Manganui o te ao at Ruatiti Domain

If you want to get away from it all then head to the Ruatiti Domain, located in the Ruatiti Valley, north of Raetihi. It is available for freedom camping and toilet facilities, tap water and BBQs are provided. Perhaps best of all, there is no cell phone coverage! The Manganui o te ao is also a renowned river for fishing.

Is it safe for swimming?
Water quality at Ruatiti Domain is generally safe for swimming, except during and after high levels of rainfall.
Rain washes bacteria and sediment off streets, roads, plants and land into water which increases the health-risk and makes it look murky. When that happens it is best to wait until it clears again and that might take at least three days of fine weather at this spot.

Are there any other risks?
Blue-green algae mats may occur at this site. This algae can produce toxins at times, so Horizons’ checks the river and posts warning signs if necessary. More information on what to look for can be found here.

What is Horizons doing to improve the River?
Rivers have a range of things that need to be balanced to keep the water clean so its fish and plant life can survive and we can enjoy these special spots.

Horizons works to improve water quality by:
Helping to fence off rivers and streams so stock do not get into water and contaminate it
Helping rural land users to stop soil eroding from hills and into water
Monitoring water that is taken out of the river so there is enough for everyone, including the fish.