Lake Papaitonga Scenic Reserve

Papaitonga is a dune lake in the Horowhenua coastal plain containing two islands – Motukiwi (Papaitonga) and Motungarara (Papawhaerangi). The latter is an artificial island constructed by Muaupoko residents in 1820 to extend their village. The lake and the surrounding wetland and lush coastal forest make up 135 hectares of scenic reserve. It's a refuge for birds that depend on wetlands or lowland forests for their survival. The area was settled by the Muaupoko people during the early part of the 19th century, but they were driven from the area in 1822 by Ngati Toa people led by Te Rauparaha. Te Rauparaha had narrowly escaped death at the hands of the Muaupoko previously, in an incident that claimed the lives of his son and daughter. In 1897, Sir Walter Buller purchased an area including Papaitonga with the intention of protecting the land around the lake for future generations. In 1901, 27.5 ha of bush were formally established as a reserve, and the lake was added to the reserve in 1991.