Lake Mahinerangi: A Scenic Hydro Lake
Lake Mahinerangi, located in the southern part of Central Otago, is a hydro lake developed in the early 1900s as part of the Waipori River hydro scheme. It lies roughly equidistant between State Highway 87 to the east and Lawrence and State Highway 8 to the west.
This lake is not only significant for its historical development but also popular for fishing, particularly for trout and perch. On the north side of the lake, along Mahinerangi Road, you will find a modest number of holiday homes, providing a peaceful retreat.
Scenic Drives and Views
The unsealed Waipori Falls Road on the south side of Lake Mahinerangi is the main access road from the west and provides stunning views. Positioned around 500 metres above sea level, the road offers a vantage point with a dramatic hundred-metre drop to the water below. From this road, you can turn onto Mahinerangi Road, cross the lake via the Edger Stark Bridge, and continue your trip to State Highway 87.
Travel Routes
From Lake Mahinerangi, you have several travel options. You can drive out to State Highway 87 on Mahinerangi Road and Lee Flat Road, heading north to Middlemarch or southeast to Dunedin. Alternatively, you can continue west on Waipori Road towards Lawrence and State Highway 8. These routes take you through picturesque farmland and tussock country, offering a scenic drive through the region.
The third option is to take a remote drive on Waipori Road to the southeast, exploring Waipori Falls, and then continue east alongside the Waipori River on Waipori Falls Road to Waihola.
How to Get There
To reach Lake Mahinerangi, you can start from Dunedin and head southeast on State Highway 87. From there, follow the signs to Mahinerangi Road, which will lead you to the lake and its surrounding attractions. If you're coming from Lawrence, take Waipori Road eastward to reach the lake. Nearby, you can explore the charming town of Lawrence or continue your journey to the historic area of Middlemarch.
