Are New Zealand waters safe to swim in?


Are New Zealand waters safe to swim in? Like our beaches, NZ's rivers and lakes have their own set of dangers, but they aren't patrolled and many of their most dangerous hazards are hidden beneath the surface. As such, drownings in NZ rivers are more common than in any other water environment.


Is it too cold to swim in the ocean in New Zealand?

How cold is the water in NZ? Being long and skinny, New Zealand's ocean temperatures vary from island to island. The North Island enjoys temperatures of 20-22°C in summer, while in winter, it drops down to 15°C.


Is Wellington Harbour safe to swim in?

Wellington Harbour Water quality changes, so avoid swimming for 2 – 3 days after heavy rain. See lawa.org.nz/swim for more info on popular swim spots.


Which country has the best tap water?

Finland. Finland, known as the country with the cleanest tap water, boasts 168,000 lakes and 647 rivers, out of which a staggering 85% have been deemed to have high-quality water.