Lake Rototoa – Te Rau Pūriri

Size: 734 hectares

Site description

The Lake Rototoa – Te Rau Pūriri biodiversity focus area is situated towards the northern end of the South Head peninsula. It has the largest and deepest dune lake and the largest dune forest remnant on the peninsula. Raupō reedland and Machaerina sedgeland wetlands are found here, along with freshwater streams creating a connection to the inner Kaipara Harbour.

The biodiversity focus area includes Lake Rototoa Scenic Reserve, administered by the Department of Conservation and Te Rau Pūriri Regional Park, administered by Auckland Council.

Lake Rototoa is of high biodiversity value. It is recognised as a Significant Ecological Area and an Outstanding Natural Feature in the Auckland Unitary Plan.

Wetlands and lakes of Lake Rototoa – Te Rau Pūriri BFA.
View of Lake Rototoa on the South Head peninsula surrounded by dune forests (WF5).
Photo credit: Andrew Macdonald, Biospatial Ltd 2018

Key ecosystems

Wetland fringes Lake Rototoa with a mix of raupō reedland (WL19) and Machaerina sedgeland (WL11). Common plant species include:

  • raupō
  • jointed twig rush
  • kuta
  • kuawa
  • oioi
  • and other native sedges and herbs.

When water levels are low, small patches of lakeshore turf (WL15) are revealed. This ecosystem has a regional threat ranking of Critically Endangered as there are only a few remaining examples of lakeshore turf in the region. 

Working farm of Lake Rototoa – Te Rau Pūriri BFA.
A working farm on Lake Rototoa that runs along the eastern edge of the lake.
Photo credit: Andrew Macdonald, Biospatial Ltd 2018

Dune forest (WF5) with a diverse range of plant species surrounds the lake on the northern and western side. The native forest provides a substantial buffer from the effects of nearby forestry activities. Common canopy species in the dune forest include:

  • kānuka
  • karaka
  • pūriri
  • titoki
  • kahikatea
  • tōtara
  • ponga.

Other forest remnants within this biodiversity focus area are mostly regenerating kānuka forest (VS2). Feral deer have browsed all the dune forest areas lowering the overall plant species diversity here.

Wetlands and lakes of Lake Rototoa – Te Rau Pūriri BFA.
Lake Rototoa, the deepest dune lake in the region on display. Important wetlands, scrub and pine forest surround it. An excellent example of this type of vegetation sequence.
Photo credit: Andrew Macdonald, Biospatial Ltd 2018

Key fauna

The open water of Lake Rototoa and surrounding wetlands support native bird species including:

  • kāhu (harrier)
  • kāruhiruhi (pied shag)
  • kawau (black shag)
  • kawau paka (little shag)
  • kawau tūi (little black shag)
  • kōtare (kingfisher)
  • mātātā (fernbird)
  • matuku (white-faced heron)
  • pārera (grey duck)
  • weweia (dabchick).

The wetlands surrounding the lake and throughout this biodiversity area provide important habitat for matuku hūrepo (Australasian bittern). This is a wetland bird with a national threat ranking of Nationally Critical.

Wetlands and lakes of Lake Rototoa – Te Rau Pūriri BFA.
The series of wetlands and lakes that make up Lake Rototoa – Te Rau Pūriri including the adjacent working farm.
Photo credit: Andrew Macdonald, Biospatial Ltd 2018

Restoration actions

There have been recent efforts to reduce deer numbers and to control wilding pines around Lake Rototoa. Auckland Council undertakes possum control throughout the area as well as in other forest remnants in South Head. 

South Kaipara Landcare is actively involved with pest animal control around the lake (and surrounding private land). Their efforts help to support forest regeneration and enhance biodiversity values.

Related ecosystems

Warm forest ecosystem

Tōtara, kānuka, broadleaved forest (dune forest) ecosystem (WF5)

This rare and threatened forest ecosystem occurs on stabilised sand dunes on the coastal peninsulas of South Head, Tapora and Awhitu. It is home to tūī, piwakawaka (fantail), and kōtare (kingfisher).

Threat status
Critically endangered

Wetland ecosystem

Machaerina sedgeland ecosystem (WL11)

This critically endangered ecosystem occurs on the edges of lakes and shallow basins. It often occurs in a mosaic of wetland habitats including raupō reedland. Many native fauna species live here.

Threat status
Critically endangered

Wetland ecosystem

Mānuka, tangle fern scrub and fernland (WL12)

Mānuka fen wetlands are found in areas with seasonally wet and dry soils, such as the margins of lakes and estuaries. In Auckland, the largest examples of this ecosystem are found on Aotea / Great Barrier Island.

Threat status
Critically endangered

Wetland ecosystem

Herbfield (lakeshore turf) ecosystem (WL15)

A wetland ecosystem that occurs in a narrow band of lake-side habitat on coastal and inland lake margins. A diverse range of species live here.

Threat status
Critically endangered

Wetland ecosystem

Raupō reedland ecosystem (WL19)

Raupō swamps are found in a wide range of areas on mineral soils and fluctuating water tables. They are dominated by raupō and other rushes and grasses, which provide a home for wetland birds.

Threat status
Endangered