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  • Why this status?

    Click here for detailed information on water quality monitoring

    The science

    Summer season monitoring

    LAWA shows the best available water quality information to help you decide where to swim. For many sites there are two types of information available, the weekly sampling result and the long-term grade.

    Water quality test result

    Current Enterococci statusNo recent data

    The weekly sampling result is a snapshot in time, and is a guide to the recent water quality at this site.

    Long-term grade

    Long-term Enterococci grade5 year sampling

    Long-term grade is important to consider. Based on 5 years of data, it is a guide to the general water quality at this site.

    Reminder

    Heavy rain flushes contaminants from urban and rural land into waterways and we advise you not to swim for 2 – 3 days after heavy or prolonged rain – even at sites that generally have good water quality. Check that the water is clean and clear before taking a dip.

    Summer season monitoring history

    • Samples this season
    • Samples from last 5 years
    Enterococci sampling graph
    • View as graph
    • View as donut

    What do the monitoring results mean?

    Suitable for swimming – The monitoring result met national water quality guidelines at the time of testing.
    Caution advised – The monitoring result was slightly elevated at the time of testing. Water quality generally suitable for swimming, but young children, elderly or those with compromised health may be at increased risk of illness.
    Unsuitable for swimming – The monitoring result did not meet the national guidelines at the time of testing.

    Long-term grade information

    Long-term grade based on five years of data
    Minimum data points required 50 Highest Enterococci per 100ml value {{riskData.maxValue | number:0}}
    Number of data points available {{riskData.dataPoints | number:0}} Lowest Enterococci per 100ml value {{riskData.minValue | number:0}}
    Hazen 95th percentile result {{riskData.hazenResult}} Long-term grade
    {{riskData.rating}}

    What do the long-term grade icons mean?

    Excellent – Risk of illness is less than 1% from contact with the water during the summer bathing period.
    95th percentile of Enterococci / 100 mL is 0 - 40.
    Good – Risk of illness is less than 5% from contact with the water during the summer bathing period.
    95th percentile of Enterococci / 100 mL is 41 - 200.
    Fair – Risk of illness is between 5 and 10% from contact with the water during the summer bathing period.
    95th percentile of Enterococci / 100 mL is 201 - 500.
    Poor – Risk of illness is more than 10% from contact with the water during the summer bathing period.
    95th percentile of Enterococci / 100 mL is more than 500.
    Not available – There were not enough data to determine the long-term grade at this site.
  • Unpatrolled

    Stay safe - never swim or surf alone. Find out more.

    Swimmers

    Unpatrolled Beach

    When swimming at an unpatrolled beach please watch out for yourself and others, never swim or surf alone, be aware of the dangers and know your limits. If in doubt, stay out.

  • What's at this site?

    Find out all recreational activities and facilities at this site

    Activities & facilities

    Site suitable for these activities and has these facilities

    Our lakes, rivers, and beaches are great natural playgrounds but they can be unpredictable.  Be aware of other potential risks such as rips, strong currents, sudden drop offs, or underwater objects before jumping in.  LAWA recommends that you avoid swimming for 2 - 3 days after heavy rainfall and follow the advice of any warning signs in place.

    Activities

    Swimming

    You can swim in tidal pools and designated swimming areas when not in flood.

    Surfing
    Canoeing/Kayaking
    Fishing
    Check the rules
    Boating
    Walking

    Whakatāne Riverside Trail

    Other activities

    Newly created children's area with an open pool, fountains and an upgraded playground. There is also a beautiful walking track along the Whakatāne River bank.

    Facilities

    Toilets
    Changing facilities
    Picnic area
    BBQ area
    Playground nearby
    Camping nearby

    Whakatāne Holiday Park

    Boat ramp nearby
    Car parking
    Public transport
    Other facilities

    Toilets and playground at Wairaka Park.

How do I get there?

Whakatāne Heads