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Why this status?
Click here for detailed information on water quality monitoring
The scienceSummer season monitoring
LAWA shows the best available water quality information to help you decide where to swim.
Special Status
Special StatusIssued: 02 Feb 2026Unsuitable for swimming.
This site has temporarily been determined as unsuitable for swimming, and we recommend people do not swim at this site.Health Warning – Unsafe Recreational Water Quality
Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora has issued a health warning after high levels of faecal bacteria were found in a single sample taken from Peketā Beach.
Dr Imogen Evans, Public Health Medicine Specialist for the National Public Health Service, says: “Water quality at affected sites is not considered suitable for recreational uses including swimming because of the risk to health from the bacteria and other pathogens."
Water contaminated by human or animal faecal matter may contain a range of disease-causing micro-organisms such as viruses, bacteria and protozoa.
“The sites where water quality is affected are listed on Environment Canterbury’s website," she says.
For further details visit:
https://www.lawa.org.nz/explore-data/canterbury-regionTo contact your local National Public Health Service office visit:
https://info.health.nz/locations/canterbury/national-public-health-service-canterbury-west-coastTo keep up to date with current health warnings visit:
https://info.health.nz/health-alertsReminder
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 dataMinimum 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.Learn more
See factsheets for more information.
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Unpatrolled
Stay safe - never swim or surf alone. Find out more.
SwimmersUnpatrolled 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.
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What's at this site?
Find out all recreational activities and facilities at this site
Activities & facilitiesSite 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.
Facilities
Camping nearby
Car parking
Warning in effectRead more
Peketā Beach
Issued: 02 Feb 2026
Current status
Gravel beach south of Kaikōura adjacent to SH1. It is in front of the Peketa motor camp and just north of the Kahutara River mouth. There are parking areas off SH1.
This site is monitored weekly between November and March by Environment Canterbury.
