9 fabulous swimming spots in the Bay

Tangoio Beach.

Hawke’s Bay is renowned for its sunny weather. This summer, what’s better than cooling off at one of the Bay’s many beaches and pools? Astrid Austin highlights nine swimming spots in the region

1. Tangoio Beach
The Hawke's Bay beach is situated 2km from State Highway 2, north of Napier between Waipatiki Beach and Whirinaki.

With activities including fishing, diving, walking and swimming, the small coastal settlement is perfect for the whole family.

For more information, visit: http://www.hawkesbaynz.com/index.php/see-do/nature-and-outdoors/beaches/tangoio

2. Waimarama Beach
Its long stretch of golden, sandy beach is ideal for not only swimming but for walking, jogging, surfing and fishing.

Waimarama is a short drive from Havelock North.

During the summer, Waimarama Beach is patrolled by surf life savers.

For more information, visit: http://www.hastingsdc.govt.nz/beaches-hastings-district

3. Ocean Beach
Located close to Waimarama Beach, it is close to Havelock North on Ocean Beach Road.

Ocean Beach is popular for people of all ages including surfers.

During the summer, Ocean Beach is patrolled by surf life savers.

For more information, visit: http://www.hastingsdc.govt.nz/beaches-hastings-district

4. Pourerere Beach
The Central Hawke's Bay beach is perfect for swimming.

Other activities include fishing and surfing, with boats able to launch from the beach.

Travel east from Waipawa on Tamumu Road, which then becomes Pourerere Rd after about 2km, before following the signs to the beach.

For more information, visit: http://www.chbdc.govt.nz/beaches-in-central-hawke-s-bay/

5. Blackhead Beach
This scenic beach is ideal for fishing and swimming.

Travel east from Waipawa on Tamumu Road, which changes to Pourerere Rd 2km along, follow this until Long Range Road. Follow the signs, or alternatively head southeast from Waipukurau on Tavistock Rd, then Farm Rd, and follow the signs.

Ideal for fishing, swimming.

For more information, visit: http://www.chbdc.govt.nz/beaches-in-central-hawke-s-bay/

6. Waipatiki Beach
Just 40 minutes away from Napier, Waipatiki Beach is a scenic settlement with native bush and a broad stretch of sand and coastline.

Near the beach is a picnic area, toilets and a camping ground, for people who want to extend their trip.

For more information, visit: http://www.hawkesbaynz.com/index.php/see-do/day-trips-and-tours/waipatiki-beach

7. Ocean Spa
Ocean Spa, Napier provides open-air heated pools including a 25-m lap pool, two leisure pools, indoor and outdoor spas and a toddler's pool.

Lifeguards patrol all swimming areas, making it a safe environment for people of all ages.

Located on Marine Parade in Napier, it is perfect for the whole family, providing the beach experience without the sand.

Ocean Spa also has an onsite cafe, family changing rooms and self-service security lockers.

For more information, visit: http://www.oceanspa.co.nz/index.html or call (06) 835 8553

8. Village Pools, Havelock North
Situated on the Havelock North Domain, Te Mata Rd, Village Pools is perfect to cool down from Hawke's Bay's hot weather during the summer. The venue has five pools including a babies' pool, toddlers' pool, learners' pool, 2m deep pool and a 33-m main pool with two lanes allocated for lap swimming.

Village Pools is open seven days a week until March 15, with opening times varying.

For more information, visit: http://www.hastingsdc.govt.nz/pools or call (06) 877 5544

9. Clive War Memorial Pool
The Clive War Memorial Pool provides a safe environment for people of all ages to enjoy.

Open seven days a week, the 25-metre indoor pool offers inflatable games for children and family fun, while serious swimmers can use the dedicated lanes.

From Monday through to Thursday it is open between the hours of 6.15am to 6.30pm. During Friday, Saturday and Sunday opening hours vary.

The pool is located at Farndon Park, 15 Farndon Rd, Clive.

For more information, visit: http://www.hastingsdc.govt.nz/clivepool or call (06) 870 0492.