Summer Feels: Why not cool off while chasing waterfalls!
When the sun is shining and you need to cool off there's nothing like packing the car with your mates and family and heading out to your go-to swimming spot. Whether you're a salt water beach swimmer or you prefer the cool natural waters of the river, swimming hole or lake, our beautiful country has loads of swim spots you may or may not know about. So keep cool this summer and try something new.. shhhh here our New Zealand's top secret swimming spots for you to try out.
Do you have a secret swimming spot you love? Why not share your love for it on Localist?
Hunua Falls, Hunua
Just 60km from Auckland's CBD is one of the South's most beautiful, picturesque places - the powerful and picture-perfect Hunua Falls. One of the many fantastic natural phenomena in the gorgeous Hunua Ranges that flank the south of the city, these falls are very easy to get to and there is picnic and toilet facilities near by. To get the best view of the rushing white water cascading down the rock face, it's worth setting aside an extra half-hour and taking in the vista of the falls and surrounding native forest from all angles. The track is well sign-posted from the car park near the falls.
Tata Beach, Golden Bay
Tata Beach is my favourite Golden Bay beach - it’s reasonably sheltered, has lovely golden sand and if you are feeling adventurous you can kayak or paddle board out to the Tata Islands a little way off shore. And when the tide is high its lovely to swim or paddle around the rocks at the western end of the beach - look out for seals - and round into the tidal inlet behind. Perfect holiday beach.
Kitekite Falls, Piha
I love this walk so much. Not only is it pretty easy going, but the view and the swim at the the base of the falls at the end of the walk is absolutely phenomenal, as is the scenery as you walk. It's only 1.8km, so it's not hard going, but it's still so nice to get out in nature and explore a bit.
Old Cement Works, Warkworth
This place has got to be one of the best kept secrets in the area. Not only is it damn picturesque but the fun to be had jumping off the banks and from the trees is well worth the trip out there. Bring a picnic and make a day of it, you'll find yourself craving a revisit on the next super sunny day.
Kauaeranga River, Coromandel
Ace swim spot. You can get down to the river all along the valley. Popular points are Hoffman's Pool and there's a sandy bank down river from the Shag Stream Campground. Beautiful fresh water to cool off in after a long summer day.
Kaiate Falls, Welcome Bay
These are spectacular bush-clad falls in Welcome Bay not far from the city. The 50-metre drop cascades into a deep swimming hole, fantastic on a hot day. There’s places to bomb off and a walking track makes the climb to the top more accessible with good views back to Mount Maunganui.
Mt Damper Falls, Taranaki
This waterfall is very close to the border of the Manawatu-Whanganui region, but luckily Taranaki has managed to snag this beauty! I believe it’s one of the tallest waterfalls in the North Island at 74 metres high, and it’s also been put on New Zealands must see waterfall list, so it is definitely worth the trip! The walking track to get to the waterfall is about a 40 minute easy walk on a gravel road with plenty of interesting foliage on the way!
Maraetotara Falls, Havelock North
A swimmable, jumpable, hidden oasis and just the right place to beat the heat. Peaceful Maraetotara Falls is a short shady 10 minute walk along a cascading stream from the carpark and a short drive from Havelock North. Of special interest is the limestone geology and remnants of the historic Havelock North hydro-electric power station, built in 1922.
Telecom River Hole, New Plymouth
One of the best things about this river hole is the different areas where you can challenge your friends to see who can make the biggest splash! There’s a few different points along the rock face where you can jump off from, providing such a thrill on the way down! You could literally spend a whole day here and never get bored, with the cliff jumping, and swimming, to age old handstand competitions and all day picnicking, it’s hard to believe many people haven’t been here!
Rocks Road Swimming Spot, Nelson
This isn’t really a beach but well worth knowing about . Park at the Basin Car park on Rocks Road and walk along the road towards Tahunanui until you see a ladder down to the rocks below. At high tide you can swim straight off the rocks in to the sea and wave at the cars going by on Rocks Road. A very Nelson thing to do, especially on a warm evening.
Crooked River, Lake Brunner
I love Crooked River! This beautiful and erratic river runs from the Southern Alps, through Brunner on the West Coast. Excellent for fly fishing as well as swimming, you’ll find many great places to take a dip along its path.
Camp Wainui, Wellington
Camp Wainui is a real treasure. Tucked in a valley of native bush, full of birdlife, it feels like a true escape. The lagoon is the perfect size for an afternoon paddle, and safe enough for the kids to swim while the adults enjoy the nearby picnic facilities! The adventure playgrounds are also a great time.
Waikaia Domain Motor Camp, Waikaia
Not just a motor camp, but the secret location of an amazing swimming hole! I love Waikaia Domain Motor Camp for the nearby river (and of course, swimming hole!), and the beautiful setting under the trees - this spot rules for a picnic or camping ground!
Bucklands Crossing, Dunedin
A local favourite, I love Bucklands Crossing because it is a great little secret swimming spot. There’s loads of fantastic grassy areas for picnicking and playing sport. The best part of Bucklands is the slow moving river with rope swing!
Paparoa National Park, West Coast
This national park has an amazing limestone river canyon. Located in amongst the 30,000 hectare Paparoa National Park, the river canyon is family friendly and the best spot for swimming!
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