20 Best Swimming Spots in New Zealand's North Island (2026 Guide)
New Zealand's North Island is home to some of the world's most spectacular wild swimming. From geothermal hot streams and alpine pools to hidden river holes and volcanic lakes, the variety is extraordinary.
Find this and dozens more in Swim New Zealand – North Island: directions, access notes and safety tips. Printed guides include 12 months of the Explorer app free. Get the guide →
This guide rounds up 20 of the best swimming spots across the North Island, each shaped by the island's dramatic volcanic landscapes. All of them feature in Swim New Zealand – North Island.
Geothermal Hot Streams
In natural geothermal water, always keep your head above the surface: it can carry the amoeba that causes amoebic meningitis (HealthEd advice).
1. Kerosene Creek, Rotorua
A free, naturally warm stream in the forest south of Rotorua, where geothermal water pours over a small waterfall into a soaking pool. No facilities, and no soaps or drinks in the water.
2. Otumuheke Stream Hot Pools, Taupō
Where geothermal heat meets the Waikato River. Free natural hot pools with adjustable temperatures in Taupō's Spa Thermal Park.
Volcanic Lakes
3. Lake Tarawera Hot Water Beach, Rotorua
A black-sand lakeshore where geothermal springs warm the shallows. There's no road access: get there by water taxi or kayak from The Landing, or on the long Tarawera Trail.
4. Lake Tikitapu (Blue Lake), Rotorua
A turquoise volcanic lake with crystal-clear water and a shallow family beach, perfect for summer swimming and kayaking.
5. Lake Ōkāreka, Rotorua
A peaceful volcanic lake surrounded by forested hills, ideal for calm freshwater swimming off the jetty or at Boyes Beach.
Waterfalls and Plunge Pools
6. McLaren Falls Park, Tauranga
A hydro-lake park with calm swimming coves, river rock pools, picnic areas and a glow-worm walk after dark.
7. Kaiate Falls, Tauranga
A layered volcanic waterfall in a fern-filled gorge, with a plunge pool and forest loop track. Check council water-quality advice before swimming.
8. Raparapahoe Falls, Te Puke
A secluded twin-tier waterfall dropping into a deep emerald pool, a short bush walk from Te Puke. No facilities; leave farm gates as you find them.
9. Rere Falls, Gisborne
A wide curtain waterfall you can stand behind, with a big grassy picnic reserve on the East Coast.
10. Rere Rockslide, Gisborne
A natural 60-metre rock waterslide into a deep pool, and one of New Zealand's most famous freshwater thrills. Check LAWA water-quality alerts first: the site has a long-term health warning.
11. Rainbow Falls, Kerikeri
A 27-metre waterfall with rainbows in its mist above a deep jade pool. DOC doesn't recommend swimming here, so enjoy it from the viewing platforms. It's a wāhi tapu of Ngāpuhi: keep to formed paths and never climb the cliffs.
12. Kitekite Falls, Piha
A tiered 40-metre rainforest waterfall near Auckland above a jade plunge pool. Clean your footwear at the kauri dieback station.
13. Wentworth Falls, Whangamatā
A two-tier Coromandel waterfall at the end of an easy bush walk, with a deep, silky swimming pool.
14. Owharoa Falls, Karangahake Gorge
A staircase of cascades tumbling into a deep green pool, less than a minute's walk from the car.
Alpine and Mountain Pools
15. Wilkies Pools, Taranaki
Clear rock basins scoured into ancient lava in goblin forest on Taranaki Maunga, about 20 minutes' walk from Dawson Falls.
River Gorges and Swimming Holes
16. Karangahake Gorge, Coromandel
Emerald river pools along the Ōhinemuri River, with historic mining tunnels and swing bridges. Use only signposted tracks and tunnels.
17. Waiohine Gorge, Wairarapa
Deep emerald pools beneath a towering swing bridge in the Tararua foothills near Carterton.
18. Whakamōonie Swimming Hole, Kaitoke
A deep, crystal-clear Hutt River pool in Kaitoke Regional Park, about 45 minutes from Wellington.
19. Waipu Gorge, Northland
A shaded limestone gorge with deep, spring-clear pools and fern-draped cliffs, tucked inland from Waipu.
20. Pori Pori Waterhole, Tauranga
A deep emerald basin in the Wairoa River with smooth rock shelves for sunbathing, 20 minutes from Tauranga. No facilities; park only in roadside pull-offs.
Planning Your North Island Swimming Trip
Each of these spots offers something different, whether you're after geothermal warmth, alpine freshness or the thrill of a natural waterslide. The best time to visit is New Zealand's summer (December to March), though the geothermal streams are enjoyable year-round.
Essential tips for wild swimming in New Zealand
- Check water conditions and water quality before swimming, and stay out after heavy rain.
- Respect local signage, closures and rāhui.
- Most locations have no lifeguards.
- Never dive or jump into water of unknown depth.
- In geothermal water, keep your head above the surface.
- Bring sturdy footwear for slippery rocks.
- Leave no trace: no soaps or sunscreen in the water, and take all rubbish home.
North Island Swimming FAQs
Where can you swim in natural hot water for free in the North Island?
Kerosene Creek near Rotorua and Otumuheke Stream in Taupō are both free geothermal streams. Keep your head above water in both.
When is the best time to swim in the North Island?
December to March for lakes, rivers and waterfalls. Geothermal streams are good year-round.
Are there lifeguards at these swimming spots?
No, most wild swimming spots in this guide have no lifeguards, so check conditions and supervise children closely.
Can you swim at the Blue Spring in Putāruru?
No. Swimming and wading aren't permitted at the Putāruru Blue Spring because it's a protected drinking-water source; it's a view-only walk.
Get the Guide
For maps, seasonal swimming notes and local insights on all these spots and more, see Swim New Zealand – North Island, or browse all our New Zealand travel guides. For deeper dives by region, see our guides to Rotorua & Bay of Plenty, the Coromandel, Northland, the East Coast, Taupō hot springs and Wellington & Wairarapa.
