Speed of Boats on Wairarapa rivers
Use the map and the information below to know speed limits on Wairarapa Rivers over the year. You can also download a copy of the map.
Speeds you can go at along the Wairarapa rivers
Ruamahanga River from Lake Onoke to Ruamahanga–Huangarua River confluence; Whareama River from the sea to the upstream edge of the Waimimi Road bridge
You can travel at any speed safe for the conditions, except:
- The week before and the week after the opening day of duck hunting season
5 knot (9.3kph) speed limit applies.
Ruamahanga–Huangarua River confluence to Gladstone Road bridge
You can travel at any speed safe for the conditions, except:
- 15 August to 31 October each year
- the week before and the week after the opening day of duck shooting season
5 knot (9.3kph) speed limit applies.
Ruamahanga River between Gladstone Road bridge and Te Whiti Road bridge; and
Waingawa River between SH2 and Ruamahanga River
You can travel at any speed safe for the conditions, except:
1 October to 14 May each year
5 knot (9.3kph) speed limit applies.
Ruamahanga River between Te Whiti Road bridge and Te Ore Ore Road bridge
No exceptions. You have to travel at 5 knot (9.3kph) speed limit at all times of the year.
Waiohine River; and Ruamahanga River upstream from Te Ore Ore bridge
You can travel at any speed safe for the conditions at all times of the year.
Signs posted along some sections of the rivers explain the speed rules in detail. They are located at:
- Oliver’s road, river access
- Daikens road river access
- Gladstone bridge, river access
- Martinbrough bridge, river access
Details about these speed limits
The 5 knots speed limit applies on all other waterways, including rivers and lakes that are not marked on this map.
See Maritime Rules Part 91 on navigation safety
On Lake Onoke and Lake Wairarapa, Greater Wellington Regional Council bylaws apply; these have the same speed limits as the Maritime Rules.
See Wellington Regional Navigation Safety bylaws
Speed limit modifications relating to the Ruamahanga River (and Waiohine and Waingawa Rivers) are covered under three New Zealand Gazette notices, and continue in effect.
The Water Recreation (Whareama River) Notice 1981, Gazette Notice 72-1981, page 21
The Water Recreation (Waiohine and Ruamahanga Rivers) Notice 1994
Resource
The MarineMate app gives you access to local boating rules, boat ramp locations, tide times and VHF channels for the whole country.
Links
Fish and Game website for dates for duck hunting season
Reporting accidents and unsafe behaviour
To report an accident please submit an accident or incident report form or call the Rescue Coordination Centre NZ, 0508 472 269.
To report unsafe behaviour or any damage to buoys and signs please call Maritime NZ, 0508 22 55 22.