At Lakeland Wanaka, we’re passionate about sharing the beauty of our lakes and rivers—and equally committed to protecting them. As part of our jet boat experiences, we take the opportunity to educate our guests about two major freshwater threats: Didymo and Lagarosiphon major. These invasive species are damaging New Zealand’s aquatic ecosystems, and we all have a role to play in stopping their spread.
Commonly known as "rock snot", Didymo is a freshwater algae that forms thick, smothering mats on river and lake beds. Although it isn’t harmful to people or animals directly, it seriously disrupts aquatic ecosystems by:
It only takes a single drop of contaminated water to spread Didymo from one waterway to another.
Lagarosiphon, or oxygen weed, is an invasive aquatic plant originally from southern Africa. It grows aggressively and forms dense underwater forests, blocking sunlight and outcompeting native plants. In Lake Wānaka, Lagarosiphon is a serious threat that:
Whether you're boating, fishing, kayaking, swimming, or walking near rivers and lakes, you can help prevent the spread of Didymo, Lagarosiphon, and other invasive species by following the Check, Clean, Dry protocol:
Invasive species are a serious threat—but with awareness and action, we can stop them in their tracks. During your time with us on the lake, our guides will share more about the work being done to manage these threats, and how your small actions can make a big difference.
Together, we can help keep Lake Wānaka wild, clean, and thriving for future generations.