Whether you find yourself near Auckland, Hamilton, Christchurch, or elsewhere in New Zealand, you're always close to a great place to swim.
There are plenty of beautiful swimming holes, lakes, rivers, and beaches for a refreshing dip in the summer or an invigorating dip in the colder months.
Here's our guide to some of New Zealand's best places to swim, including spots near the city and a little further afield.
Auckland's Top Swimming Holes
From beachside pools to hidden waterfalls, Auckland is famous for its natural beauty and the great swimming spots in and near the city.
Here are just a few of our recommendations for Auckland's top swimming spots:
Lake Wainamu
Lake Wanami is located near Bethells Beach. This is a unique swimming spot with black sand dunes.
You can reach the lake by walking along a stream. You'll be greeted with crystal-clear waters perfect for a refreshing dip.
The area around the lake is popular for sand dune sledding and is popular with families and adventurous families.
Remember that the sand can get quite hot, so bring appropriate footwear.
- Recommended for: Families, adventure seekers, sand dune explorers
- Best time to visit: Early to mid-summer for warm, clear water
Kitekite Falls
Kitekite Falls is a three-tiered waterfall in the Waitakere Ranges. Take the Kitekite Track through lush native bush to get to the falls. Once there, you can swim in the pool at the base of the falls.
Take a camera if you have one because the surroundings are stunning, and you can find even more opportunities for photos by taking some of the trails in the area.
- Recommended for: Hikers, nature lovers, photographers
- Best time to visit: Weekday mornings for a quieter experience
Hunua Falls
The 30-metre-high Hunua Falls is a popular spot in the Hunua Ranges National Park. Below the falls, there is a large, deep pool, which is popular for swimming.
However, like any other natural swimming spot, be careful. The water at Hunua Falls can be deep and chilly, make sure to acclimatise yourself to the water first.
This is a popular option for a day trip, and you can find nearby picnic tables and hiking trails if you'd prefer something to eat or some hiking.
- Recommended for: Day-trippers, picnic-goers, waterfall swimmers
- Best time to visit: Spring to early summer for smaller crowds
Kendall Bay
Tucked away in Kauri Point Centennial Park, Kendall Bay has calm waters, a sandy beach, and lovely views of Auckland's skyline. This secluded swimming spot is great for a peaceful day of swimming.
Despite its proximity to the city, there aren't that many facilities nearby, so be sure to bring your own food and drinks. Just remember to take everything with you when you leave, too!
- Recommended for: Solitude seekers, families, photographers
- Best time to visit: Weekdays for peaceful surroundings
Hamilton's Best Swimming Spots
Hamilton and the Waikato region surrounding it is home to plenty of rivers, lakes, and secluded pools where adventurers and families alike can go for a swim, whether it's a day trip or a weekend getaway.
Lake Karapiro
Lake Karapiro is one of the most popular spots for a swim near Hamilton. You can enjoy sandy shores, picnic spots, and the trails along the Waikato River.
This lake is a great choice for a day out with your family or friends. Regular events like rowing competitions and regattas take place here, and there are things to do during the summer, in particular.
- Recommended for: Families, water sports, scenic views
- Best time to visit: Summer for swimming, kayaking, and rowing events
Te Waihou Blue Springs
Despite swimming being prohibited at this spot, it's such an incredible place that we have to tell you about it.
Te Waihou Blue Springs is home to vibrant turquoise waters and incredible walks. Head along the Te Waihou Walkway and just enjoy the sites.
If you're looking for a tranquil experience with nature, few places are better than Te Waihou Blue Springs.
- Recommended for: Walkers, photographers, nature enthusiasts
- Best time to visit: Year-round for scenic views (swimming prohibited)
Kaniwhaniwha Stream and Caves
The Kaniwhaniwha Stream is in Pirongia Forest Park. Take the Nikau Walk along the stream to find limestone caves and swimming spots.
These peaceful pools are surrounded by lush greenery, and they have picnic areas that are great for relaxing after swimming or hiking.
