Recreation information has moved to the "Can I Swim Here?" section of LAWA
Lake Ratapiko is approximately 12 kilometres from Inglewood township and drains the eastern hill country of the Waitara catchment area. The lake is replenished by diversion water flow from the mid reaches of the Manganui River for the Motukawa Hydro Electric Plant scheme.
For all sites, the Council advises:
Avoid for three days after heavy rain, if the lake is high, or if you cannot see the bottom clearly.
The lake is commonly used for boating and fishing, particularly at weekends and holidays.