Lake Wainamu

Lake Wainamu is the result of inland Sand Dunes pinning in the Wainamu Stream, creating a valley in a rarely seen state of geological development.

Black sands that surround the lake on two sides. These are common on West Coast Beaches like nearby Bethells - Te Henga, but here we are inland, and the rest of the environment is luxurious Waitakere bush, and farms.

The way this environment was formed, is part of the cycle that forms alluvial plains, but it is in an early stage, the sea level having reduced since the rise after the last Ice Age flooded these valleys. Sand was simply blown inland and continues to be, a situation which will eventually create swampland like at Te Henga, and then plains, but here it hasn't yet and the stream is dammed, creating the lake.

The track in takes 30 minutes, and it is another hour to get around the lake, which has a waterfall at the far end.

Notes for the walk would be that some of the dunes are on very steep angles, the sand can be very hot so sturdy footwear is necessary. Some walkers like to take their shoes off and walk in the stream that is the low point of the way in, rather than climb the dunes. It can be windy so sunglasses are useful. At various points the lake is accessible enough to provide picnic/recreation spots and suitable for swimming and watersports, is apparently warm, but there are no shallows. Sand boarding (riding the dunes on a boogie board) is also a popular activity.

Some time back the falls used to be named Waitohi but are now also named Wainamu.

New Zealand Artist Don Binney's 1980 print Swoop of the Kotare, Wainamu is at Te Papa.

Image Credits: NZPLACES needs a few images of this special place.