Pounui Lagoon is nestled between Lake Ōnoke, and Lake Pounui. The Lagoon is a mandatory stop for the avid birdwatcher. Stop banks along the edges of the lagoon allow for gentle walking and lovely views of the surrounding landscape.

Te Pouaruhe (the place where young fern root grows) is along the eastern edge of Lake Ōnoke. This area was cultivated by early Māori and first overseen by Rongo the god of kumara and cultivated food. However, growing kumara in the rugged South Wairarapa environment proved to be difficult and the practice stopped.

Instead, local hapū grew aruhe (fern root), and Haumia-tiketike the god of uncultivated foods became the guardian. It is now the site of a restoration project aiming to connect 18 hectares of wet pasture back with Lake Ōnoke and the streams that originally fed it.

Getting here

Pounui Lagoon is 38 kilometres from Featherston. Drive down the Western side of the lake. 20 kilometres past the Wairarapa Lake Shore Scenic Reserve, the road curves around to the right. There’s a sign to the left marking Pounui Lagoon as well as a fence covered in teddy bears, commemorating the life of a local school girl who was tragically murdered.

You’ll see a gate which you’ll need to open which takes you to Paul’s Bank - the stopbank which you can walk or along to access the lagoon. Don’t forget to shut the gate after yourself. There is parking just off the road suitable for all vehicle types.

Te Pouaruhe comes into view about 500 metres down the road from the Pounui Lagoon sign.

Find out more

Walks around Pounui Lagoon

Meet Pounui Lagoon

Who lives here