The lake is opened by cutting a pilot channel of 15 metres wide and 1.8 metres deep through the beach with bulldozers.  It can take two plus days on the first attempt to open the lake and it can take multiple attempts.  During this time the lake will continue to rise.  The length of the channel can vary from 100 to 300 metres. The sea will close the artificial channel again.

For further assistance please contact Customer Service on 03 353 9007 or toll free on 0800 324 636. You can also visit our website www.ecan.govt.nz