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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: 10 Feb 2026Unsuitable for swimming.
This site has temporarily been determined as unsuitable for swimming, and we recommend people do not swim at this site.Due to a major incident at the Moa Point Wastewater Treatment Plant, untreated sewage is currently discharging directly into the ocean. The discharge is now going through the long outfall pipe 1.8km off the coast, but may occasionally discharge through the short outfall pipe into Tarakena Bay (particularly during times of heavy rain).
Wellington Water are actively working to investigate and resolve the issue. Extensive water testing is being undertaken at a number of sites along the coast, and signage is being put in place. To see what sites are being tested around the coast and the latest results, please go to Results of water sampling following incident at Moa Point treatment plant.
Untreated sewage poses a high risk to public health. A rāhui has been put in place for the south coast from Ōwhiro Bay to Breaker Bay. We strongly advise that people do not swim (or allow their pets to swim), recreate or collect kaimoana anywhere within this area until further notice.
Tarakena Bay is not routinely monitored as a recreational site, but it is the point where untreated sewage may discharge. Contamination levels here will be high. People should avoid this area. During periods of strong onshore winds, sea spray may carry contaminants toward the nearby pathway, so we advise avoiding this area even if not entering the water.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
The water quality monitoring results are shown in the graph(s) below. Here, you can see how often this site met swimming water quality guidelines at the time of sampling. The latest monitoring result may differ from the predicted water quality result, as the predictions take into account factors such as forecasted rainfall to provide an indication of current conditions.
- 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
Snorkelling
Dog walking
To find out when and where you can exercise your dog please refer to your local authority.
Boating
Walking
Facilities
Toilets
Changing facilities
Picnic area
Car parking
Public transport
Ōwhiro Bay
Ōwhiro Bay
Issued: 10 Feb 2026
Caution advised: The mouth of Owhiro Stream is situated along Owhiro Bay beach, with the freshwater flowing across the beach and into the ocean. The stream has a history of contamination and it is advisable to avoid contact with this freshwater discharge.
Owhiro Bay is a wide sandy beach on Wellington's south coast. Nestled between rocky outcrops this beach has a shallow gradient, and is relatively sheltered. It can be susceptible to swells and dangerous in bad conditions.
This beach has no toilet or changing facilities and is not patrolled by Surf Life Saving New Zealand. A car park and boat ramp is located on the eastern end of the beach.
This site is monitored as a part of Greater Wellington Regional Council’s Recreational Water Quality Monitoring Programme, which is specifically designed to inform the public about the suitability of various sites across the region for swimming and other recreational activities.
