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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: 13 Mar 2026Unsuitable for swimming.
This site has temporarily been determined as unsuitable for swimming, and we recommend people do not swim at this site.14 March 2025
Health Warning - Toxin-producing algal bloom in Port Levy | Koukourarata
Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora has issued a health warning after extremely high levels of paralytic shellfish toxins were found in routine samples taken from Port Levy | Koukourarata.
People should avoid the area and animals, particularly dogs, should not be allowed near the water until the health warning has been lifted. Dr Imogen Evans, Public Health Medicine Specialist for the National Public Health Service, says “the algal bloom can produce toxins harmful to humans and animals.”
“People should avoid contact with the water until further notice.”
“The bloom appears to be limited to Port Levy | Koukourarata, but people should still take care in nearby bays as toxins could travel to other areas.”
“Exposure may cause skin rashes, nausea, stomach cramps, tingling and numbness around the mouth and fingertips. If you experience any of these symptoms, visit your doctor immediately and please let them know if you have had contact with the water”, Dr Evans says.
Te Rūnaka o Koukourarata advises that, due to the presence of a toxin producing algal bloom currently affecting the Koukourarata / Port Levy Harbour, and the associated risk to public health, a rāhui has been placed on the taking of shellfish from the harbour.
The rāhui is effective from Saturday 14 March 2026 to Friday 20 March 2026, inclusive. A review of this rāhui will be undertaken once further water quality and toxin test results have been received.This measure has been implemented as a precaution to protect public health and wellbeing.
New Zealand Food Safety (NZFS) has issued a wider public health warning advising the public not to collect or consume shellfish gathered from the northern side of Banks Peninsula. The warning extends from New Brighton to the northern side of Hickory Bay.
Anyone who becomes ill after eating shellfish from an area where a public health warning has been issued should phone Healthline for advice on 0800 61 11 16 or seek medical attention immediately. Please also contact your nearest public health service and keep any leftover shellfish in case it can be tested.Further information regarding the algal bloom and associated health warnings is available from the following sources:
For further details visit:
https://www.mpi.govt.nz/news/media-releases/shellfish-biotoxin-warning-for-canterburyTo contact your local National Public Health Service office visit: https://info.health.nz/locations/canterbury/national-public-health-service-canterbury-west-coast
To 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.
Activities
Swimming
Snorkelling
Canoeing/Kayaking
Boating
Facilities
Toilets
Picnic area
Car parking
Warning in effectRead more
Port Levy
At Jetty
Issued: 13 Mar 2026
Current status
Port Levy jetty is located at the end of Puari Road. The shoreline comprises of gravels and cobbles in the high tide area down to rocks in low tide area, on either side of the jetty. This jetty is used by swimmers, kayakers and boaties. Toilet facilities and picnic area are down the Jetty road further.
This site is monitored weekly between November and March by Environment Canterbury.
