Last summer, we reported eight spots Safeswim listed as unsafe to swim. Fortunately, there is just one location swimmers should avoid at the time of writing: Judges Bay in Parnell.
During the 2023 floods, a wastewater pipe below the bay burst. A bypass system is currently in place but until a permanent solution is completed (in mid-July 2025), the central city swim spot has a precautionary black flag.
Swimming not advised - long-term alert
These spots have a “long-term alert”, which means water quality has been “consistently poor” and swimming is not advised.
Coxs Bay, Herne Bay
Meola Creek, Point Chevalier
Oakley Creek, Mount Albert
Lynfield Cove, Lynfield
Green Bay, Greenbay
Wood Bay, Titirangi
Fosters Bay, Huia
Piha North Lagoon, Piha
What places are safe to swim at?
Essentially, everywhere else has been marked with “good water quality” at the time of writing.
That means you can enjoy the best swim spots in Auckland, such as Mathesons Bay near Leigh or Tāwharanui. Closer to the city, there’s also the North Shore gem of Kendall Bay or Karaka Bay Beach.
How do I know if a place is safe to swim?
There are several ways you can check if a place is safe to swim in.
- See up-to-date information on water quality on websites such as LAWA, Safeswim (Auckland, Northland), Greater Wellington or other council websites
- Check for signs or notices posted near swimming spots
- Assess the risk yourself: if a creek, estuary or other spot looks or smells unusual, steer clear
- Avoid swimming near possible contaminants such as water outlets, livestock or bird nesting sites
- Avoid swimming for two to three days after heavy or extended periods of rain, even if the water looks clear.
