Lake Namunamu is a 13-hectare trout lake set in hill country in the Taranaki/Whanganui region, stocked annually by Fish & Game. It is a remote, picturesque fishery on private land, and access has historically been available to anglers by arrangement — though access conditions and seasonal closures apply and should be confirmed with Fish & Game before visiting. A biosecurity alert is currently in place for the lake following the discovery of hornwort, an invasive aquatic weed.
Important: Lake Namunamu is on private land and access is subject to change. Check current access status with Fish & Game Taranaki/Whanganui before planning a trip. A biosecurity alert is in place — ensure all gear is clean and dry when arriving and leaving.
Practical Information
| Location | Ngaruru Forest, Turakina Valley Road area — hill country east/northeast of Whanganui |
| Lake size | 13 hectares |
| Target species | Trout (stocked annually by Fish & Game) |
| Land status | Private land — access by arrangement; confirm with Fish & Game before visiting |
| Biosecurity | Hornwort detected — clean, check, dry all gear |
| Fishing licence | Freshwater fishing licence required for trout |
About Lake Namunamu
Lake Namunamu is a 13-hectare freshwater lake in the hill country of the Taranaki/Whanganui region, set within Ngaruru Forest. Fish & Game stocks the lake with trout annually, and harling — trawling a fly or lure from a slow-moving boat — is a popular technique for reaching fish holding in deeper water.
The lake is on private land, and access has historically required permission and is subject to seasonal restrictions. Access has been affected in the past by logging operations in the surrounding forest. The current status should be confirmed with Fish & Game Taranaki/Whanganui before making the trip, as conditions change.
A biosecurity alert was issued by Fish & Game following the discovery of hornwort in the lake. This invasive aquatic weed can significantly reduce the quality of the fishery if it establishes widely. All anglers visiting the lake must ensure fishing gear — waders, rods, boats and accessories — is clean, checked and dry before arriving and after leaving.
Where to Learn More
Fish & Game — Whanganui Fisheries has current access information, fishing tips and biosecurity requirements for Lake Namunamu.
Fish & Game — Biosecurity Alert for Lake Namunamu covers the hornwort discovery and what anglers need to do.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Lake Namunamu?
It is in Ngaruru Forest in the Turakina Valley area, in the hill country of the Taranaki/Whanganui region. Check Fish & Game for the exact access route and current conditions.
Can I fish at Lake Namunamu?
The lake is on private land and access is subject to change. Always confirm current access with Fish & Game Taranaki/Whanganui before visiting.
What fish are in Lake Namunamu?
Trout — the lake is stocked annually by Fish & Game. A freshwater fishing licence is required.
What is harling?
Harling is a technique that involves slowly trawling a fly or lure behind a rowing boat or dinghy. It is effective for reaching trout holding in deeper water, which is particularly useful at Lake Namunamu.
What is the biosecurity alert about?
Hornwort — an invasive aquatic weed — has been detected in the lake. All gear must be cleaned, checked and dried before arriving and after leaving to avoid spreading the weed.
Do I need a licence to fish Lake Namunamu?
Yes — a freshwater fishing licence is required for trout fishing.
Lake Namunamu is part of the fishing in Whanganui guide. For more accessible freshwater fishing close to the city, Lake Wiritoa and Lake Kohata both offer perch fishing without a licence requirement and are just minutes from central Whanganui.