Find the best places to swim this summer for over 750 beach, river and lake sites throughout Aotearoa New Zealand. Water quality results are updated as soon as results are available, so you can see the latest water quality information to decide where to swim. Select a site to see water quality test history, available facilities, and more information on recreational monitoring. Desktop users can see a map view of the sites.
Recreational water quality monitoring runs from November / December through to March for most regions. Predicted water quality results from the Auckland and Wellington regions are available year round.
COVID-19 Advice: Help slow the spread of COVID-19 and protect those around you by continuing to keep up these healthy habits. Further information on recreational activities in and around our waterways under the COVID-19 protection framework can be found here.
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. This is why we recommend that you avoid swimming for 2 - 3 days after heavy rain, even at sites that usually have good water quality. 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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