Auckland Council shares what goes on behind the scenes with SafeSwim. Video / Safeswim
As we head into summer, Kiwis everywhere will be pulling out their swimwear and scouting for the perfect beach to soak up the sun and splash in the water.
It’s just as crucial to know where not to take a dip. As beautiful as they look, Aotearoa’s beaches, lakes andcreeks can contain wastewater. This isn’t because swimmers can’t be bothered using the toilet but because sewage can overflow from manholes, pump stations or gully traps due to floods, landslides or pipe damage.
For a summer of poo-free swims, we are sharing spots to avoid in Auckland and Northland and advice for regions countrywide.
Mechanics Bay has been assigned a black flag due to wastewater overflow. Photo / Safeswim
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.
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.
