Whakamahi Lagoon is a coastal lagoon located in the Wairoa District, forming part of a chain of coastal wetlands alongside the Wairoa River Estuary and Ngamotu Lagoon. It is a Government Purpose Wildlife Management Reserve, indicating a protected status for wildlife. The lagoon is a valuable source of kai moana (seafood) and a place where driftwood is collected. For paddlers, the lagoon is a beautiful wetland and a great spot for birdwatching, with a historical record of a black-billed gull colony observed on its shingle shores. The area is part of a walking track network, suggesting potential for combined paddling and hiking trips. As a coastal lagoon adjacent to the open coast, paddlers should be aware of potential exposure to wind and wave action from the sea, and the possibility of heavy seas affecting conditions, as historical bird nesting records mention eggs being washed out by heavy seas. The lagoon's status as a wildlife management reserve implies paddlers should exercise particular care to minimize disturbance to birdlife and adhere to any regulations protecting the area.