Freshwater

We provide public information on river, lake, and groundwater conditions across New Zealand including freshwater quantity and quality.

  • Weed Management

    Research Project
    Of the more than 70 aquatic plant species naturalised in New Zealand, more than 75% have become problem weeds or have been assessed as having the potential to become future problem weeds. Most of our lakes, rivers and streams are affected by at least one of these species.
  • Braided river morphodynamics and invasive exotic vegetation

    Research Project
    Braided rivers are an arena where woody weeds and floods are in constant competition with each other.
    Braided rivers naturally flood frequently, repeatedly mobilising their bed sediments and shifting their multiple channels.
  • NIWA's underwater health check

    Feature story
    At the bottom of our lakes are NIWA divers with waterproof clipboards. Sarah Fraser jumps in to find out what they’re doing.
  • Protecting freshwater taonga

    Taonga species such as tuna (freshwater eels), kōura (freshwater crayfish) and kākahi (freshwater mussels) are central to the identity and wellbeing of many Māori.
  • Rotorua Te Arawa lakes

  • Come jump in a lake with NIWA

    Media release
    Visitors to NIWA’s stand at this year’s Fieldays are invited to go diving into the Rotorua lakes—without having to get wet.
  • Scientists hoping to solve great eel mystery

    Media release
    NIWA freshwater scientists are pinning their hopes of solving an age-old mystery on 10 female longfin eels who are about to begin an epic journey to their spawning grounds somewhere in the Pacific Ocean.
  • NIWA mapping Whakatipu lake floor

    Media release
    NIWA researchers are out on Lake Whakatipu for the next week mapping the lake floor for the first time.
  • Environment report a clear picture of change: NIWA

    Media release
    The latest state of the environment report released today provides New Zealanders with clear evidence that our climate, freshwater and marine systems are changing, says NIWA.
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    Individual instructions

    Instructions for using Nalgene Storm Water Sampler bottles and DGTs.
  • Guidance manual

    The guidance manual provides methods for sampling urban streams and stormwater
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    Instructional videos

    Video guides for installing the Nalgene Bottles and DGT's