It’s a Kiwi summer tradition – grabbing your towel and togs and heading to wherever you can dip, dive and drop into some water, but where are the best places to go?
Ten of the country’s favourite summer swimming holes have been named by the editorial team at AA Directions to help inspire Kiwis to make the most of summer.
“What we love about swimming holes is that they’re not always easy to find, so stumbling across one is like finding a hidden gem.” – AA Directions Editor Kath Webster.
The top 10 swimming holes
Karekare Falls, Waitakere, Auckland
Get to this spot with a 30-minute climb up the Taraire track to the top of the falls.
Bulli Point, Lake Taupo
Located on the main road to Turangi, there are ledges of varying heights to leap into the lake from.
Blue Spring, Putaruru, Waikato
Te Waihau walkway follows a river with calm, clear pools great for swimming.
Kerosene Creek, Rotorua
This natural hot spring in a river between Rotorua and Taupo is a popular gem.
Rainbow Falls, Kerikeri
An easy walk through native bush leads to these falls and swimming hole.
Mermaid Pool, Matapouri, Northland
Around the rocks from the beach, this rock pool is easiest to access at low tide.
Mosquito Point, Whanganui
What makes this spot special is a sturdy rope swing to leap into the river from.
Pelorus Bridge Scenic Reserve, Marlborough
Several great swimming spots are dotted along this river bank.
Cleopatra’s Pool, Abel Tasman National Park
Complete with a natural waterslide.
Lake Rotoiti, Nelson Lakes, South Island
Leaping off the long wooden jetty into this cold lake is the best way to get in!
Source: AA Directions magazine, October 2015. The magazine is distributed to 580,000 AA Members throughout New Zealand.
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