The Best New Zealand Beaches, Lakes and Rivers for Summer Swimming.

1) Pelorus Bridge Scenic Reserve - Marlborough

This wild river is famous for its magnificent swimming, crystal clear water with its many bolder clad gorges. It is also classified as one of the cleanest and purest water sources - drink a cupful and you’ll surely agree. The Pelorus Bridge Scenic Reserve offers visitors the opportunity to relax and enjoy refreshing native forest and wild river scenery, it is also considered one of the most accessible examples of virgin native forest in the Marlborough area with a mix of beech and podocarp growing in the river valley. The river was also used as a film location for The Hobbit trilogy in the movie ‘The Desolation of Smaug’.

Getting There: The Pelorus River is at the northern end of the South Island in the Marlborough region located approximately midway between Blenheim and Nelson where State Highway 6 crosses the Pelorus River at Pelorus Bridge Scenic Reserve.

Cost: Visiting the river is free

Don’t jump off the Bridge: 15 meters (49 feet) above the Pelorus River the Pelorus Bridge overlooks the Pelorus river, it is hard to judge just how deep the water is at any given time and unfortunately, there have been instances of broken arms, legs, and ribs with some fatalities – no thanks!

Kayak on the Pelorus River: Embark on the Hobbit Kayak Tour, a unique adventure on New Zealand’s stunning Pelorus River. Paddle where The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug was filmed, enjoying breathtaking views. Suitable for all ages, this memorable experience will surely be a highlight of your journey.

Link to tour that incorporate the Pelorus River

2) Charlie's Rock and Pools – Kerikeri, Bay of Islands, Northland

Charlie's Rock is located on the Waipapa River and is a fun picturesque swimming hole located in the far north town of Kerikeri. The cliffs surrounding the main pool range from 4 meters (13 feet) to 12 meters (40 feet), with the waterfall flowing in at a 4-5 meters (13 to 14 feet) point and the depth of the water is unknown, but it is deep. In mid-summer (January / February) the water spilling over the waterfall is warm and builds up a 2 meter (7 feet) warm layer in the main pool.

Cost: Visiting Charlie's Rock and Pools is free.

Safety: If you are planning on jumping off the cliff into the water, follow the lead of the locals as they know the safest places to jump from.

Getting There: From the town of Kerikeri there is a 500-meter (1640 feet) public walkway to the swimming hole starts at Cherry Park House and follows the boundary of the Kerikeri Croquet Club before dropping down to the riverbank. It is reached by walking through the kiwi fruit orchards and is about a 15-minute  walk.

Link to a tour that incorporate the Bay of Islands

3) Kerosine Creek – Central North Island

Kerosine Creek is a beautiful hot stream with a waterfall right in the middle of lush native bush, thousands of little bubbles are forced down a rock face (waterfall) and jet up to the surface causing a natural spa. The creek runs over an old lava flow and heats, and here you can relax under the warm waterfalls in two naturally-heated pools.

Getting there: Drive south along the highway towards Taupo from Rotorua and approximately 30 kilometers (18 Miles) south of Rotorua (just south of Lake Rotowhero) turn into the Old Waiotapu Road, just after the Rainbow Mountain. Drive down the road about 2.2 kilometers (1.3 Miles), where there is a strip of grass and you will see a path leading downstream, take the walk to the hot springs.

Cost: Visiting Kerosine Creek is free

What is the Temperature of Kerosene Creek? Kerosene Creek, a natural hot spring near Rotorua, is heated by thermal water rising from underground, making it both warm and mineral-rich. The water temperature typically ranges from 35°C to 38°C (95°F to 98°F).

Safety: The water levels and temperature change daily, especially during and after rain, always check water temperatures before entering. It is advised not to submerge your head.

Nearby Attraction Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland: Waiotapu, located 27 kilometers south of Rotorua in New Zealand’s Taupo Volcanic Zone, is an active geothermal wonderland at the southern edge of the Okataina Volcanic Centre near the Reporoa Caldera. It’s home to the iconic Lady Knox Geyser, which erupts daily, adding to the area’s natural charm and geothermal marvels.

Link to self-drive tour that visits Rotorua

4) Whale Bay, Tutukaka Coast, Northland

The Tutukaka Coast sits on the east coast of the North Islands Northland and has been amazing tourists for decades and recently was included in a list of the most beautiful coastlines in the world. The coast's best-kept secret is Whale Bay, a beautiful, white sandy, native bush-fringed cove only accessible by a short walk through groves of ancient Puriri and native Kowhai trees. The walk keeps the bay remote and often you may find yourselves the only folk there. Pohutukawa boughs reach down over the sand making for a great place to shade or even to sit as you take in the tranquil west-facing beach.  Early Maori used Whale Bay during their whale hunting expeditions because of the calm waters. This bay and the bush-walk is one of the best examples of beautiful New Zealand coastal scenery.

