The lake is currently CLOSED to the sea. The calm average level of the lake on Friday November 27 was 0.74m.

Q: What are the potential lake opening levels?

A: Between 1 August to 31 March the minimum level the lake may be opened is 1.05m. Between 1 April to 31 July the minimum level the lake may be opened is 1.13m. Primarily for fish migration purposes, the lake may also be opened ‘at any level’ between 1 April to 15 June and 15 September to 15 October. (Note: in practical terms, ‘any level’ is a level above 0.90m – below this level the engineers do not believe they can physically get the lake open).

Q: Where can I find the new resource consent for lake opening?

A: The Hearing Commissioners decision on the new joint resource consent application by Te Runanga o Ngai Tahu and Environment Canterbury was received on Wednesday 22 January. The decision was to grant the application for a period of 15 years subject to a suite of mitigation measures. You can read the decision here.

Q: What lake opening investigations are being carried out as part of Whakaora Te Waihora?

NIWA and the University of Canterbury are currently investigating options for an engineered lake level. As part of this project a website has been created which summarises the options that have been considered over the years.  There is further information here.

Lake level information is now also available on the ECan website and will be updated weekly.