As scorching summer temperatures prompt people to seek relief in the cool waters of swimming holes, concerns over water quality are surging due to the prevalence of E.coli contamination in many popular sites.

Part of the fun of summer is finding a swimming hole to go spend hours of enjoyment cooling off on a hot day. So, where are the best spots?

Tucked away from the bustling crowds flooding beaches, the good news is there are pristine oasis spots beckoning adventurers seeking a refreshing dip without the looming threat of bacterial contamination.

The Land Air Water Aotearoa website shows all the safe – and unsafe – swimming locations that are tested for water quality around New Zealand.

Swimming holes unsuitable for swimming in the Bay of Plenty and Coromandel include:

Ohinemuri River at Karangahake

The water at Ohinemuri River in the Karangahake Gorge was last sampled on January 24.

Usually a popular place to go swimming, this cobble/boulder substrate site is located next to State Highway 2 between Paeroa and Waihi and the banks are lined with poplar trees, with the catchment above a mixture of native forest Department of Conservation land and pasture.

Ohinemuri River in the Karangahake Gorge, looking from the stairs to the water sampling location. Photo: NIWA.

This site is monitored for 12 weeks over the summer period from the start of December to the end of February.

“It is important that you use your own judgement before getting into the water,” says a LAWA spokesperson.

“Avoid swimming for at least two to three days after heavy or prolonged rain, even for sites that usually have good water quality. Don't swim if the water is murky or smells unpleasant.”

The Land Air Water Aotearoa - LAWA - website lists all the water quality ratings, showing whether the locations are suitable for swimming or not. Image: LAWA.

Ohinemuri River at SH25 Bridge

Ecological monitoring is undertaken at this site, downstream of the bridge which is north east of Waihi.

The Ohinemuri River has a popular trout fishery and numerous walking tracks lining the river which are very popular with tourists, but unfortunately it is not safe for swimming.

Katikati: Uretara River at Henry Rd Ford

Toi te Ora Public Health have a current recreational water health warning for the Uretara River at Henry Road Ford and advise that it is an unsuitable location for swimming or other recreational contact. 

Uretara River at Henry Rd Ford is unsuitable for swimming. Photo: NIWA.

“This is because unsafe levels of faecal bacteria have been regularly recorded in water samples collected from the area and analysed by Bay of Plenty Regional Council,” says a Lawa spokesperson. 

Easy access through Katikati riverside parklands and walking trail, this popular swimming site has a small deep pool, but generally water is knee height.

Tauranga: Kopurererua Stream at McCord Ave

The Kopurererua Stream is 29km long, exits out the Tauranga Harbour and is unsuitable for swimming. 

The Kopurererua Stream - McCord Ave. Photo: LAWA.

The Kopurererua Stream passes through McCord Ave near the Judea industrial area.  This location has become an increasingly popular slalom training location amongst kayakers. 

Kaiate Stream  - Kaiate Falls

Kaiate Falls is currently an unsuitable location for swimming or other recreational contact. Toi Te Ora Public Health have a permanent health warning in place for this site due to the regular occurrence of high bacteria levels.

The Regional Council is working closely with landowners to identify and address bacteria sources. 

Kaiate Falls is unsuitable for swimming. Photo: LAWA.

Also known as Te Rerekawau Falls, Kaiate Falls are the highlight of a forest reserve near Tauranga. You can walk to a ravine where the Kaiate Stream drops over ignimbrite bluffs in a series of nine beautiful cascades.

Tracks are well-formed throughout the reserve. The main track leads to the top of the waterfall, and then to the base of the upper series of cascades. From there it crosses the stream and continues down to the base of the lower falls, where there is a swimming hole. You’ll see large puriri and kohekohe trees along the way.

Above the carpark is a picnic area where you can enjoy good views of Mount Maunganui and the Port of Tauranga.

Safe swimming spots

Safe places to swim include under the Te Rereatukahia bridge on State Highway 2 near Katikati. The water quality here was last tested on January 23 and is listed as a safe swimming hole on the LAWA website.

Te Rereatukahia bridge on State Highway 2 near Katikati is a suitable swimming spot. Photo: LAWA.

Tauranga harbour at Waimapu Bridge is listed as a suitable swimming place. Photo: LAWA.

Tuapiro Stream at McMillan Road near Katikati is also a popular and safe swimming spot over summer.

Wairoa river

A popular stop off, fishing and whitebaiting area, the Wairoa River has is good public access with parking off State Highway 2, a boat ramp, and toilet facilities. The major inflow of freshwater to Tauranga Harbour, this wide river can be brackish and turbid at times in this location near the Wairoa River Bridge.

Wairoa River. Photo: LAWA.

Activities at Wairoa River include picnicking, take a walk or join the fun just up the river at Waimarino Adventure Park.

Waimarino Adventure Park on the Wairoa River has plenty of water-themed activities to have fun with. Photo: Supplied.

While unfortunately some of the most popular places are not safe due to bacteria, the untainted swimming spots are providing a glimmer of hope for those keen to embrace the joys of summer while safeguarding their well-being.

Find a safe swimming hole on the Land Air Water Aotearoa website