Kai Iwi Lakes Reserve

Last updated

Kai Iwi Lakes
LocationTaharoa Domain, Northland, New Zealand
Type Freshwater dune lakes
Primary inflows Rainfall, springs, overland flows
Basin  countriesNew Zealand

The Kai Iwi Lakes are located in Taharoa Domain in the Northland region of New Zealand. The reserve encompasses a series of three freshwater dune lakes: [1] Lake Taharoa, Lake Kaiiwi (or Kai Iwi), and Lake Waikare, sometimes called Lake Waikere. [2]

Contents

These lakes are recognised for their exceptional water quality and natural state, [3] making them popular destinations for tourism and recreational activities. The lakes, along with Shag Lake to the northwest, are categorised as window dune lakes. This classification indicates that they are situated within the water table and receive water inputs from rainfall, springs, and overland flows. Lake Kai Iwi potentially falls under the category of perched dune lake, residing above the water table.

Geography and location

The Kai Iwi Lakes are situated approximately 35 kilometres northwest of Dargaville, a small town in Northland, New Zealand. Taharoa Domain covers an area of about 538 hectares [4] and is characterized by a combination of sand dunes, native bushland, and the three interconnected lakes. The lakes themselves are unique in their formation, with each one occupying a basin formed by windblown sand. [5]

The catchments surrounding these lakes are predominantly covered by high-producing exotic grassland pasture, exotic pine forests, and manuka/kanuka scrubland. Some areas have a mixture of different vegetation covers. The lakes' surface areas, catchment areas (including the lakes), and volumes are as follows: Kai Iwi – 22.6 hectares, 120.9 hectares, and 1.43 million cubic metres; Taharoa – 197 hectares, 439.4 hectares, and 25.18 million cubic metres; Waikare – 26.5 hectares, 149.5 hectares, and 2.97 million cubic metres. [6]

During the warmer months, each of the lakes experiences thermal stratification. According to the National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management, the phytoplankton (chlorophyll-a) status for each lake is as follows: Kai Iwi teeters between states A and B, leaning more toward state B; Taharoa generally remains in state A, occasionally entering state B during small periodic events and returning to state A afterward; Waikare is more similar to Kai Iwi than Taharoa, occasionally crossing into or verging on state C and recently favouring state B.

Nitrogen levels in Lake Kai Iwi have occasionally reached state C, [7] but they tend to revert back to state B. Taharoa generally maintains a high state A for nitrogen, while Waikare consistently remains in state B. Phosphorus and toxic ammonia levels for each lake are categorized as state A.

Kai Iwi has historically been classified as low mesotrophic and has recently improved, entering the oligotrophic range. Taharoa is categorized as low oligotrophic (indicating good water quality) and can reach the microtrophic range (very good water quality). Lake Waikare is considered medium oligotrophic (also indicating good water quality).

There is limited climate data for the Kai Iwi lakes but estimates can be made from nearby climate stations. The average air temperature in Dargaville is 15.3°C, ranging from 11.3°C in July to 19.8°C in February. There is unlikely to be much difference in air temperature between Kai iwi Lakes and Dargaville. DOC (2011) reported the average annual rainfall at the Maitahi Wetland Scientific Reserve, just south of the Kai Iwi Lakes is about 1500 mm. This and recent rainfall data near Kai Iwi Lakes, suggests that average annual rainfall at Kai Iwi lakes is about 1,400 mm with the driest months being November to February and the wettest months being June and July. This is consistent with historical rainfall data from Kai Iwi lakes. Historical average annual rainfall for Kai iwi Lakes includes 1,297 mm based on an 18 year record at Fanning rainfall station (McLellan 1985) and 1,226 mm at McLeods at Kai Iwi based on data from 1986 to 1993. Average annual open water evaporation in Dargaville is 1,018 mm, with the highest evaporation rates in December and January and the lowest in June and July. [6] [8]

Lakes

Lake Taharoa

Lake Taharoa
NZ-Northland plain map2.png
Disc Plain red.svg
Lake Taharoa
Location Northland Region, North Island
Coordinates 35°48′34″S173°38′46″E / 35.8094°S 173.6461°E / -35.8094; 173.6461
Type Dune Lake
Catchment area 441.7 ha (1,091 acres)
Basin  countries New Zealand
Surface area197.7 ha (489 acres)
Average depth16.42 m (53.9 ft)
Max. depth31.81 m (104.4 ft)
Residence time 11.247 years

