Te Whanga Lagoon
Te Whanga
A large lagoon covering nearly a fifth of central Chatham Island, with shark tooth fossils and waterbirds along its shores.
A brackish lagoon of about 160 square kilometres, surrounded by peatland and low hills, with broad, far-reaching views. Near Brian Dekims Creek on the lagoon shore, you can find shark tooth fossils several million years old, and black swans, paradise shelducks and other waterbirds can be seen on the water. The lakeside roads are incomplete and mostly gravel, so it is best to follow a local guide or view the lagoon from the lookouts on the west shore. The lagoon is not a swimming spot, and winters are windy and cold.
Opening hours
All day
Nearby sights
- Moriori Rock Carvings, Te Whanga Lagoon
- Henga Scenic Reserve
- Kōpinga Marae
- Waitangi
- Hāpūpū / J M Barker National Historic Reserve
- Nīkau Bush Conservation Area
- Basalt Columns (Ohira Bay)
- Tommy Solomon Statue