Last updated October 2026
Waitangi on Lake Aviemore is one of Waimate District Council’s lakeside camping grounds in the Waitaki Valley, inland from Waimate, and a long-standing summer swimming spot. The council’s camping grounds along Lakes Aviemore and Waitaki are open from September to May and list swimming, boating, water skiing, canoeing and fishing among their activities.
Environment Canterbury tests the water at Waitangi every week over summer, and the spot holds a Fair long-term grade on LAWA. A Fair grade means the water is usually fine, but it is best to avoid swimming after rain. LAWA notes the area is usually crowded in the summer holidays.
Swimming Facts
Before you swim: Tested weekly Nov–Mar by Environment Canterbury. Stay out for 48 hours after heavy rain. Latest result on LAWA
Today at Waitangi
Wednesday 21 OctoberWater quality track record
What the grades mean
Excellent and Good: rarely unsafe for swimming. Fair: usually fine, but avoid swimming after rain. Poor: often unsuitable, especially after rain, so check the latest result first.
Grades use LAWA’s method: the 95th percentile of routine E. coli results over the five summers from 2020/21 to 2024/25, with at least 50 tests (448 per 100 mL from 74 tests).
Key Details at a Glance
- Location
- Waitangi Reserve, on the shore of Lake Aviemore in the Waitaki Valley (Waimate District Council camping ground)
- Water
- Lake Aviemore, a hydro lake on the Waitaki River; no tides
- Water quality
- Fair (LAWA long-term grade)
- Testing
- Weekly in summer by Environment Canterbury; results on LAWA
- Camping season
- September to May; tickets on arrival or a season pass
- Facilities
- Toilets, dump stations, water taps, drinking water (boil it first), boat ramps; tent, motorhome and caravan sites without power
- Camp office
- At Waitangi East; EFTPOS available
- Dogs
- Allowed at campsites under control; on a leash when walking through the grounds
- Fires
- No open fires or braziers; gas barbecues are fine
- Lifeguards
- None listed; the council asks parents to supervise children at all times
The Background
Lake Aviemore, also known as Mahi Tikumu, is a man-made lake on the Waitaki River and part of the Waitaki hydroelectric scheme, with Lake Benmore immediately upstream and Lake Waitaki downstream. The lake lies across the boundary between the Waimate and Waitaki districts, and the Aviemore Dam at its lower end was completed in 1968.
LAWA describes Lake Aviemore as a large hydro lake with a number of camping grounds and boat access, and Waitangi as one of the many designated camping areas along its shore. Waimate District Council runs five camping grounds on the Lake Aviemore shoreline: Fisherman’s Bend Reserve, Briar’s Gully, Te Akatarawa Reserve, Waitangi Reserve and Waitangi East.
The council describes the grounds as sunny and sheltered, with easy access to the lakes, rivers and the townships of Kurow, Otematata, Omarama and Twizel. For many families they have been holiday destinations for years, even generations, and the council’s tourism site sums up summer here as boats, fishing rods, swims off the shore and evenings back at camp.
Swimming and Water Quality at Waitangi
Environment Canterbury tests the water at Waitangi every week from November to March and publishes the results on LAWA. The spot has a Fair LAWA long-term grade, worked out from 74 routine tests over the summers from 2020/21 to 2024/25.
Of 98 tests between November 2019 and April 2025, 89% were suitable for swimming. A Fair grade means the water is usually fine, but you should avoid swimming after rain.
Check the latest result on LAWA before you swim, and stay out of the water for at least 48 hours after heavy rain. In a busy camping area, also skip a swim if the water looks murky or smells unpleasant.
Lakes can grow toxic algae in warm, settled weather. Check LAWA for alerts, stay out of the water if you see scum or discoloured patches, and keep dogs away from it, as algae can be deadly to them.
Camping at Waitangi
The Waimate Lakes camping season runs from September to May, and the grounds are closed in the off-season. Casual campers pay on arrival at the registration booth, and season passes are sold at the council office in Waimate and, during the season, at Kurow Autos and from the camp supervisor. The camping ground office and camp supervisor are based at Waitangi East.
The main grounds have toilets, dump stations, water taps and drinking water, which the council says should be boiled, plus boat ramps and sites for tents, motorhomes and caravans without power. Freedom camping is not permitted around the lakes from September to May, no open fires are allowed, and the speed limit inside the grounds is 10 km/h.
The council reminds visitors that this is a remote camping ground, so come prepared, and call 111 in an emergency.
Sharing the Lake
Lake Aviemore is used for boating and water skiing as well as swimming, and boats launch from ramps at the camping grounds. Swim close to shore, away from the ramps and boating lanes, wear a bright swim cap, and never swim alone. No lifeguard service is listed, and the council asks parents and guardians to supervise children at all times.
Helpful Resources
LAWA and Environment Canterbury: the latest “Can I Swim Here?” result and the long-term water quality grade for Lake Aviemore at Waitangi.
Waimate District Council: Waimate Lakes camping: season dates, fees, facilities and camping rules for Waitangi and the other lakeside grounds.
Explore Waimate District: rivers, lakes and coast: the council’s visitor guide to summer at the Waitaki lakes and other water spots in the district.
Questions and Answers
Can you swim at Lake Aviemore at Waitangi?
Yes. Waimate District Council lists swimming among the activities at its Lake Aviemore camping grounds, and Environment Canterbury tests the water at Waitangi weekly over summer. Check LAWA before you swim.
What is the water quality like?
Waitangi has a Fair LAWA long-term grade. Of 98 tests between November 2019 and April 2025, 89% were suitable for swimming. Avoid swimming for at least 48 hours after heavy rain.
Who runs the Waitangi camping ground?
Waimate District Council, which runs five camping grounds along the Lake Aviemore shoreline, including Waitangi Reserve and Waitangi East.
When is the camping ground open?
The camping season runs from September to May. The grounds are closed in the off-season.
Is there drinking water at Waitangi?
Yes, there are water taps and drinking water, but the council says the water should be boiled before drinking.
Are dogs allowed?
Yes, at your campsite and under control. Dogs must be on a leash when walking through the grounds and are not allowed in the toilets.
Can you freedom camp at Lake Aviemore?
Not around the lakes from September to May. Pay for a casual ticket on arrival or buy a season pass.
Are there powered sites?
No. The sites for tents, motorhomes and caravans are without power.
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