The largest and deepest of the three lakes, Lake Taharoa is a freshwater dune lake that stretches across approximately 57 hectares. It is near Ripiro Beach; [9] there is also a lake of the same name in the Waikato region. In Māori, taharoa means "long coast" (taha = coast, roa = long). [10]

It is a popular spot for swimming, kayaking, and water sports. Lake Taharoa exhibits complex bathymetry, featuring a deep central basin of 38.8 metres [11] connected to two shallower basins, as well as a discrete nearly closed basin at its western end and some gently sloping beaches. The presence of numerous steep drop-offs limits the development of a littoral fringe with emergent plants. The mean depth of Lake Taharoa is 16.42 metres. Lake Taharoa has been recognised as ‘probably the best example of a clear-water lake in Northland with the deepest recorded (24m) submerged vegetation in Northland’. [3] Lake Taharoa is one of the largest and deepest dune lakes in New Zealand, it also has some of the deepest recorded submerged vegetation (to a depth of 24 metres) of any North Island lake. [12]

Lake Taharoa is a popular recreation area. It is used for boating, swimming, camping and there is a walking track around the perimetre of the lake. [12]

Lake Kaiiwi

Lake Kaiiwi
Location Northland Region, North Island
Coordinates 35°48′53″S173°39′14″E / 35.8148°S 173.6540°E / -35.8148; 173.6540
Type Dune lake
Primary inflows Lake Taharoa (minor inflows) and minor drain at south end of the lake
Primary outflows None
Basin  countriesNew Zealand
Max. length865 m (2,838 ft)
Max. width410 m (1,350 ft)
Surface area22.6 ha (56 acres)
Max. depth16 m (52 ft)

Lake Kaiiwi is located to the northwest of Dargaville. [13] [14] The lake has no outflow, with only minor drain inflows in the south of the lake and from the larger Lake Taharoa. It has a maximum depth of 15.65 metres [11] and an average depth of 8.15 metres. The lake margin is vegetated by scrub (70%) and pine plantation (30%), with pasture in the larger catchment. [14] The northeastern area of the lake is characterized by dense emergent plant growth, which plays a significant role in filtering nutrients from the catchment area.

Lake Kaiiwi was named after chief Te Kaiiwi, the first person to visit the lake. It is the scene of the Battle of Lake Kaiiwi.[ citation needed ]

Lake Waikare

The smallest of the three lakes, Lake Waikare ( 35°47′54″S173°37′50″E / 35.798460°S 173.630455°E / -35.798460; 173.630455 ) is a dune lake that covers approximately 8 hectares. [15] [14] It is separated from Lake Taharoa and Lake Kai Iwi by sand dunes and can be accessed via a short walk. Lake Waikare consists of three basins, with the central basin being the deepest at 29.48 metres [11] and an average depth of 10.95 metres across the lake. The shoreline of Lake Waikare undulates, with steep drop-offs on the western side and more gradual slopes on the eastern side of each arm. The eastern edges of the lake are more favorable for the growth of littoral emergent plant communities. [6]

Activities and facilities

The lakes' clear waters and sandy beaches are popular for swimming and cooling off during the summer months. Visitors engage in water sports such as kayaking, paddleboarding, boating, and water skiing on Lake Taharoa. Fishing enthusiasts catch freshwater species such as rainbow trout, brown trout, and perch in the lakes. The reserve features several walking tracks and trails that wind through the surrounding forests, offering scenic views and opportunities for birdwatching. There are campsites and designated picnic areas with facilities, including BBQ pits and picnic tables. Visitors explore the native bushland, observe birdlife, and view the natural beauty of the area.

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Whangārei</span> City in Northland, New Zealand

Whangārei is the northernmost city in New Zealand and the regional capital of Northland Region. It is part of the Whangārei District, a local body created in 1989 from the former Whangārei City, Whangārei County and Hikurangi Town councils, to administer both the city proper and its hinterland. The city population was estimated to be 56,900 in June 2023, an increase from 47,000 in 2001.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Northland Region</span> Region of New Zealand

The Northland Region is the northernmost of New Zealand's 16 local government regions. New Zealanders sometimes refer to it as the Winterless North because of its mild climate all throughout the year. The main population centre is the city of Whangārei, and the largest town is Kerikeri. At the 2018 New Zealand census, Northland recorded a population growth spurt of 18.1% since the previous 2013 census, placing it as the fastest growing region in New Zealand, ahead of other strong growth regions such as the Bay of Plenty Region and Waikato.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kaipara District</span> Territorial authority district in Northland, New Zealand

