-
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. For many sites there are two types of information available, the weekly sampling result and the long-term grade.
Water quality test result
Current Enterococci statusLast sampled 18 Dec 2024The weekly sampling result is a snapshot in time, and is a guide to the recent water quality at this site.
Long-term grade
Long-term Enterococci grade5 year samplingLong-term grade is important to consider. Based on 5 years of data, it is a guide to the general water quality at this site.
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
- 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.
-
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.
-
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
Swimming
You can swim in tidal pools and designated swimming areas when not in flood.
Surfing
Canoeing/Kayaking
Fishing
Check the rulesBoating
Walking
Whakatāne Riverside Trail
Other activities
Newly created children's area with an open pool, fountains and an upgraded playground. There is also a beautiful walking track along the Whakatāne River bank.
Facilities
Toilets
Changing facilities
Picnic area
BBQ area
Playground nearby
Camping nearby
Boat ramp nearby
Car parking
Public transport
Other facilities
Toilets and playground at Wairaka Park.
Whakatāne Heads
River mouth boat ramp
Last sampled 18 Dec 2024
Swimming near the high traffic Whakatāne boat ramp and wharf is not safe and should be avoided. Whakatāne District Council has invested in a designated bombing platform and a dedicated area that is cordoned off for swimming to encourage swimming away from the boat ramp area. This monitoring site is on the ocean side of the boat ramp, at the mouth of the Whakatāne River, next to Wairaka Park which offers family-friendly facilities including a playground, toilet, picnic tables and a children’s swimming area separated from the main river by a rock wall. The opposite (Piripai) side of the river shows off Whakatāne’s famous landmark, the Statue of Wairaka. Please check conditions before heading out on boat as bar crossing by boat can be difficult.
