Wairepo Arm and Kellands Pond

Wairepo Arm is a discrete arm of man-made Lake Ruataniwha. Its name comes from a stream that flows into the arm from the south end of the Barrier Range near Lake Ohau. The arm is also part of the Mackenzie Basin hydropower scheme, and a canal at the north end links it to Lake Benmore.

The arm is at the south end of the lake and on the east side of State Highway 8. Kellands Pond also connects to the arm and is on the west side of the highway. Both are lined by willow trees that are picturesque at any time of the year, with vibrant greens in spring and bright oranges through autumn and winter. There is plenty of room to safely stop on either side of the road, then a short walk to the edge of the lake and pond.

At the north end of the arm, there is a popular stop and cafe at High Country Salmon. There, you can see one of many working salmon farms around the canals of the Mackenzie Country. On the north side of the arm and canal, there is a campsite for campervans, accessed from State Highway 8.

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