Find the best places to swim during the summer months for around 880 beach, river and lake sites throughout Aotearoa New Zealand.
Water quality monitoring programmes run from November to March for most regions. Predicted water quality results from the Northland, Auckland and Wellington regions are available year-round.
Want to dig a little deeper? Select a site to see the water quality test history, available facilities, how to get to there, and to find out more about recreational water quality monitoring in New Zealand. Desktop users use the interactive map to explore swimming sites.
LAWA is the most comprehensive and up-to-date source of recreational water quality information for New Zealand. LAWA provides this information so you can use it as a guide to decide where and when to swim. Please note that water quality monitoring results are representative at the time of sampling. Water quality can change over time, especially during periods of significant rain or from unexpected pollution events. If you are unsure, please check with the relevant council or choose another site to swim. Water quality results from weekly monitoring are not intended to provide a guide on suitability for swimming outside the recreational bathing season (around November to March for most regions). LAWA takes no responsibility for the accuracy of information presented, and accepts no liability for actions taken of others based on this information.
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