Best Swimming Spots in the Coromandel Peninsula (Complete Guide)
The Coromandel is one of New Zealand's most beautiful regions for wild swimming, with waterfalls, historic river gorges and forest pools. This guide covers the 3 best freshwater swimming spots in and around the Coromandel, all featured in Swim New Zealand – North Island.
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 →
Why Swim in the Coromandel?
The Coromandel combines rugged natural beauty with fascinating gold-mining history. Ancient forests, volcanic rock and crystal-clear rivers make for some of the North Island's most atmospheric swims, and it's an easy trip from Auckland, Tauranga and Hamilton.
River Gorges and Historic Swimming Spots
1. Karangahake Gorge: Historic Mining Gorge
Location: between Paeroa and Waihī on SH2
Water temperature: cool freshwater
Best for: history lovers, families, walking tracks
Karangahake Gorge is where nature reclaimed industry. The Ōhinemuri River flows jade-green between sheer rock walls, forming emerald pools beneath iron swing bridges and historic mining tunnels. Free walkways from the Karangahake Hall and Reserve car park lead to different swimming spots along the river.
What makes it special: gold-mining relics, swing bridges, several swimming pools and well-formed walkways right off the highway. Use only the signposted tracks and tunnels, keep out of unsigned mine workings, and leave historic relics untouched.
2. Owharoa Falls: Roadside Waterfall
Location: small car park on SH2 opposite Falls Retreat, near Karangahake Gorge
Water temperature: cool freshwater
Best for: waterfall photography, a quick dip
Owharoa Falls is a staircase of cascades tumbling over volcanic rock into a deep green pool, surrounded by regenerating native forest. It's less than a minute's walk from the car and an easy addition to a Karangahake Gorge visit. The turn-off is easy to miss, so watch for signs.
What makes it special: easy access, a beautiful waterfall and a historic mining area on the doorstep. Keep soaps and sunscreen out of the pool.
Forest Waterfalls
3. Wentworth Falls: Hidden Coromandel Gem
Location: Wentworth Valley, Coromandel Forest Park; the turn-off from SH25 is about 7 km south of Whangamatā
Water temperature: cool freshwater
Best for: bush walks, peaceful swimming
Hidden inland from Whangamatā's surf beaches, Wentworth Falls drops in two tiers through dense Coromandel forest into a deep, silky pool framed by mossy stone and thick green foliage. The easy track follows the Wentworth River through native bush, with two bridged river crossings.
What makes it special: a secluded forest setting, an easy walk and a peaceful contrast to coastal Whangamatā. Storms have damaged part of the track, including a rocky creek crossing, so check DOC's track page and don't cross in flood. The Wentworth Valley Campground at the trailhead is a DOC campsite and needs booking.
Planning Your Coromandel Swimming Trip
Best time to visit
- Summer (December to March): warmest water and the best swimming.
- Autumn (April to May): fewer crowds, still pleasant for swimming.
- Avoid after heavy rain: rivers can become fast-flowing and dangerous.
Getting there
- Auckland: 1.5 to 2 hours to Karangahake Gorge.
- Tauranga: about 1 hour to Karangahake Gorge.
- Hamilton: about 1.5 hours to Karangahake Gorge.
What to bring
- Sturdy water shoes (rocks are very slippery)
- Towel and swimwear
- Sunscreen (let it soak in before swimming) and insect repellent
- Water and snacks
- A torch for the tunnel walks at Karangahake
Safety tips
- Rocks along rivers are extremely slippery.
- The water stays cool even in summer.
- There are no lifeguards at any of these spots.
- Avoid swimming after heavy rain (strong currents).
- Don't dive or jump into water of unknown depth.
- Stay on marked tracks to protect native vegetation, and keep out of old mine workings.
Combine with the Coast
The Coromandel is just as famous for its beaches. After these inland swims, head to Whangamatā Beach, Hot Water Beach (dig only in the signposted geothermal zone at the southern end, around low tide) or Cathedral Cove. The Cathedral Cove track reopened in December 2024 but closes during orange or red weather warnings and after slips, so check DOC's Cathedral Cove updates before you go and never bypass barriers.
Coromandel Swimming FAQs
Can you swim at Karangahake Gorge?
Yes. The Ōhinemuri River has emerald swimming holes along the walkways. Stick to signposted tracks and tunnels and stay out of the river after heavy rain.
How do you get to Wentworth Falls in Whangamatā?
Turn off SH25 about 7 km south of Whangamatā onto Wentworth Valley Road and walk the easy riverside track from the campground. Part of the track is storm-damaged, so check DOC first.
Is Cathedral Cove open?
The walking track reopened in December 2024, but DOC closes it during orange or red weather warnings and after rockfall or slips. Check DOC's updates on the day.
How far is Owharoa Falls from the car park?
Less than a minute's walk from the small car park on SH2, opposite Falls Retreat.
Get the Guide
For maps, seasonal swimming notes and local insights on these spots and more across the North Island, see Swim New Zealand – North Island, or browse our 20 best North Island swimming spots.
The Coromandel combines natural beauty with fascinating history, making for swims you won't find anywhere else in New Zealand.
