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Why this status?
Click here for detailed information on water quality monitoring
The scienceWater 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
4:45 pm todayThe 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 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.
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Patrolled
Swim between the flags. Find out more.
SwimmersPatrolled 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
Ahipara Beach is a patrolled beach. Stay safe - swim between the flags
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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
Snorkelling
Surfing
Wind/Kite Surfing
Canoeing/Kayaking
Dog walking
To find out when and where you can exercise your dog please refer to your local authority.
Fishing
Check the rulesBoating
Cars allowed on beach
4WD recommended. Best at low tide.
Walking
Facilities
Toilets
Food and beverages nearby
Camping nearby
Car parking
Ahipara Beach
Kaka Street
Predicted water quality
4:45 pm today
Current status
Ahipara Beach is a popular West Coast surfing, swimming and fishing spot at the southern end of Ninety Mile Beach. There is a parking area at the end of Kaka Street and you can drive down onto the beach at low tide.
