Last updated October 2026
Waituna Lagoon is a large, shallow coastal lagoon of about 1350 hectares behind the gravel beach on Foveaux Strait, about 30 minutes from Invercargill. Fish & Game says its brown trout are on average the heaviest in Southland, at around 2.3 kg.
The lagoon sits in the Awarua Wetland, a wetland of international importance, and small boats can be launched at the end of Waituna Lagoon Road and Moffat Road.
At a Glance
- Location
- South-east of Invercargill, behind the Foveaux Strait coast; road ends at Waituna Lagoon Road and Moffat Road
- Type
- Large, shallow coastal lagoon with weed beds, stumps and old maimai piles
- Water
- Freshwater (Fish & Game Southland)
- Main species
- Brown trout, on average the heaviest in Southland
- Season
- 1 October to 30 April (lake and tributaries)
- Methods
- Fly, spin and bait
- Getting there
- About 30 minutes’ drive from Invercargill
- Boat launching
- Small craft and 4WD launching at the end of Waituna Lagoon Road and Moffat Road
- Licence
- Fish & Game licence required
- Rules
- Fish & Game Southland Sports Fishing Regulations
No tides in the lagoon itself: wind direction and strength move the fishing on this shallow, open water, and the level drops when the lagoon is opened to the sea.
The Background
Waituna Lagoon is long and narrow, lying behind a gravel barrier beach on Foveaux Strait, with wetland and farmland on its landward side. A dark, peat-coloured creek runs into it beside Waituna Lagoon Road. It is part of the Awarua Wetland, which is listed as a Ramsar wetland of international importance, and the Waituna Wetlands Scientific Reserve surrounds the lagoon.
For anglers the draw is the size of the fish. Fish & Game describes the Waituna trout as on average the heaviest in Southland, at about 2.3 kg (5 lb). Its 2023 spawning survey of the catchment found trout averaging 540 mm, with one jack of 750 mm.
The lagoon is shallow and open to the wind, with ruppia weed beds, old stumps and the piles of old maimai in the water. The lagoon is opened to the sea from time to time, which changes its level.
It is also a game-bird hunting area, and walkers and birdwatchers use the Department of Conservation tracks at the lagoon. Expect to share it, and leave the wetland as you found it.
How to Fish Waituna Lagoon
Where the fish hold
Fish & Game’s advice is to target the tributary mouths and any structure: the ruppia beds, stumps, old maimai piles and drop-offs. It also advises fishing downwind. The creek mouth beside the Waituna Lagoon Road end is an easy first place to try.
From a boat
The lagoon is big and much of the shore is wetland, so a small boat or kayak opens up far more water than walking. The Southland regulations do not bar boat fishing on Waituna. The launching areas at the road ends suit small craft and 4WD launching only.
What to catch and what to use
- Brown trout: soft baits on light braid work well, Fish & Game says. Fly, spin and bait are all allowed.
When to go
The season runs from 1 October to 30 April. The lagoon is shallow and open, so check the wind forecast with MetService before you go, especially if you plan to take a boat out.
Getting There and Facilities
- Waituna Lagoon Road: runs south through farmland and wetland to the lagoon’s north shore and ends at a small launching area.
- Moffat Road: the other road-end launching point named by Fish & Game.
- Walking: DOC has walking tracks at Waituna Lagoon. For the wetland, birds and walks, see our Waituna Lagoon guide.
- Supplies: there are no shops at the lagoon. Buy your licence, tackle and food in Invercargill before you go.
Rules and Safety
- You need a Fish & Game licence. Waituna is covered by the Fish & Game Southland regulations: the current season for the lake and its tributaries is 1 October to 30 April, with fly, spin and bait allowed.
- The lagoon is inside the Awarua Wetland and the Waituna Wetlands Scientific Reserve. Keep to tracks and road ends, and do not disturb nesting birds.
- It is shared with game-bird hunters. Leave maimai and their gear alone.
- The lagoon is shallow and exposed to the wind. Wear a lifejacket in any boat or kayak, and head back to shore if the wind gets up.
- Water quality in the lagoon can change. Check Environment Southland for any warnings before you go, and keep dogs out of the water if there is an algae warning.
Tackle and Bait Nearby
- Hunting & Fishing Invercargill: fishing tackle and outdoor gear in the city.
There are no shops at the lagoon. Stock up in Invercargill on the way out, and ask in store what has been working on the lagoon.
Useful Links
Fish & Game: Waituna Lagoon: the fishery, launching points and tips from Southland Fish & Game.
Fish & Game Southland regulations: the current season, methods and limits for Lake Waituna.
DOC: Waituna Lagoon tracks: walking tracks and visitor information for the wetland.
Waituna Lagoon: Common Questions
What fish are in Waituna Lagoon?
Brown trout. Fish & Game says they are on average the heaviest in Southland, at about 2.3 kg.
When is Waituna Lagoon open for fishing?
Under the current Southland regulations the lagoon and its tributaries are open from 1 October to 30 April.
Can I fish from a boat at Waituna?
Yes. Small boats can be launched at the end of Waituna Lagoon Road and Moffat Road. The ramps suit small craft and 4WD launching.
What is the best method at Waituna Lagoon?
Fish & Game suggests soft baits on light braid, fished around the tributary mouths, weed beds, stumps, old maimai piles and drop-offs.
Do I need a licence?
Yes. Waituna Lagoon is freshwater, so you need a Fish & Game licence.
How far is Waituna Lagoon from Invercargill?
About 30 minutes by road, according to Fish & Game.
Can I walk at Waituna Lagoon?
Yes. DOC has walking tracks at the lagoon, which is part of the Awarua Wetland.
Spotted something incorrect on this page? Let us know.