Kaipara District is a territorial authority district in the Northland Region of New Zealand.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Waipoua Forest</span> Forest on New Zealands North Island

Waipoua Forest is a forest, on the west coast of the Northland Region of New Zealand's North Island. It preserves some of the best examples of kauri forest remaining in New Zealand. It is notable for having two of the largest living kauri trees, Tāne Mahuta and Te Matua Ngahere.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Dargaville</span> Town in Northland, New Zealand

Dargaville is a town located in the North Island of New Zealand. It is situated on the bank of the Northern Wairoa River in the Kaipara District of the Northland region. Dargaville is located 55 kilometres (34 mi) southwest of Whangārei, and 174 kilometres (108 mi) north of Auckland.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ngāti Whātua</span> Māori iwi in New Zealand

Ngāti Whātua is a Māori iwi (tribe) of the lower Northland Peninsula of New Zealand's North Island. It comprises a confederation of four hapū (subtribes) interconnected both by ancestry and by association over time: Te Uri-o-Hau, Te Roroa, Te Taoū, and Ngāti Whātua-o-Ōrākei. The four hapū can act together or separately as independent tribes.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kaipara Harbour</span> Harbour estuary in New Zealand

Kaipara Harbour is a large enclosed harbour estuary complex on the north western side of the North Island of New Zealand. The northern part of the harbour is administered by the Kaipara District and the southern part is administered by the Auckland Council. The local Māori tribe is Ngāti Whātua.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mangawhai Harbour</span> Harbour in Northland Region, New Zealand

The Mangawhai Harbour is a natural harbour in New Zealand. It is a sandspit estuary, located on in the south-eastern coast of the Northland Region. The townships of Mangawhai and Mangawhai Heads are found on the harbour, as well as the Mangawhai Government Purpose Wildlife Refuge Reserve on the sandspit at the mouth of the harbour.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Pouto Peninsula</span>

The Pouto Peninsula is a landform on the northern Kaipara Harbour in Northland, New Zealand. The Peninsula runs in the north west to south east direction and is approximately 55 km long. The width varies from about 5.4 km to about 14 km, with the widest part of the peninsula near its southern end. The Tasman Sea is to the west, and the Kaipara Harbour is to the south. The Wairoa River and Kaipara Harbour are to the east. Dargaville and State Highway 12 lie directly to the north east of the peninsula. The mouth of the Kaipara Harbour separates the peninsula from the smaller Te Korowai-o-Te-Tonga Peninsula to the south.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Te Roroa</span> Māori iwi in New Zealand

Te Roroa is a Māori iwi from the region between the Kaipara Harbour and the Hokianga Harbour in Northland, New Zealand. They are part of the Ngāti Whātua confederation of tribes.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Te Uri-o-Hau</span> Māori iwi in New Zealand

Te Uri-o-Hau is a Māori iwi (tribe) based around New Zealand's Kaipara Harbour. It is both an independent iwi and a hapū (sub-tribe) of the larger Ngāti Whātua iwi, alongside Ngāti Whātua-o-Ōrākei, Te Roroa and Te Taoū. Its rohe includes Dargaville, Maungaturoto, Mangawhai, Kaiwaka and Wellsford.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lake Ngatu</span> Class 1 Perched dune lake in Northland Region, North Island

Lake Ngatu is a dune lake in the Northland Region of New Zealand. It is located to the northwest of Awanui, near Waipapakauri.

Lake Rotokawau is a dune lake on the Aupōuri Peninsula the Far North, New Zealand. The name is also used for lakes in the Kaipara District, Chatham Islands, in Bay of Plenty and near Lake Waikare in Waikato.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Whangamarino Wetland</span> Wetland of international importance under the Ramsar Convention

The Whangamarino Wetland in the Waikato District is the second largest wetland complex of the North Island of New Zealand. Encompassing a total area of more than 7200 hectares, the Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai manages 5,923 hectares of peat bog, swamp, mesotrophic lags, open water and river systems listed as a wetland of international importance under the Ramsar Convention. Fish and Game New Zealand are the second largest landowner, managing 748 hectares of the wetland primarily as gamebird hunting habitat.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Southland Region</span> Region of New Zealand

Southland is New Zealand's southernmost region. It consists mainly of the southwestern portion of the South Island and Stewart Island/Rakiura. It includes Southland District, Gore District and the city of Invercargill. Murihiku Southland is bordered by the culturally similar Otago to the north and east, and the West Coast in the extreme northwest. The region covers over 3.1 million hectares and spans 3,613 km of coast. As of June 2023, Southland has a population of 103,900, making it the eleventh-most-populous New Zealand region, and the second-most sparsely populated.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kaimaumau wetland</span> Wetland in Northland, New Zealand

