DIP YOUR TOES IN THE WATER
New Zealanders are spoiled for choice when it comes to great swimming locations. Here are some of the best for the summer ahead, writes Stephanie Holmes
If you want to splash
It wouldn’t be a Kiwi summer without long, lazy days at the beach with the family — picnics, cricket, frisbee, and hours spent splashing in the shallows.
Our picks for the country’s best spots are:
Matapouri, Northland
It has everything you need — a playground, general store, rock pools, tennis courts, an estuary, river, boogie-boarding spots and more — without the hordes. For a family, fun-filled adventure, take a walk to the stunning Mermaid Pools, naturally-formed rock pools looking out to the Pacific Ocean where you can float the afternoon away.
Kaiteriteri, Nelson
Another family favourite, Kaiteriteri has plenty of campsites, crystalclear water, an icecream shop, a lagoon for safe swimming, paddle boarding, kayaking and minigolf. It’s also the gateway to the Abel Tasman National Park — take a boat trip to see the famous Split Apple Rock, seals basking on rocks, and get off at secluded bays to walk parts of the Abel Tasman Coast Track. Oriental Bay Beach, Wellington Although the water can be a little on the chilly side, this is a great spot on one of those “can’t beat 'em” Wellington days. It’s a lovely stroll or cycle from the city and there’s plenty of space for running around.
Caroline Bay, Canterbury
In the Timaru district, this sheltered bay is perfect for family days out. There's calm waters for splashing around in, a playground, skate park, minigolf, icecream kiosk, and nearby rose garden when you need a bit of peace and quiet.
Wenderholm Regional Park, Auckland
A 40-minute drive from central Auckland, this makes a great day trip. At the mouth of the Puhoi River, the park is surrounded by forested headlands, giving lots of shady spots and fun walks when the kids get tired of the sand. Electric and wood-fired barbecues are available, and there’s a large area of grass for picnics so you can avoid getting sand in your sandwiches.
Whangamata, Coromandel
Named the country’s best beach in our Herald reader poll last summer, Whanga is a perennial favourite with families thanks to its range of activities — kayaking, SUPing, snorkelling, fishing, nearby cafes and lots of public amenities. It’s also great for surfers, thanks to its world-class break.
Long Beach, Russell
Away from the crowds of tourists and cruise-ship visitors enjoying the delights of Kororāreka, Long Beach has calm waters and golden sands, perfect for young children. Just be aware that Donkey Bay, on the left, is an unofficial nudist beach so you might get more than you bargained for if you head off exploring.
Otarawairere, Bay of Plenty
This secluded beach is a hidden jewel close to Ohope. Only accessible on foot or by kayak, it’s a great option for swimming. Visit in early summer to see the pohutukawas in full bloom, making the idyllic backdrop even more perfect.
New Chum, Coromandel
Another hidden gem — but highly sought after by the Instagram travel crowd — New Chum has no buildings, no roads, no infrastructure, and no camping. Essentially it’s “just” a beach. But there’s nothing average about this spot of coastal paradise — the sparkling waters and white sand are fringed by native forest, and that combined with its isolation makes it a true slice of 100 per cent pure New Zealand.
Pelorus, Marlborough
For those who prefer fresh water, this scenic reserve between Blenheim and Nelson offers waterfalls, rock pools, and Middle Earth magic — it was one of the filming locations for The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug. Take a guided kayak tour, jump into the crystal-clear waters, or hike along a ridge to a 417m peak. Look out for native birds and lush native forest on the way. There’s also a campground in the reserve.
Lake Taupo
Taupo is a wonderful long weekend or holiday destination, with an abundance of activities — from jetboating to hiking, golfing to hot springs, parasailing to scenic cruises. There are also
many great freshwater swimming spots around the lake — just step in from the lakefront in town, or head further afield to Kinloch, Whakaipo Bay or Bulli Point.
Hot Water Beach, Lake Tarawera, Rotorua
Take a boat from Rotorua to get to this yearround hot pool on Lake Tarawera, or hike there; the hot water will be the perfect way to soothe sore muscles.
If you want to race
Ocean swimming events are popular and there are numerous races and series to take part in. You join fellow swimmers — from experts through to beginners — to swim a marked-out course with your times recorded as you cross the finish line. Most series allow you to dip in and out and compete in as many — or as few — swims as you like, although if you want a series medal you’ll need to compete in every event.
The big one is the NZ Ocean Swim Series, which has events at Russell in the Bay of Islands (Dec 1), Omaha Beach (Dec 15), Wellington (Jan 27), Mount Maunganui (Feb 9), Nelson (Mar 2), Rotorua (Mar 16) and Auckland Harbour (Apr 6), where for the first time participants will swim under the Harbour Bridge. oceanswim.co.nz
There are weekly events for those who want to train for the big races, or have a social swim and increase their fitness, including a number of Auckland locations.
The Takapuna Beach Series kicks off on Tuesday, October 30, running weekly until March 5, with distances ranging from 250m to 2km. beachseries.co.nz
Summer Swim Series begins on Thursday, November 1, at Kohimarama, and continues for 16 weeks. Each night you can choose from up to six distances, ranging from 250m to 2.5km. summerswim.co.nz
The Orewa Beach Series is in its third year, and has about 200 participants every week. This summer’s season begins on Sunday, November 4, then continues weekly on Thursday nights until February 28. Distances range from 250m to 2km. orewabeachseries.co.nz
The Bean Rock Swim gives competitors
the chance to swim from Mission Bay out to the Bean Rock Lighthouse, the largest navigational marker in the Waitematā Harbour. The race takes place on Saturday, February 9, with a full distance of 3.2km, or the option to swim half, 1.6km. beanrockswim.co.nz
Elsewhere in the country, Nelson’s Clements Endurance Series has four longer swims, giving swimmers the chance to test their stamina. The series starts with the Opening Splash on November 25 (2km), which is followed by the Eyebright Mile on January 6 (2km), the Haulashore Circuit on February 3 (2.8km) and the Ironman Challenge on February 17 (3.8km). nelsonseaswims.co.nz Whanganui is host city for the 2019 Masters Games and swimmers aged 20 and older can compete in a 2km open water race on February 7. nzmg.com The ninth annual Napier Port Ocean Swim takes place on February 16, with distances from 200m to 2.5km. napieroceanswim.co.nz
For those more into lake swimming, choose from the Open Water Championship in Northland’s Kai Iwi Lakes (Dec 15), Epic Swim Taupo (Jan 12-13), Rotorua’s Blue Lake Multisport Festival (Jan 26-27), The Ruby Wanaka (Jan 26), and the Lake Taupo Across the Lake Swim (Feb 23).
The 5 Bridges River Swim begins at Hamilton Gardens, taking swimmers along the Waikato River, finishing at
Ann St Park. The distance is 7.1km, but the river’s current gives a helping hand, making it the equivalent of a 3km swim. Go with the flow on March 10. facebook. com/5BridgesWaikato
There are many more weekly and one-off events over summer — for a full list, and details on how to enter, see oceanswims.nz, or track down your local swimming club to see what they’ve got planned.