Find the best places to swim over the summer months for over 800 beach, river and lake sites throughout Aotearoa New Zealand.
Water quality monitoring programmes run from November to March for most regions. Outside of the main swim season, LAWA displays long-term grades using monitoring data from previous summers. Predicted water quality results for swim sites in the Auckland, Northland and Wellington regions are provided year-round.
Want to dig a little deeper? Select a site to see the water quality test history, available facilities, how to get to there, and to find out more about recreational water quality monitoring in New Zealand. Desktop users can see a map view of the sites.
LAWA is the most comprehensive and up-to-date source of recreational water quality information for New Zealand. LAWA provides this information so you can use it as a guide to decide where and when to swim. Please note that water quality monitoring results are representative at the time of sampling. Water quality can change over time, especially during periods of significant rain or unexpected pollution events. If you are unsure, please check with the relevant council or choose another site to swim. Water quality results from weekly monitoring are not intended to provide a guide on suitability for swimming outside the recreational bathing season. LAWA takes no responsibility for the accuracy of information presented, and accepts no liability for actions taken of others based on this information.
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