Search all sites near me now
Search your favourite swimming spots

  • Why this status?

    Click here for detailed information on water quality monitoring

    The science

    Summer season monitoring

    LAWA shows the best available water quality information to help you decide where to swim.

    Special Status

    Special StatusIssued: 26 Dec 2024

    Unsuitable for swimming.

    This site has temporarily been determined as unsuitable for swimming, and we recommend people do not swim at this site.

    Gisborne's wastewater system has been flooded with intense periods of rainfall draining from residential properties.

    To prevent sewage from overflowing back into homes and onto roads and causing a significant health risk, the emergency sewer valve at Oak Street into the Taruheru River and Gladstone Road Bridge was opened into the Turanganui River at 1pm on 26 December 2024.

    The discharge is highly diluted with rainwater, but still poses a health risk. Gisborne District Council advises no swimming, fishing, or gathering shellfish in rivers and beaches until at least 5 days after the valves are closed and warning signs are removed.

    Read more: Sewer overflow | Gisborne District Council

    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 data
    Minimum 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.

     Download data

  • Patrolled

    Swim between the flags. Find out more.

    Swimmers

    Patrolled Beach

    Surf Life Saving New Zealand is protecting our community in the water. Do your part and be prepared, watch out for yourself and others, be aware of the dangers and know your limits. If in doubt, stay out.

    Patrols

    Tolaga Bay is a patrolled beach. Stay safe - swim between the flags

  • What's at this site?

    Find out all recreational activities and facilities at this site

    Activities & facilities

    Site 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
    Snorkelling
    Surfing
    Wind/Kite Surfing
    Canoeing/Kayaking
    Fishing
    Check the rules
    Walking

    Facilities

    Toilets
    Changing facilities
    Picnic area
    Camping nearby
    Car parking

How do I get there?

Tolaga Bay
Open in Maps

Latest news and stories

Upcoming events