- Recommended for: Families, adventure seekers, hikers
- Best time to visit: Spring to autumn for optimal trail conditions
Raglan Beaches and Bridal Veil Falls
Raglan is most famous for beaches like Manu Bay and Ngarunui Beach. These beaches are particularly popular with surfers, but there's also the Bridal Veil Falls waterfall, which offers viewing platforms and a small swimming pool at the base.
Raglan is a great option for a day trip from Hamilton.
- Recommended for: Surfers, beachgoers, waterfall lovers
- Best time to visit: Summer for surfing and swimming
Top Swimming Holes in Christchurch
Christchurch and the surrounding Canterbury region also have plenty of great swimming spots.
Here are a few of our favourite swimming spots in and around Christchurch.
Hays Bay
Hays Bay is in Lyttelton Harbour. It features a serene beach with shallow, calm waters, making it a great spot for families with small children.
- Recommended for: Families, picnickers, peaceful sunbathers
- Best time to visit: Summer for warmer water and calm conditions
Taylor's Mistake Beach
Thanks to its consistent waves, Taylor's Mistake Beach is a great spot for swimmers and surfers.
Surrounded by beautiful coastal scenery, the Awaroa/Godley Head Loop Track is a great hike for enjoying the views and seeing historical World War II sites.
We recommend this spot to anyone after a mix of swimming and adventure.
- Recommended for: Swimmers, surfers, hikers
- Best time to visit: Early mornings or weekdays to avoid crowds
Waimairi Beach
At the northern end of New Brighton, Waimairi Beach is family-friendly. Lifeguards are on duty during summer weekends and holidays, making it a good choice for families.
There are spots for swimming and kite surfing, with picnic areas available in the nearby broad park.
- Recommended for: Families, beachgoers, kite surfers
- Best time to visit: Summer for lifeguard presence and warm water
Rakaia Gorge
West of Christchurch, the Rakaia Gorge is an incredible spot for swimmers. Just remember that the water can get quite chilly. There are also opportunities for hiking and jet boating.
- Recommended for: Nature lovers, photographers, adventure seekers
- Best time to visit: Late spring through summer
Other Amazing Swimming Spots in New Zealand
While our focus has been Auckland, Hamilton, and Christchurch, these next few swimming spots are so incredible that they're also worthy of inclusion.
Rere Rockslide, Gisborne
This natural rockslide is a popular spot, especially during the summer, when crowds of people slide down the smooth rock face on bodyboards or inflatable tubes.
- Recommended for: Thrill-seekers, bodyboarders, families
- Best time to visit: Summer for a smoother ride down the rockslide
Kerosene Creek, Rotorua
Kerosene Creek is a geothermal stream that combines a natural hot pool with a warm waterfall. It is just south of Rotorua.
Unlike many other swimming spots, Kerosene Creek provides consistently warm water, making it reasonably accessible year-round.
- Recommended for: Hot spring enthusiasts, nature lovers
- Best time to visit: Year-round for warm water
Cleopatra's Pool, Abel Tasman National Park
Cleopatra's Pool is a beautiful swimming hole with a moss-lined rockslide in the Abel Tasman National Park. It's a popular spot for hikers and is a refreshing break on the trail.
- Recommended for: Hikers, swimmers, nature lovers
- Best time to visit: Summer for easy access on the trails
Blue Pools, Wānaka
The Blue Pools are glacial pools in Mount Aspiring National Park. Because they are fed by glacial waters, they are often rather chilly.
However, if you can brave the temperature, they offer an incredible swimming experience, complete with views of iconic New Zealand landscapes.
- Recommended for: Nature lovers, photographers, cold-water swimmers
- Best time to visit: Summer for tolerable water temperatures
Te Waikoropupū Springs, Golden Bay
The largest cold-water springs in the southern hemisphere, this is a spot worth visiting. However, it should be noted that this is a sacred Māori site, and swimming isn't permitted.
That said, we'd highly recommend visiting if you find yourself in the area.
- Recommended for: Nature enthusiasts, walkers, photographers
- Best time to visit: Year-round for stunning water clarity
As you can see, there are plenty of incredible swimming spots in New Zealand. Whether you're after lakes, rivers, or the ocean, you'll be spoilt for choice.
Different spots offer different experiences, so always check conditions, safety recommendations, and whether swimming is permitted before you visit!
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