Rivers, lakes and wetlands
The Bay of Plenty region is home to lakes, 10 major and many smaller awa (rivers) and a large number of wetlands.
These waterbodies sustain our work, life and play and provide habitats for hundreds of native plants and animals. For example, some of the mature female tuna (eels) that live in the Rangitāiki River were born more than 60 years ago.
The Bay of Plenty region has ten major awa (rivers) and hundreds of other rivers and streams that sustain our work, life and play.
We are partners of the Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Programme, a partnership with Rotorua District Council and Te Arawa Lakes Trust, to preserve our lakes for present and future generations.
Wetlands are the natural boundary between land and water and are important ecosystems in the Bay of Plenty.
Whitebait is a general term that is used to describe small freshwater fish that are edible. In New Zealand, it describes the juvenile forms (around 4-5cm long) of five species of fish in the Galaxiidae family.