Lake Monowai has a new jetty and ramp, ensuring better access and increased safety for anglers and boaties, thanks to Southland Fish & Game (F&G) and the goodwill of Southland businesses.

Monowai anglers will, for the first time, be able to board their boats from a jetty. Photo: Ben Febery

Part of Fiordland National Park, Monowai is the provinces fourth most popular lake, behind Lakes Te Anau, Manapouri and Mavora, and clocks up an estimated 3300 angler days annually.

In 1926 the lake level was raised 2.13 meters, to supply the Monowai hydroelectric power station, causing significant environmental damage that is still visible today.

F&G project manager Ben Febery said plans for the new jetty and boat ramp had been drawn up in 2019, after they had fielded lots of complaints about the crumbling ramp and a general lack of infrastructure.

"When COVID hit we parked the project and picked it up again last year [2024]."

The jetty was started on the week of 17th February and took two weeks, Febery said.

"The following week we ripped up the ramp and poured it - all on the same day."

Demolishing and re-concreting the new Monowai boat ramp took just one day to complete. Photo: Ben Febery

"We did it when the lake was really low, so we could get down as far as we could."

Febery said the project, which he estimated cost $60-70,000, had only been made feasible through the support of southern businesses, including EH Ball, Anzor, Stuart Timber, McGregors and Te Anau Earthworks, who had all supplied materials at cost or below margin.

He also thanked local builders Paddy Dawson (Te Anau) and Mike Soper (Manapouri).

Febery said he hoped the new facilities would further increase the lake's popularity.

"In time we'd also like to be able to make the jetty wheelchair accessible."

All completed. Lake Monowai's new boat ramp and jetty. Photo: Ben Febery

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