Lakes

New Zealand is a land of lakes with more than 50,000 across the country. NIWA research, knowledge and tools supports the restoration and management of these vital ecosystems.

  • Freshwater Ecological monitoring

    We offer a range of ecological monitoring tools.
  • Restoration of aquatic ecosystems

    Research Project
    This project aims to increase our knowledge of aquatic ecosystems and their restoration, and apply this to degraded streams, rivers, lakes and estuaries.
  • Rototurf video screenshot

    Extreme Lakeover: NIWA’s Guide to Rolling Back Life into New Zealand Lake

    Publication article
    A team of NIWA freshwater ecologists have completed their research on the use of biodegradable plant mats as life rafts to help reintroduce native aquatic plants to degraded freshwater lakes.
  • New Technology Enhances River Digital Networks for Improved Water Management

    Publication article
    NIWA scientists have launched a groundbreaking initiative that is transforming mapping of freshwater environments.
  • Koi

    Innovative Methods in Tackling Pest Fish: The Power of Sound and Light

    Publication article
    Could bubbles and strobe lights stop pest fish swimming where they’re not wanted?
  • Race Against Time: Tackling the Invasive Gold Clam

    Publication article
    NIWA and partners launch critical research to stop an invasive clam threatening New Zealand's freshwater ecosystem.
  • Staff Profile Clare Wilkinson

    Publication article
    Introducing NIWA sediment transport scientist Clare Wilkinson.
  • IMG_8372, native plants in muka.JPG

    RotoTurf: Aquatic plant ‘life rafts’ in degraded lakes

    A team of NIWA freshwater ecologists are researching the use of biodegradable plant mats to help reintroduce native aquatic plants to degraded freshwater lakes in Aotearoa-New Zealand.
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    NIWA Water Quality Laboratory

    Facility
    Specialists in the chemical analysis of rivers, lakes, oceans and streams
  • Lake Wanaka - multibeam

    Lake Wānaka mapped in exquisite detail

    Media release
    NIWA scientists have mapped the whole of Lake Wānaka in incredible detail.  
  • Hunting for freshwater ‘freak of nature’ in Otago

    Media release
    A team of NIWA scientific divers have successfully searched for a freshwater freak of nature in Otago’s alpine lakes.
  • Bottom lining for the control of submerged lake weeds

    Bottom lining is the installation of a flexible covering over the top of beds of aquatic weeds, similar to using weed matting in home gardens. The lining is held in place by weights (e.g., rocks or sandbags) or by pinning. This control method is also called ‘benthic barriers’.