Henley Lake

The weather was fine, it was a long three day weekend, and we braved the blustery wind and travelled up and over the Rimutaka Hill road to the Wairarapa for a caravan rally.  Once over the hill the weather was even better, as it often is over the dividing ranges.  We had arranged to stop at Henley Lake, Masterton, and meet up with our caravanning buddies for lunch.

The gates at Henley Lake

Henley Lake is a man made lake.   Excavation of the lake began in 1986 and the lake was filled in 1987.   Over 1500 rainbow trout were officially placed into the lake. They were soon joined by a flood of unofficially released  perch.  The lake is used for kayaking and dragon boat racing.  Model boats enthusiasts have club meetings on the lake too.  Two impressive towers are erected on the lake edge, providing a raised viewing platform for events. 

Viewing tower on the lake edge

Since the lake was filled in 1987 the Henley Complex has become the best bird viewing site in the Wairarapa, and attracts a great selection of both waterfowl and land based birds.  The swans, geese and ducks all seemed to be soaking up the sun on the banks of the lake the morning we arrived.  “No, we don’t want our photos taken”, they seemed to be telling me as they hurriedly moved into the water at my approach.

Water birds aplenty

It was not too long before we were joined by Elaine and Peter, and Dot and Derek,  and we parked up in a row.  We put the kettle on, and the others joined us in our van for lunch. 

Parked up for lunch

There were plenty of people out enjoying the lovely environment.  Walkers were stepping out, with or without the family dog.  And we noticed plenty of children in the play areas.  People pulled up, parked their cars and watched the birds on the lake while they ate their lunchtime sandwiches, just like us.  This pretty lake is an asset to the community and it is nice to see it so well used and appreciated.  Our next stop was just a few miles up the road to Opaki School, for the weekend.