Lake Matahina

The sparkling blue waters of Lake Matahina, 30 km from Whakatāne, sit between steep, bush-clad hills. The lake is formed by a hydroelectric dam. It offers excellent family kayaking and is an ideal spot for training.

From the dam, kayak up the lake. On the right, towering rock cliffs soar high over the water. Try paddling near to the base and call “hello” - several spots return an excellent echo.

After about an hour’s easy family kayaking, you’ll reach a tree-covered island. You can paddle either side.

Another easy hour and you’re near the lake head. On the left bank, if it’s been raining, a waterfall can be seen through the trees. Look carefully, and at the water’s edge there’s an old jetty. With care, you can land here. There’s a small clearing to have lunch.

If you walk five minutes up the stream (there is no track, so it’s a bit of a scramble), you’ll come to the base of the waterfall. It’s perhaps 50 metres high and is well worth checking out.

Trip time

Experienced paddlers 60-75 minutes return; families 3-4 hours.

Refreshment/car parking

There’s parking and a toilet at the dam. Don’t leave valuables in your car. The nearest shops are Awakeri and Te Teko. There’s no easy access up the lake so take all you need to eat and drink.

Other paddles

A good shorter option is to paddle up to and around the island, then back to the dam. For fit paddlers, a longer option is to go to the lake head and on up the Rangitāiki.

Safety/environment

Lake Matahina is narrow, so it seldom gets too choppy. However, the weather can be a lot colder and wetter here than on the coast. The wind can also funnel down the lake, making paddling one way a lot slower. Beyond the dam, there are few landing points. Stay right away from the dam outfall.