Lake Wiritoa is a freshwater lake approximately five minutes south of Whanganui, reached via Kaitoke Road off State Highway 3. It holds a healthy population of perch and is one of the more accessible freshwater fishing spots near the city — no licence is required for perch, and a boat ramp on site makes it easy to launch a small vessel. The lake is also used for water skiing and jet skiing, so anglers fishing from a boat are best to go early or late in the day to avoid peak recreational traffic.
Practical Information
| Location | Kaitoke Road, off SH3 approximately 3km south of Whanganui |
| Target species | Perch |
| Licence required | No licence required for perch fishing |
| Boat ramp | Available on site |
| Best spots | Lake edge at the ski clubrooms; Scoutland’s beach (end of tar-sealed road) |
| Best times | Warmer months; early morning or evening for most consistent results |
| Techniques | Bubble float with worms; spin fishing with red/white Veltic spinners, small Rapala lures, or red/pink softbaits |
| Note | Jet skis and water skiers also use the lake — avoid peak daytime hours for boat fishing |
About Lake Wiritoa
Lake Wiritoa sits off State Highway 3 roughly three kilometres south of Whanganui, with Kaitoke Road providing the turn-off to the lake. It is a multi-use freshwater lake — water skiing and jet skiing are popular activities here — but it also holds a reliable population of perch that makes it a worthwhile fishing destination for anglers of all experience levels.
Perch are the primary target species. Fish & Game notes that fishing is most productive during the warmer months, particularly in the early morning or late afternoon. Jigging from a boat during winter and spring can also be productive when perch move into deeper water. The two most productive bank-fishing spots are the lake edge at the ski clubrooms (the first point you reach when arriving at the lake) and Scoutland’s beach at the end of the tar-sealed road around the lake.
Recommended techniques include bait fishing with a bubble float and worms, or spin fishing using red and white Veltic spinners, small Rapala lures, or red or pink softbaits. A boat ramp is available for launching small vessels, though it is worth timing visits to avoid the busiest periods when water skiers are active.
What Visitors Say
“Easy access from Whanganui and the perch fishing is reliable. Go early before the ski boats are out and you’ll have a great morning.” — The Fishing Website
“Kids caught their first fish here — perch on worms from the bank near the clubrooms. Couldn’t be easier for a first outing.”
Where to Learn More
Whanganui District Council — Lake Wiritoa covers the lake’s facilities and access.
Fish & Game — Whanganui Fisheries provides detailed information on fishing species, spots and conditions across the Whanganui region.
NZ Fishing — Lake Wiritoa has specific tips on techniques and access for this lake.
Discover Whanganui — Hunting and Fishing covers the wider range of fishing and hunting options around Whanganui.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Lake Wiritoa?
Lake Wiritoa is on Kaitoke Road, off State Highway 3 approximately 3 kilometres south of Whanganui — about a five-minute drive from the city.
Do I need a fishing licence for Lake Wiritoa?
No fishing licence is required for perch, which is the main target species at Lake Wiritoa.
What fish are in Lake Wiritoa?
Perch are the primary species. Fish & Game lists it as a good perch fishery for the Whanganui region.
What is the best time to fish Lake Wiritoa?
Fishing is most productive in the warmer months, particularly early morning or late afternoon. Jigging from a boat in winter and spring can also produce results.
Can I launch a boat at Lake Wiritoa?
Yes — there is a boat ramp on site. Note that the lake is also used by water skiers and jet skiers, so plan your timing accordingly.
What are the best fishing spots on the lake?
The lake edge at the ski clubrooms (where you first arrive) and Scoutland’s beach at the end of the tar-sealed road are the two most productive bank fishing spots.
Lake Wiritoa is part of the fishing in Whanganui guide. Another nearby freshwater option is Lake Kohata, also known for perch fishing close to the city.