The Kaimaumau wetland is a wetland by the Rangaunu Harbour, in Northland, New Zealand. At approximately 1,860 hectares, it is one of the largest remaining wetlands in Northland. It comprises the Otiaita and Waihauhau swamps, Motutangi Swamp Scientific Reserve, and Lake Waikaramu. The wetland is currently threatened by peat mining and by water loss from avocado growing.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lake Rotokawau (Bay of Plenty)</span> Lake in the North Island of New Zealand

Lake Rotokawau is a small volcanic lake 4.1 km (2.5 mi) east of Lake Rotorua in the Bay of Plenty region of New Zealand's North Island. The name is also used for lakes in the Kaipara District, Chatham Islands, on Aupouri Peninsula and near Lake Waikare in Waikato. Access is via Lake Rotokawau Road, from SH30 at Tikitere. The lake is owned and managed by Ngāti Rangiteaorere.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Baylys Beach</span> Place in Northland Region, New Zealand

Baylys Beach is a beach and settlement on the west coast of Northland, New Zealand. The beach is on the northern side of the settlement, with Ripiro Beach on the southern side. Dargaville is 13 km (8.1 mi) to the east.

Craig Eldon Jepson is a New Zealand local politician who is the mayor of Kaipara District in New Zealand's Northland Region. During the 2000s, Jepson served as a spokesperson for Olivine NZ's unsuccessful attempt to convert the former coal-powered Meremere Power Station in the north Waikato, New Zealand into a waste-to-energy station. Jepson later moved to Mangawhai where he established a concrete business that was involved in local rural and urban development. In October 2022, Jepson was elected mayor of Kaipara. As mayor, Jepson attracted media coverage following his attempt to ban karakia from council proceedings, which he subsequently reversed following significant criticism from the public and fellow councillors.

References

  1. ↑ "Reserve management plan – Kai Iwi lakes (Taharoa domain) 2016 • Coastal Dune Ecosystem Reference Database". ref.coastalrestorationtrust.org.nz. Retrieved 14 June 2023.
  2. ↑ "Kai Iwi Lakes Management Plan" (PDF). Northland Regional Council. c. 2017. p. 5. Retrieved 27 June 2023. Lakes Taharoa and Waikare, sometimes referred to as Waikere
  3. 1 2 "Northland Lakes Ecological Status 2013". www.nrc.govt.nz. Northland Regional Council. Retrieved 27 June 2023.
  4. ↑ "Reserve Management Plan: Kai Iwi Lakes (Taharoa Domain) 2016" (PDF). Kaipara District Council. 2016. Retrieved 27 June 2023.
  5. ↑ "Kai Iwi Lakes | Northland & Bay of Islands, New Zealand". www.newzealand.com. Retrieved 14 June 2023.
  6. 1 2 3 "Kai Iwi Lakes Management Plan" (PDF). Northland Regional Council. c. 2017. Retrieved 27 June 2023.
  7. ↑ Piper, Denise; Stirling, Rose (10 November 2011). "Probe into lake water". Stuff. Retrieved 27 June 2023.
  8. ↑ "Kai Iwi Lakes Taharoa Domain Operational Management Plan". Kaipara Council. September 2020. Retrieved 27 June 2023.
  9. ↑ "Place name detail: Kai Iwi Lakes Reserve". New Zealand Gazetteer. New Zealand Geographic Board . Retrieved 23 July 2009.
  10. ↑ Reed, A.W. (1975). Place names of New Zealand. Wellington: A.H. & A.W. Reed. p. 395.
  11. 1 2 3 "Lake Taharoa Water Quality". Land, Air, Water Aotearoa (LAWA). Retrieved 27 June 2023.
  12. 1 2 "Kai Iwi Lakes Management Plan" (PDF). Northland Regional Council.
  13. ↑ "Lake Kaiiwi". LINZ New Zealand Gazetteer. Retrieved 28 April 2020.
  14. 1 2 3 "Kai Iwi Lakes (Taharoa Domain) Reserve Management Plan 2016" (PDF). Kaipara District Council. Retrieved 28 April 2020.
  15. ↑ "Kai Iwi Lakes Management Plan" (PDF). Northland Regional Council. c. 2017. p. 5. Retrieved 27 June 2023. Lakes Taharoa and Waikare, sometimes referred to as Waikere

Further reading

This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.