.
Location and Character
| Location | Eastern shore of Lake Taupō, 14 km south of Taupō town |
| Access road | State Highway 1 (lakeside route south of Taupō) |
| Population | Five Mile Bay–Waitahanui area: approximately 600 (June 2025 estimate) |
| Area | 5.30 km² (Five Mile Bay–Waitahanui rural settlement) |
| Character | Quiet holiday and residential settlement; strong Māori heritage |
| Famous for | Trout fishing — the Waitahanui River rip where stream meets lake |
The Village
Waitahanui is a quiet settlement of holiday homes, baches, and a small permanent community. SH1 runs through it along the lakefront, and the village has direct lake access along the eastern shore. The Waitahanui River flows through the settlement before entering the lake — and the point where this happens, the rip, is one of the most iconic fly fishing locations in the country, attracting anglers who wade out in a line at the river mouth to cast into the lake.
The village has Ngāti Tūtemohuta marae, reflecting the area’s significance to local iwi Ngāti Tūwharetoa. The eastern lakeshore here is less developed than the Taupō CBD waterfront, with a quieter, more rural character suited to fishing, swimming, and relaxing on the lake.
The Waitahanui Rip
The rip at the Waitahanui River mouth is famous across New Zealand fly fishing circles. Where the river current meets the still water of Lake Taupō, trout congregate — particularly rainbow trout during their winter spawning runs and large brown trout in autumn. Anglers stand in a line in the water, casting into the lake from the river mouth — a sight that has become something of a Taupō institution. The Waitahanui is one of the closest fishing rivers to the Taupō CBD.
Where to Learn More
Wikipedia – Waitahanui — village profile, location, Māori heritage and river information.
DOC – Waitahanui River Fishing — access, fishing seasons, regulations and techniques for the Waitahanui River.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Waitahanui?
On the eastern shore of Lake Taupō, 14 km south of Taupō town along SH1.
What is Waitahanui known for?
Trout fishing — specifically the Waitahanui River rip at the river mouth, where anglers line up in the water to cast into the lake. It is one of New Zealand’s most iconic fly fishing spots.
Is Waitahanui a Māori settlement?
Yes — Waitahanui is a long-established settlement of Ngāti Tūtemohuta hapū (Ngāti Tūwharetoa), with a marae in the village.
Can you swim at Waitahanui?
The eastern lakeshore near Waitahanui has lake access, though the village is primarily known for fishing rather than swimming facilities.
Waitahanui is on the eastern shore of Lake Taupō. The Waitahanui River fishing guide covers fishing the rip and river in detail. See also the Taupō fishing hub.