Getting There: Taking the coastal road North from the township of Tutukaka, Whale Bay is only a 5-minute drive past the small township Matapouri.

Cost: Visiting Whale Bay is free.

Features: Coastal, Dogs prohibited, Shaded areas, Toilets, Walks - paved

Nearby Attraction: Diving and Snorkeling at the Poor Knights Islands / Tawhiti Rahi -  Located off the Tutukākā Coast, the Poor Knights Islands are renowned for their exceptional underwater diving and snorkeling experiences. Set out on a charter dive boat from Tutukākā Harbour, just 30 kilometers from Whangārei, and explore this breathtaking marine wonderland.

Link to self-drive tour that visits Tutukaka

5) Cleopatra's Pool – Abel Tasman National Park

Fit for a Queen – seriously! The aptly named Cleopatra's Pool is a beautifully water-worn swimming hole surrounded by large, impossibly shaped boulders. The pools feature a natural water-slide worn smooth by the gentle fall of water over hundreds of thousands of years - and if that wasn’t tempting enough, a silky fine layer of moss ensures a friction free ride all the way to the bottom. This pool is a must for anyone walking the Abel Tasman Coastal Track or cruising into the bays for a picnic. This is by far one of the best New Zealand Beaches.

Getting There: Halfway between Torrent Bay and Anchorage in the Abel Tasman National Park, is the Torrent River - A 20 minutes upriver walk or (depending on the tide) kayak will have you there.

Summer Water Temp: 18C (65F) Average

Cost: Visiting Abel Tasman National Park is free 

6) Long Beach (Oneroa) – Bay of Islands

The historical township of Russell in the far norths Bay of Islands is a popular place for those wishing to escape the maddening crowds of Paihia, Russell’s main beach, Kororareka Bay, is a great place for a dip but locals and visitors in the know, prefer to walk over the hill to Long Beach (Oneroa Bay) A scenic 20-minute walk from Russell will have you staring at an expansive area of golden sand with safe, sheltered all-tide swimming beach. The northeast facing the beach commands great views across bay to beautiful Roberton Island, Cape Brett peninsular and out to open sea. At the northern end of the beach you can hop over the rocks to Donkey Bay, rip off your kit without offending anyone and enjoy one of the few of naturist beaches in New Zealand.

Getting There:  The Long Beach walkway is a paved off-road footpath from the York St. and Wellington St. intersection found in the small town of Russell, this 20 minute walk will take you to just above the Long Beach waterfront.

7) Te Rata Bay Hot Springs – Lake Tarawera

Lake Tarawera is the largest of a series of stunning lakes, which surround a majestic volcano with the same namesake.  On the very southern arm of Lake Tarawera there is a secluded beach, (boat access only – a water taxi is available) where a series of thermal springs gently rise through the lake-bed warming the water and creating steam shrouded cliffs. Here you can swim or soak in a natural thermal rock pools and picnic on this secluded and beautiful part of New Zealand. (a constant 38°C/100°F) – it is a wonderful way to relax and unwind.

Getting there: Lake Tarawera is located 18 kilometers (18 Miles) to the east of Rotorua (North Island) and five kilometers (5 miles) from Mt Tarawera. A 15-minute water taxi is required to get to the secluded beach.

8) Hot Water Beach – Coromandel Peninsula

With a spade and a small amount of effort, a couple of hours either side of high tide, provides you with your own geothermal heated spa pool. This natural upwelling of geothermal water rising from deep below the sand combined with one of the worlds most beautiful beaches makes Hot Water Beach one of the most famous New Zealand natural springs.

Getting there: Along New Zealand’s Pacific coast and just south of Mercury Bay at the northeast tip of the Coromandel Peninsula in the North Island. It is up the coast from the popular beaches of Pauanui and Tairua.

Safety: The hot springs are located not far from the sea so even at low tide you can get caught unaware by the large breaking waves. The Beach is also known for its dangerous rip currents and signs at the beach advise swimmers not to swim within 50 meters either side of the off-shore rocks (opposite the springs).

Whichever beach tickles your fancy – you will have zero regrets!

All of our self drive trips hit the coastline at some point - mention your favourites and our dedicated team of Travel Designers will make sure they are included on your route. They will  listen to your dream-trip must-do's and build an itinerary that's tailor-made to your desires.