Rotokawau / Virginia Lake

Rotokawau Virginia Lake is one of Whanganui’s premier parks and a peaceful historic lakeside spot.

You can picnic here or enjoy a pleasant 25-minute woodland walk around the lake. Along the way you’ll see the statue of Tainui, a band rotunda, twin bridges, rose and wisteria pergolas, and waterbirds including white swans.

The name “Rotokawau” comes from the native black shag (kawau), which sometimes visits the lake to feed.

The lake’s standout feature is the Higginbottom Fountain, a copper and steel floating lily structure installed in 1971.

Every evening, when the streetlights come on, it puts on a 40-minute coloured light display with 15 illuminated jets in amber, blue, green and red.

You can also start the display at any other time by putting a gold coin in the slot.

Next to the lake is the Winter Garden, an Art Deco Conservatory with colourful themed plantings. The Funky Duck Café nearby offers refreshments.

Beyond the café is a free-flight aviary (open 9am–5pm daily) where you can get close views of the birds.

A fenced children’s playground and the Punchbowl Amphitheatre (used for events such as Carols by Candlelight) are also close by.

Picnic tables, barbecues, drinking fountains and toilets are available on site.