Can I swim here? Recreational season guide

Buffalo Beach

Whitianga
Good
Long-term grade

Hot Water Beach

Surf life saving club
Excellent
Long-term grade

Kaniwhaniwha Stream

Limeworks Loop bridge
Poor
Long-term grade

Kauaeranga River

at swimming hole
Poor
Long-term grade

Lake Kainui

Kainui Beach
Poor
Long-term grade

Lake Ngaroto/Wairoto

Unsuitable for swimming
Issued: 28 Feb 2025

Lake Puketirini

Excellent
Long-term grade

Lake Rotokauri

Unsuitable for swimming
Issued: 28 Feb 2025

Lake Taupo

Stump Bay
Good
Long-term grade

Lake Taupo

Mission Bay
Excellent
Long-term grade

Lake Taupo

Kinloch
Excellent
Long-term grade

Lake Taupo

Acacia Bay
Fair
Long-term grade

Ngarunui Beach, Raglan

Surf life saving club
Excellent
Long-term grade

Ohinemuri River

at Karangahake
Poor
Long-term grade

Onemana Beach

Surf life saving club
Excellent
Long-term grade

Pauanui Beach North

Surf life saving club
Excellent
Long-term grade

Sunset Beach, Port Waikato

Surf life saving club
Fair
Long-term grade

Tairua Beach

Surf life saving club
Excellent
Long-term grade

Waikato River

Tuakau Bridge
Poor
Long-term grade

Waikato River

Ngaruawahia Bridge
Poor
Long-term grade

Waikato River at Lake Karapiro

Boat Ramp
Poor
Long-term grade

Waipa River

at Otorohanga
Poor
Long-term grade

Whangamata Beach

Surf life saving club
Excellent
Long-term grade

Whiritoa Beach

Surf life saving club
Good
Long-term grade

Water quality changes, so avoid swimming for 2 – 3 days after heavy rain.
See lawa.org.nz/swim for more info on popular swim spots.