LAKE KARAPIRO
THINGS TO DO
IN THE AREA:
On the banks of Lake Karāpiro is Mighty River Domain, an iconic Waipa District Council site and one of New Zealand's premier event venues. Every year it showcases a variety of sporting and cultural events and has been the stage for a number of memorable international sporting occasions.
Surrounded by bush and luscious green hills, the lake attracts tens of thousands of visitors every year whether it’s to participate in a major sporting event or simply to have a picnic beside the water.
Administered by the Waipa District Council, the domain is mainly parkland but has excellent facilities including the Sir Don Rowlands Centre, a venue capable of hosting everything from a family reunion to a major international event.
The Domain also provides outdoor recreation activities and accommodation including camping, cabins and lodges.
Lake Karapiro is also used by water ski clubs, kayakers, sailing craft and swimmers, many of whom are multisport athletes. The domain hosts triathlons, duathlons and long distance swims, as well as the Karapiro Half Ironman event.
The lake is also becoming a favourite with anglers. Brown and rainbow trout are thriving in the lake as about 2,000 rainbow trout and 500 brown trout are released annually by Fish and Game, with the average size increasing each year. It’s not uncommon these days to land a ten pounder (4.5kg).