Rangitikei River at Mangaweka

Located in the Mangaweka Camp and Picnic Area, this popular recreational spot is in the vicinity of a nationally significant trout fishery.

Is it safe for swimming?
Water quality at Mangaweka 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 one or two days of fine weather at this spot.  

Benthic cyanobacteria growths at low flows have not been a problem at this site.

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
  • Ensuring waste that has to go into water is properly treated to meet water quality standards
  • Monitoring water that is taken out of the river so there is enough for everyone, including the fish

Our River's future
While you can enjoy the Rangitikei River this summer, work needs to be done to make sure future generations will be able to swim in it too. Horizons will do this by continuing to support work that reduces the sources of sediment and bacteria getting into the river.