Herald lists the best off-grid spots to swim this summer.
When summer heats up in New Zealand, there’s no better way to cool off than one of the best swimming spots. From crystal-clear rivers and hidden swimming holes to picturesque beaches, these refreshing escapes are perfect for beating the heat while soaking in stunning scenery.
From Northland to Canterbury, here are some must-visit swimming spots to cool off and make the most of the sunny season.
Northland really does have more than its fair share of stunning beaches and swimming holes along and between its two coasts; some are wild and windswept, others golden and gentle, a few are crowded yet many are private.
As Northland boasts an abundant supply of swimming spots, it is better to restrict ourselves to six idyllic yet uniquely different places you can venture to for a summer swim.
The Piroa Falls, located along the Ahuroa River in Waipu, offer a refreshing break from the beaches. Only a 10-minute drive off SH1 and through the rugged Waipu Gorge, the misty Falls have plenty of pools to jump into. Even on a busy day, you’ll be able to find jumping spots along the Ahuroa River.
Charlie’s Rock, a swimming hole in Kerikeri, was once a local secret that gained a public access track in 2010. Despite promising a waterfall tumbling over cool rock formations, Charlie’s Rock is often overshadowed by its grander neighbour, Rainbow Falls. You can take your pick between one of the two, but don’t expect to have either place to yourself. The locals still make great use of both of these swimming holes.
Picture-perfect Maitai Bay offers a sheltered retreat near the top of the country on the Karikari Peninsula. You’ll be chasing the equator by heading to the Bay (and distancing yourself from the crowds of Auckland). So despite being roughly a four-hour and 30-minute drive from the big city, you can take comfort in knowing things are a lot more serene up north.
If you’ve already exhausted these options, you can try the crystal-clear dune lakes at Kai Iwi on the western Kauri Coast, just north of Dargaville. Or, drive to the eastern coast of Northland and visit Whale Bay on the Tutukaka Coast, a stunning, hidden, sheltered family beach near Matapouri.
Not knocking Mission Bay, Narrow Neck or Piha, but they are very well-known and get crowded whenever the sun is shining. Let’s explore some of Auckland’s alternative swimming spots.
In the north, Mathesons Bay next to the town of Leigh is a stunning and safe beach, sheltered by its reef and island. Tāwharanui is a 20-minute drive away yet sharply contrasts with its white-sand beaches, wildlife, and awesome rock pools. If you’d rather not head too far out of the city though, Kendall Bay is a sandy, shelly, calm gem on the North Shore that feels almost untouched by the city.
Out west, if you’re after black sand and surf, head to Muriwai Beach. Be careful of rips, protect your feet from the scorching sand, and check out the gannets while you’re at it. Less well-known is Lake Wainamu, a freshwater swimming mecca that sits behind vast dunes near the grand Te Henga Beach (also worth a visit).
Looking south-west from the city, tranquil Kauritūtahi Beach on Āwhitu Peninsula is our pick. It is quiet, calm, and in pristine condition due to its location, tucked inside Manukau Harbour.
If you’re east, head to Maraetai to stroll or snatch Vitamin D. Or further south, fish, rock-hop or swim at family-friendly Mātaitai Bay.
And don’t overlook the Hauraki Gulf: travel to Ladies Bay on Rotoroa Island or Little Oneroa on Waiheke Island by hopping on a ferry from downtown Auckland.
The Coromandel is your quintessential summer getaway spot, and for plenty of good reasons. The peninsula is dotted with scenic beaches and has a tropical, laid-back vibe that tricks you into thinking that you’re on a Pacific island far away from Aotearoa.
But as a coastal-bound region that would take weeks to explore at the very least, we’ve narrowed down some of the best beaches to choose from so you can find your ‘Coro’ base and go from there.
Trailing near the tip of the peninsula is the even smaller Kūaotunu peninsula. This part of the Coromandel is home to several beaches that are nationally renowned. Otama Beach is a sheltered, white sand beach with a famous swing that many come to take snaps on. Further along, Opito Bay flaunts a more rugged coast that feels isolated yet unspoiled.
Heading further along the eastern coast, there is the purpose-built resort town Matarangi which is perfect for families. Endowed with a 4.5km-long beach, an 18-hole golf course, nine tennis courts, and numerous other recreational facilities, it’s the perfect place to set up shop with your family for the summer.
A few more honourable mentions include the grand Pauanui Beach, another resort town developed in the 1960s with red-coloured roads and boat-filled waterways, and its neighbour across the estuary, Tairua. Whangamatā is extremely popular with Aucklanders and North Islanders alike, but if you’re looking for a quiet getaway, it should probably be avoided. The town swells from 4,500 to 25,000 during the holiday season.
Yes, we’ve only suggested beaches for this region so far. The Coromandel is famous for them, so sue me. Never fear though; we have some freshwater spots to share that you may or may not have stumbled across.
If you’re travelling along the 309 Road during your sun-soaked trip, there are at least three swimming holes dotted along the side. It is easy to tuck your car on the side of the road and head down for a dip at spots along the Waiau River like the Waiau Falls. Or if you’re staying on the lower East Coast, you can stop at swimming holes like Frog Rock that are dotted along the dirt-laden Puketai Valley Road in the Tairua River. Or on your way into Pauanui, you can take the 20-minute walk to the Tangiteroria Stream Waterfall, a personal favourite that brings back plenty of childhood summer memories.
Don’t let the local rugby team’s nickname – the Mako – put you off. If your idea of heaven includes any activity involving H20, you’ll find it here.
Marlborough has the Sounds, three drowned valleys of serene water, secluded bays and coves surrounded by bush-clad ranges; Nelson has kilometres of golden-sand beaches, from city escapes to the treasures of its national parks.
The best way to see the Sounds is a day cruise on the Pelorus Mail Boat which has delivered mail, groceries and supplies to isolated homesteads for almost a century.
Tāhunanui Beach, near Nelson’s city centre, is a beautiful, safe and family-friendly beach; not too far away are the cafes and galleries of Mapua Wharf.
In Abel Tasman National Park, Kaiteriteri is modestly known as “New Zealand’s premier outdoor recreation destination”. Nearby Cleopatra’s Pool is nestled among forest with a natural moss waterslide and canyoning adventures.
Wainui Falls is a popular swimming hole and the Riwaka Resurgence Spring claims healing properties.
Punting – or more recently waka ama – on the Avon doesn’t really rate here. North of the city, Motunau/Gore Bay and lakes Sumner and Taylor in the Hurunui region are get-away-from-the-crowd options. And you won’t have to look too far to find a quiet cove around Banks Peninsula.
Avoid Akaroa - seek out Charteris Bay or Diamond Harbour. South, an exiled Timaruvian insists we mention Caroline Bay. We’ve done it.
A version of this story by Ewan McDonald was first published in the Herald on October 27, 2020.
The trendy spot is just six minutes from the Waikiki beach.