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  • Why this status?

    Click here for detailed information on water quality monitoring

    The science

    Water quality information

    LAWA shows the best available water quality information to help you decide where to swim. The water quality of swimming sites in the Northland region is determined by predictive models and water quality monitoring.

    Predicted risk status

    Current Enterococci statusPredicted water quality
    1:00 pm today

    The predicted result is checked every 15 minutes so you can see the current water quality status for 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.

    What do the icons mean?

    Suitable for swimming – The current prediction is that the water quality meets national guideines for swimming and there is a low risk of illness. The monitored water quality result met national guidelines at the time of testing.
    Caution advised – The monitored water quality test result is slightly elevated. Water quality at the time of testing was generally suitable for swimming, but young children, elderly or those with compromised health may be at increased risk of illness.
    Unsuitable for swimming – The current prediction is that the water quality does not meet national guidelines for swimming and there is a high risk of illness. The monitored water quality result did not meet national guidelines at the time of testing.
    Not available – Data temporarily unavailable.

    Summer season monitoring history

    The water quality monitoring results are shown in the graph below. Here, you can see how often this site met swimming water quality guidelines at the time of sampling. The latest monitoring result may differ from the predicted water quality result, as the predictions take into account factors such as forecasted rainfall to provide an indication of current conditions.

    • Samples this season
    • Samples from last 5 years
    Enterococci sampling graph
    • View as graph
    • View as donut

    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

  • Unpatrolled

    Stay safe - never swim or surf alone. Find out more.

    Swimmers

    Unpatrolled 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 & 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
    Canoeing/Kayaking
    Dog walking

    There are rules about dogs in Whananaki area. To find out when and where you can exercise your dog please refer to your local authority:

    View exercise areas

    Fishing

    Fishing for small fish such as sprats is common at the wharf at the end of Wharf Road at high tide. 

    With access by boat, kahawai and kingfish are often present at the harbour entrance.

    Check the rules
    Boating
    Cars allowed on beach

    Vehicle access is at low tide and is mostly used to launch boats.

    Walking

    Facilities

    Toilets
    Picnic area
    Food and beverages nearby
    Camping nearby

    Camping is at the Whananaki campground behind the shops as you drive in to Whananaki, or at nearby Otamure Bay (administered by the Department of Conservation).

    Car parking

How do I get there?

Whananaki Estuary
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