A large part of New Zealand’s natural beauty is our ever-inviting beaches and waterways. We’re a nation that loves to swim in the great outdoors, be it in the sea, rivers or lakes, but beautiful swimming holes and beaches can also be deadly if not treated with the utmost respect.
Is New Zealand warm enough to swim?
Average water temps are about 18-20 degrees for most of the year. South island winter temps will drop to 10 and lower the further south you go.
Is Lake Rotorua swimmable?
Suitable for swimming – The monitoring result met national water quality guidelines at the time of testing.
Is the water warm in New Zealand?
The warmest water temperature is in February with an average around 70.2°F / 21.2°C. The coldest month is August with an average water temperature of 58.3°F / 14.6°C.
Are there warm water beaches in New Zealand?
Hot Water Beach has become a popular New Zealand attraction for both locals and tourists, with visitors taking advantage of the hot springs flowing beneath the sand by digging ‘spa baths’ along the beach.
Is swimming in New Zealand safe?
What are the dangers of swimming in New Zealand rivers and lakes? 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 New Zealand colder than Australia?
Australia is warmer than New Zealand, with a summer average of 30°C and winter average of 15°C. New Zealand, is a touch cooler, with a summer average around 20 to 25 degrees and a winter average around 12°.
What is the cleanest lake in New Zealand?
Blue Lake
Blue Lake (Rangimairewhenua in Māori) is a lake in Nelson Lakes National Park, in the northern reaches of New Zealand’s Southern Alps and is sacred to local Māori, it now has been deemed to have the clearest natural fresh water in the world.
Are lakes sanitary to swim in?
Fresh bodies of water like lakes and ponds may be home to harmful bacteria or pollution. On a hot summer day, there’s no greater escape than your favorite swimming hole.
Is Lake Taupo safe to swim in?
There’s no salt to sting your eyes, no sea lice to bite you and the water for some reason felt heavenly soft. And there is a designated safe swimming areas with no boats allowed.
Is the water in New Zealand clean?
Government Water Pollution Regulation
New Zealand’s freshwater rivers are among the most polluted in the developed world.
What is the hottest month in New Zealand?
The coldest month is usually July and the warmest month is usually January or February. In New Zealand generally there are relatively small variations between summer and winter temperatures, although inland and to the east of the ranges the variation is greater (up to 14°C).
Do lakes in New Zealand freeze?
New Zealand winters are not cold enough for the larger lakes to freeze over, but smaller lakes and ponds sometimes freeze over in the southern South Island, and are used for ice skating.
Are New Zealand beaches clean?
Stretching across an extensive 15,000 km (just over 9,000 miles) of coastline, the beaches of New Zealand are clean, clear and have a range of activities to get both your sensory and physical juices flowing.
Are beaches cold in New Zealand?
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. In the south, summer water temperatures are around 14-18°C, and in winter, 8°C. Time to get your wetsuit out.
Where is the warmest water in NZ?
Current sea temperature
- Wellington 14.3°C / 57.7°F.
- Christchurch 14.2°C / 57.5°F.
- Taipa 17.1°C / 62.7°F.
- Paihia 17.3°C / 63.1°F.
- Auckland 17°C / 62.6°F.
- Gisborne 15.6°C / 60°F.
- Tauranga 16.7°C / 62°F.
- Riverton 13.6°C / 56.4°F.
Are there sharks in the waters around New Zealand?
About 66 types of sharks are found in New Zealand waters ranging in size from the tiny pygmy shark which grows up to 27 cm long to the 12-metre long whale shark.
Is New Zealand safe for females?
New Zealand is just as safe as anywhere else in the world. If you exercise caution and travel smart, you should have a simply fantastic time in the Land of the Long White Cloud. As a female traveller, it is essential to remember the following travel tips to maximize your solo travel experience.
What should I be careful of in New Zealand?
Keep yourself safe
- Don’t walk alone late at night and avoid unlit areas.
- Don’t carry lots of cash, valuables or expensive jewellery with you.
- New Zealanders are very sociable but you need to be sensible.
- Be aware of people around you when using ATMs (cash machines) and hide your PIN.
Is it cheaper to live in Australia or New Zealand?
When comparing the cost of living in New Zealand vs Australia, New Zealand is the more affordable country to live in. On average, consumer prices in New Zealand are 3.96% lower than in Australia. Rent and groceries cost 17.70% and 5.92% less. Eating out at a restaurant will also cost less in New Zealand.
Which country is safer Australia or New Zealand?
Living In New Zealand
New Zealand has a lower crime rate than Australia. Plus, you won’t have to worry about any snakes!