Warm months across New Zealand mean swimming beach stops, visits to the lake, rivers and quiet coves. New Zealand offers some of the most beautiful swimming beaches and spots in the world, and you won’t want to miss them on your next visit. From the North Island to the South Island, you’ll find sheltered bays, crystal clear alpine water, meandering rivers and quiet coastlines. Summer road trips are the perfect time to explore the best swimming spots in NZ that go beyond the city. At Mode Rentals, we support flexible travel between regions, letting you easily see all the different and best swimming spots in New Zealand without any hassle. Find out some of our favourite places to swim in NZ during summer and start planning your next summer journey, whatever your mode.
Maitai Bay, Northland
Maitai Bay sits in Northland and offers clear water, sandy bays and beach forest surrounding the area. Maitai Bay is often regarded as one of the prettiest beaches in Northland and is definitely one to add to the list if you are heading up North for the summer time. Maitai Bay is accessible via a long road, so having the right car to explore these areas is essential to ensure maximum fun. There are parking areas that sit above the beach with short walks down to the water. Maitai Bay is a great place to swim in the summer, and generally the water will stay pretty calm.
Cathedral Cove, Coromandel
Cathedral Cove remains a classic swimming beach for calm days along Coromandel's coast. Cathedral Cove is home to the iconic hole in the rock formation and clear blue water. You can access this beach via a walking track that begins near Hahei and takes around forty minutes each way. Alternatively, you can also reach the beach via water taxi or kayak. You can find parking options near the walking tracks entrance. Water at Cathedral Cove stays clear and calm during the summer months and is one of the best beaches to swim at in New Zealand. Facilities remain limited at the beach, so make sure you bring some supplies for a full day of beach fun at Cathedral Cove. Cathedral Cove is situated near many other stunning Coromandel beaches such as Hot Water Beach and Crayfish Bay, making the Coromandel ideal for a multi-day swimming loop. So what are you waiting for?
Crayfish Bay, Coromandel
Psst, here's a little secret for ya: Crayfish Bay remains a lesser-known swimming spot in the Coromandel compared with nearby hotspots, but it is one of our favourites and arguably one of the prettiest beaches in the Coromandel. To access Crayfish Bay, you'll need to walk from a nearby parking area at Opito Bay and walk along a coastal track and down towards the water. Around 1km in length, the walk is fairly short. The water at Crayfish Bay can be extremely vibrant and blue, and makes for a beautiful spot for swimming, especially at high tide. There are even some spots for jumping off the rocks and into the water, but make sure you check the water depth and clarity before jumping in. Stopping in for a swim at Crayfish Bay is perfect when you're taking a road trip around the Coromandel or visiting areas such as Cathedral Cove, Hahei and Opito Bay, so be sure to add this gem to your list.
Tāwharanui Regional Park, Auckland
Tāwharanui Regional Park is one of the most beautiful places to swim in Auckland. You'll find protected beach swimming areas that are easily accessible from the city. The water at Tāwharanui is generally calm during the summertime, making it perfect for a full day at the beach and lots of swimming. The main beach stretches out fairly long, so there is plenty of space to set up for the day. There are facilities next to the beach, including toilets, picnic tables and walking tracks. Tāwharanui is also close to other iconic beaches and areas like Matakana, Omaha and Pakiri, ideal for a coastal swim circuit or weekend road trip. With a protected marine area just off shore, the ocean life can be stunning here, so throw in your snorkeling gear for maximum enjoyment when planning your trip.
Ōhope Beach, Bay of Plenty
Ōhope Beach stretches long and wide, offering space for relaxed swimming away from busy centres and is a great place for a family day out at the beach. Multiple access points allow you to choose a quieter section of the beach if that's what you're looking for. There is parking near residential streets and reserves. The water temperature at Ohope Beach warms up pretty fast compared to South Island swimming spots, so it's easy to spend a day in and out of the ocean with the whole whanau (family).
Lake Tarawera, Rotorua
Lake Tarawera offers sheltered swimming near lakeside shores that are covered in native bush. Lake Tarawera sits close to Rotorua and is the perfect place for a day trip if you are visiting the area. The water at Lake Tarawera stays clear and calm during the summer, and you'll often find extremely smooth conditions that are perfect for swimming or paddleboarding in the summer. As a lake, the water can still be cold during summer, but you'll feel great after a dip on a hot summer's day. Facilities include toilets at the main reserves, and the mountain views are something extra special.
Wainui Beach, Gisborne
Wainui Beach stretches north of Gisborne, offering space and beautiful beach backdrops. Wainui Beach is an iconic spot in Gisborne, and it is a must-visit if you are exploring this area of the East Cape. Wainui Beach is slightly wilder than some of the others on the list, but it still makes for a great beach day and place to swim. Wainui Beach stretches far, so there is plenty of room to find a space to set up for the day, but it can get busy during peak summer periods. You'll often find some good waves at Wainui Beach that make for a fun swim, boogie boarding, and even surfing. Be sure to check out the beach conditions and swim between the flags if they are up to ensure a safe beach day and swim.
Pelorus Bridge, Tasman
Pelorus Bridge sits between Havelock and Nelson, a swimming river surrounded by native forest, unique rocks, and plenty of spots to jump in for a swim. The iconic Pelorus Bridge sits on top of the river and provides lovely views of the river. The water is extremely clear and refreshing to swim in during the summertime. You can find parking areas right next to the Pelorus Bridge with short walkways down to the river. As Pelorus sits next to a camping and walkway area, you'll find public bathrooms, picnic tables and a cafe right next to the river. Popping in for a swim at Pelorus is perfect if you're travelling across to the South Island from Wellington or looking to also explore the surrounding areas of Havelock, Kenepuru Sound, and Marlborough Sounds.
Abel Tasman coastline, Nelson Tasman
The Abel Tasman coastline offers multiple swimming spots rather than one fixed location. Bays such as Anchorage, Te Pukatea, Coquille Bay, Split Apple Rock, Kaiteriteri and Medlands are some of our favourite swimming spots across the Abel Tasman region. At each of these beaches, you'll find stunning golden sand and clear turquoise water unlike any other. Access options include short walks from Marahau or Kaiteriteri, water taxi drop-offs, or kayaking routes that also connect the beaches if you don't feel like walking.
Lake Tekapo shoreline, Mackenzie
Lake Tekapo provides freshwater swimming with open space and stunning mountain views. The Lake Tekapo shoreline access sits close to town, with parking near the lakeside reserves and lots of picnic areas. Lake Teakpo is known for its iconic turquoise water, which is something you won't find anywhere else. This water comes directly from the Southern Alps, so it stays cold even during the summer. Even with the cold water, swimming in Lake Tekapo is refreshing and a unique experience to swim in such a beautiful lake with mountains behind you. Why not add a sauna experience to your cold water immersion therapy? There are plenty of options as well as a scenic drive that connects Lake Tekapo to the just as stunning Lake Pukaki and Lake Alexandrina, if you want to spend the day lake hopping in scenic locations.
Lake Wakatipu, Queenstown
Lake Wakatipu offers several swim points rather than a single beach. Queenstown Bay, Sunshine Bay, and Frankton Arm provide accessible entry with nearby parking. Lake Wakatipu is the main lake found in Queenstown, and you can enjoy stunning mountain views right next to your chosen bay, which is close enough to town for you to go and enjoy a coffee or meal post swim. Lake Wakatipu's water primarily comes from glacial rivers, so the water will remain cold year-round, perfect for cooling down and feeling refreshed in the summer heat or after your high adrenaline activity. Calm mornings create better swimming conditions before boat traffic increases. Facilities vary by location, with toilets near central bays. Most swimming areas sit close to the main Queenstown centre with parking options nearby. Adding a swim at Lake Wakatipu to your itinerary is perfect when you're exploring Queenstown, Glenorchy, Wanaka or Arrowtown, making for a great South Island road trip, whatever your mode.
Best Way to See New Zealand Swimming Spots
A road trip, whether over a few days or just a one-day journey, is the best way to explore some of the best places to swim in NZ during summer. Exploring New Zealand's swimming spots by car allows you the freedom to adjust plans around the weather, tides and how long you want to stay at a certain spot. Mode Rentals vehicles support access to swimming beaches and lakes across New Zealand, so you can experience some of the most beautiful swimming areas Aotearoa has to offer. Whether exploring beaches in the North Island or lakes in the South Island, you have the flexibility to pick up a rental car from one of New Zealand's major cities and set out to explore some of the most beautiful swimming spots. Explore rental vehicle options and start planning your next visit to our favourite swimming beaches and lakes in New Zealand with Mode Rentals.
New Zealand Swimming Spot FAQs
What are the most beautiful places to swim in New Zealand?
New Zealand is home to many beautiful places to swim. Depending on whether you prefer the beach or a lake, Cathedral Cove, the Abel Tasman, Maitai Bay and Lake Tekapo rank as some of the most beautiful places to swim in New Zealand. Exploring these areas during the summer is the perfect time to enjoy a full day in the water.
Where is the clearest water in New Zealand?
There are a number of swimming spots in New Zealand that have arguably the clearest water. Beaches like Abel Tasman or Maitai Bay, or lakes like Lake Wakatipu and Lake Tekapo, or rivers like the Pelorus River are often considered to have some of the clearest waters in New Zealand.
Where is the best beach in New Zealand?
No single beach suits everyone. Ōhope offers warm water, Cathedral Cove has iconic scenery, Tāwharanui offers protected swimming areas that are perfect for family days out, and the Abel Tasman has some of the most beautiful swimming water and golden sands. The best beach in New Zealand depends on your preferences; with many options to choose from, you can easily find the right spot.
Is it safe to swim in New Zealand?
It is generally safe to swim in New Zealand at most beaches, lakes and rivers. However, make sure you check the conditions and tides before swimming. For wilder beaches with stronger currents, make sure you follow any patrol instructions and swim between the flags.
