Speed limits for boats on Wairarapa rivers
Wairarapa River map
Use the map and the information on this page to understand speed limits on Wairarapa rivers throughout the year. You can also download a copy of the map to take with you.
Colour coding for speed limits along Wairarapa rivers
Ruamāhanga and Whareama rivers
Wairarapa Rivers – purple
Affects
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Ruamāhanga River from Lake Ōnoke to the Ruamāhanga–Huangarua River junction
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Whareama River from the sea to the upstream edge of the Waimimi Road bridge.
You may travel at any speed that is safe for the conditions, except:
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the week before the opening day of duck‑hunting season
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the week after the opening day of duck‑hunting season.
During these times a 5‑knot (9.3km/h) speed limit applies.
Ruamāhanga River
Wairarapa Rivers – blue
Affects:
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Ruamāhanga River from the Ruamāhanga –Huangarua River junction to the Gladstone Road bridge.
You may travel at any speed that is safe for the conditions, except:
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from 15 August to 31 October each year
-
the week before the opening day of duck‑hunting season
-
the week after the opening day of duck‑hunting season.
During these times a 5‑knot (9.3km/h) speed limit applies.
Ruamāhanga River and Waingawa rivers
Wairarapa Rivers – yellow
Affects
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Ruamāhanga River between Gladstone Road bridge and Te Whiti Road bridge
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Waingawa River between State Highway 2 and the Ruamāhanga River.
You may travel at any speed that is safe for the conditions, except:
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from 1 October to 14 May each year.
During this period a 5‑knot (9.3km/h) speed limit applies.
Ruamāhanga River
Wairarapa Rivers – red
Affects:
-
Ruamāhanga River between Te Whiti Road bridge and Te Ore Ore Road bridge.
You must travel less than 5 knots (9.3km/h) at all times of the year. There are no seasonal exceptions in this section.
Waiohine and upper Ruamāhanga rivers
Wairarapa Rivers – green
Affects:
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Waiohine River
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Ruamahanga River upstream from Te Ore Ore Road bridge.
You may travel at any speed that is safe for the conditions at all times of the year.
More information
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A 5‑knot speed limit applies on all other waterways, including rivers and lakes not marked on this map, in line with Maritime Rules Part 91.
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On Lake Onoke and Lake Wairarapa, Greater Wellington Regional Council bylaws apply, with the same speed limits as the Maritime Rules.
Speed‑limit changes on the Ruamāhanga, Waiohine, and Waingawa rivers are given in the New Zealand Gazette and remain in force. See: