Boating safety, lake conditions and reporting
Find key information about lake conditions, reporting incidents, and safety roles on Lake Taupō to help you stay safe and respond to issues on the water.
Lake level
Current lake height should be used to establish the nearest point of danger below your vessel.
- Chart datum is the lowest theoretical lake level.
- Chart datum for Lake Taupo is 355.85m above Mean Sea Level.
- Depths on a nautical chart are always below chart datum.
For information on current lake levels please call 0800 820 082.
Reporting incidents
Under section 2.10 of the Lake Taupō Navigation Safety Bylaw 2017:
- the owner or person in charge of any vessel involved in an accident or incident must, as soon as practicable, report the accident or incident to the Harbourmaster
- You can use the online event form or download and print an appropriate event report form on the Maritime New Zealand Accident website.
See: Reports on maritime accidents and incidents investigated by Maritime New Zealand [Maritime New Zealand website]
Seesection 2.10 of the Lake Taupō Navigation Safety Bylaw 2017
Honorary Enforcement Officer
The role of the Honorary Enforcement Officer (HEO) is to provide a visible presence around the Lake Taupō lakeshore, representing the Harbourmaster's Office, predominantly over the summer months.
They are required to check ramp permits, talk to the public to raise their awareness of the Navigational Bylaws and safe practices on the water, and are an immediate point of contact for members of the public who wish to raise any boating concerns.