Hatuma: Lake, Nature and Cultural Heritage

Discover Hatuma through two defining themes: the landscape around Lake Whatumā and its diverse local cultural heritage. The lake represents nature and a historic Mahinga-Kai relationship; historic sites and memorials tell stories of the past and remembrance. When planning your trip, consider whether the lakeside landscape, cultural heritage or regional experiences will shape your stay.

Lake Whatumā: Landscape, Wildlife and History

Lake Whatumā, also known as Lake Hatuma, is oval, shallow and about 160 hectares in size. It is bordered by a wetland fringe of about 76 hectares. The lake and wetland give the landscape two distinct aspects: open water and the adjoining natural environment.

The lake is of great value to wildlife and is home to the largest population in Hawke’s Bay of the globally endangered Australasian bittern. Historically, it was also an important Mahinga-Kai area, particularly for eels (tuna), kōkopu, kākahi and native birds. This combination of ecological value and historical significance makes the lake an important natural and cultural feature of Hatuma.

The Whatumā Recreation Reserve includes the land west of the lake. It is jointly managed by trustees appointed by the Heretaunga Tamatea Settlement Trust and the Aorangi Māori Trust Board. Check current information about reserve management before visiting.

Historic Sites and Places of Remembrance

Woburn Station Homestead at 216 Hatuma Road is a Category 2 historic site. Woburn Station Former Manager's House at 210 Hatuma Road has the same classification. Both sites are private, so do not plan to visit them as publicly accessible attractions.

Hatuma’s memorial sites are distinct from these. The Hātuma war memorial is a memorial stone with a plaque listing men from the district who served in the First and Second World Wars. The Hatuma Memorial Cairn, in turn, is a 943-square-metre cultural heritage reserve at the intersection of Hatuma Road and Settlement Road. The different names refer to distinct places and forms of remembrance.

Reserves and Recreation

Hatuma Domain is a 5.6-hectare recreation reserve at the intersection of Hobson Road and Settlement Road; it is grazed. The Hatuma Half Marathon also offers a connection to the lake, but as a time-specific event example: the 2025 edition included a walking section on a route that circumnavigated Lake Whatumā clockwise.

More Perspectives in the Central Hawke's Bay District

Within the wider Central Hawke's Bay District destination, the Tukituki Trail offers a different focus. The trail network is designed for walkers, cyclists, mountain bikers and horse riders. It combines limestone paths along the river stopbanks with road connections between Waipukurau and Waipawa; motor vehicles are not permitted on the trails. Check current trail conditions after flooding or maintenance work.

Te Angiangi Marine Reserve offers another regional nature experience, protecting 446 hectares of coastline between Aramoana and Blackhead. It was established in 1997. Visitors can explore rock pools on the extensive tidal platform and may see octopuses, crayfish, anemones and migratory wading birds. This adds a coastal landscape to Hatuma’s lake and wetland theme without conflating the two places.

Choose a suitable search direction based on the themes that matter to you during your stay.

Discover more destinations: Ruahine Forest Park.

Back to the main travel overview: Central Hawke's Bay District.