In and around Auckland are plenty of places and natural escapes where locals and visitors can cool off in refreshing water like lakes, rivers, and waterfalls.
From secluded swimming holes in lush native bush to beachside pools along the coastline, there are plenty of excellent places for a dip in Auckland.
Here, we've compiled some of the best swimming holes, waterfall pools, and scenic lakes you can visit around Auckland. Hopefully, there's something for everyone.
Lake Wainamu, Waitakere
Lake Wainamu is an unspoiled natural gem just a short drive from Auckland and one of our favourite swimming spots in New Zealand. The lake is surrounded by black sand dunes and offers a unique freshwater swimming experience.
On the way to the lake, you can walk along the stream that winds through the dunes. Once you get to the lake, you will see cool, clear waters.
We recommend taking jandals or sandals as the black sand can get quite hot. This is also a popular spot for fishing.
There are rope swings around the edge of the lake, making this a good spot for families looking to spend some time outdoors during the summer.
- Distance from Auckland: 40 km (approximately 40 minutes by car).
- Recommended for: Families, adventure seekers, sand dune explorers.
- Best time to visit: Early to mid-summer for warmer waters and smaller crowds.
Kitekite Falls, Piha
Kitekite Falls is just outside the surf town of Piha. This 40-metre-high waterfall cascades down into a pool, creating an idyllic place to swim.
The Kitekite Track is a 40-minute walk from the car park and is lined with native trees and ferns. The walk to the falls itself is worth doing, even if you don't feel like having a swim.
Once you get to the falls, you can swim in the larger pool at the base of the waterfall. There are also great views from the top of the falls and plenty of opportunities for photos, so don't forget to bring your camera.
This spot is popular and is best enjoyed when it's quieter. Plan ahead to avoid the busier times.
- Distance from Auckland: 45 km (around 45 minutes by car).
- Recommended for: Hikers, nature lovers, photographers.
- Best time to visit: Early morning or weekday afternoons to avoid crowds.
Hunua Falls, Hunua Ranges
Hunua Falls is a scenic 30-metre-high waterfall to the south of Auckland. You can find it in the Hunua Ranges Regional Park. If you want to go even further south, you could check out some of the best swimming spots near Hamilton.
It offers a dramatic setting with a large plunge pool. You'll see both swimmers and photographers enjoying their time here.
The pool at Hunua Falls is deep and cool, even during the summer, and there are picnic tables around the falls.
Just remember that Hunua Falls can be deep in places with rocks hiding beneath the surface.
Once you're done swimming, you can also enjoy the various hiking trails, with different trails and hikes depending on how far you'd like to go.
- Distance from Auckland: 55 km (about 50 minutes by car).
- Recommended for: Day trippers, picnic-goers, waterfall swimmers.
- Best time to visit: Spring to early summer when water levels are high, but crowds are low.
Kendall Bay, Birkenhead
Kendall Bay is one of the closest spots to Auckland for a swim. It is located in Kauri Point Centennial Park on the North Shore. This hidden beach is calm and sheltered and features a sandy shoreline.
You can get there by walking from Birkenhead, which offers panoramic views of the city skyline in the distance.
Kendall Bay's untouched nature makes it feel completely different from some of the busier urban beaches closer to the centre of Auckland.
There aren't really any facilities here, so make sure you plan ahead, bringing food and drinks if necessary. Just take everything with you when you go so as not to spoil the site.
- Distance from Auckland: 12 km (20 minutes by car).
- Recommended for: Families, solitude seekers, photographers.
- Best time to visit: Weekdays to avoid weekend crowds.
Oakley Creek Falls, Waterview
Oakley Creek Falls is Auckland's only inner-city waterfall. It is located in the Oakley Creek Reserve after a 15-minute walk along a track. The falls are part of a conservation effort by local volunteers, so please be respectful when you're there.
The creek is shallow enough for children to wade in. Naturally, this is a popular spot for families and can be accessed by public transport. It's also centrally located, near cafés and bars in the surrounding suburbs.
- Distance from Auckland: 8 km (about 15 minutes by car or accessible by bus).
- Recommended for: Families, city dwellers, casual walkers.
- Best time to visit: Year-round, though summer offers the best swimming conditions.
Anchor Bay, Tāwharanui
Anchor Bay is located in the Tāwharanui Regional Park. He is one of the most picturesque beaches for swimming in all of Auckland. It has pristine white sand, clear blue water, and natural rock pools.
It's about an hour from Auckland, making it great for day trips out of the city. There are also camping options if you'd prefer to stay for more than just a day.
If you'd like to go much further afield, there are plenty of great swimming spots near Christchurch, too.
The surrounding parkland is home to plenty of native bird species, making it an even more desirable option for nature lovers. There are also walking tracks if you'd like to explore the area further.
- Distance from Auckland: 80 km (about 1 hour 15 minutes by car).
- Recommended for: Beach lovers, nature photographers, families.
- Best time to visit: Summer for warm beach days, but spring and autumn are quieter.
Karekare Falls, Karekare
Just under an hour from Auckland, Karekare Falls includes a hidden, serene waterfall pool.
The falls are near Karekare Beach, featured in the movie The Piano. You can get to the waterfall along a shaded track. These falls are around 25 metres high.
Karekare Falls offers excellent scenery for swimming and taking photos, so be sure to bring your camera if you have one.
The black sand beach is also just a short walk away and is worth exploring once you've finished at the falls.
- Distance from Auckland: 40 km (about 50 minutes by car).
- Recommended for: Swimmers, photographers, nature enthusiasts.
- Best time to visit: Weekday mornings for a more private experience.
Lucas Creek, Albany
Lucas Creek is a family-friendly swimming hole just a 15-minute walk from the Albany suburb.
These picturesque falls are smaller than others we've mentioned, but it's still a lovely spot to visit.
Importantly, this spot is wheelchair accessible, with a paved track through the surrounding bushland.
- Distance from Auckland: 18 km (about 20 minutes by car).
- Recommended for: Families, accessibility needs, easy explorers.
- Best time to visit: Spring and summer for warmer water and good weather.
Ladies Bay, St Heliers
Ladies Bay is just around the corner from St Heliers Beach and is one of the quieter bays in Auckland. The calm waters make it a great spot for a relaxing swim.
You can get there from a footpath that provides access from the main road.
- Distance from Auckland: 12 km (about 20 minutes by car).
- Recommended for: Swimmers, peace-seekers, sightseers.
- Best time to visit: Weekdays or early mornings to avoid larger groups.
Fairy Falls, Waitakere Ranges
Fairy Falls is a great option if you'd prefer a hike before going for a swim. You can find the waterfall in the Waitakere Ranges.
The track there passes through native kauri and fern-filled bush and is well-maintained. Just remember that the hike can get a bit steep, but it's worth it for the breathtaking views if you can manage it.
If you want to do more than swim, the Waitakere Ranges have many viewpoints and trails.
- Distance from Auckland: 27 km (about 35 minutes by car).
- Recommended for: Adventurers, hikers, nature photographers.
- Best time to visit: Spring and summer when trails are less slippery and the pools are refreshing.
As you can see, there are many options for people in Auckland looking for swimming spots. Remember that these places aren't swimming pools, so always check local safety, conservation, and water quality guidelines.
Pack sunscreen, water shoes, and a picnic and be respectful of these areas, leaving them in the same condition that you find them. If you're driving to any of these spots, you'll find that most offer parking but are accessed by a walk or hike.
Are there any spots that you'd recommend? Let us know in the comments!
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