Best Swimming Spots in Wellington & Wairarapa (Complete Guide)
The Wellington and Wairarapa region has clear river gorges and deep mountain-fed pools in the foothills of the Tararua and Remutaka ranges. This guide covers the two best freshwater swims near Wellington, both 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 Wellington & Wairarapa?
Wellington is famous for its harbour and coastline, but just over the hills you'll find some of the North Island's most beautiful river swimming. Deep emerald pools carved into old rock, surrounded by native bush, make the perfect escape from the city.
Mountain River Gorges
1. Waiohine Gorge: Emerald River Pools
Location: Tararua Forest Park, about 18 km northwest of Greytown, Wairarapa
Water: Cool, mountain-fed freshwater
Best for: Photography, nature lovers, camping
At Waiohine Gorge, the Waiohine River has carved deep emerald pools into the Tararua foothills. The water glows green against smooth grey rock beneath a towering swing bridge, making it one of the most photogenic swims in the lower North Island.
What makes it special: emerald water, dramatic rock walls, the swing bridge, native bush and a DOC campsite right by the river.
2. Whakamōonie Swimming Hole: Kaitoke Regional Park
Location: Kaitoke Regional Park, Upper Hutt, about 45 minutes from Wellington
Water: Cool freshwater
Best for: Families, day trips, Lord of the Rings fans
Whakamōonie is a deep, crystal-clear pool in the Hutt River inside Kaitoke Regional Park. It sits beneath native forest in the same park used for Rivendell in The Lord of the Rings. Clear water, a forest setting and easy access make it a favourite with Wellington families.
What makes it special: crystal-clear water, an easy trip from Wellington, park parking, toilets and picnic areas, and the Rivendell filming site nearby.
Planning Your Trip
Best Time to Visit
- Summer (December to March): the warmest water and best swimming
- Autumn (April to May): beautiful colours and fewer people
- After heavy rain: stay out. Rivers rise fast and currents get dangerous.
- Wind: the Wellington region can be blowy, so pick a calm day
How to Get to Waiohine Gorge
- About 1.5 hours from Wellington over the Remutaka Hill Road
- From the Wairarapa side, the road in runs via Moffats Road, Joseph Road and Waiohine Gorge Road
- Waiohine Gorge Road is gravel, with rough, narrow and winding sections and two fords, so drive carefully
- Park near the swing bridge; the river is right there
How to Get to Whakamōonie Swimming Hole
- About 45 minutes from Wellington via Upper Hutt
- Park at the main picnic area in Kaitoke Regional Park, then it's a short walk to the river
- Check park opening times before you go
What to Bring
- Sturdy water shoes (rocks are slippery)
- Towel and swimwear
- Warm layers (Wellington weather changes quickly)
- Sunscreen and a hat
- Water and snacks
- Insect repellent (sandflies can be bad by the river at Waiohine)
Safety Tips
- The water is cold year-round, so get in slowly
- Rocks are extremely slippery
- River levels can rise quickly after rain
- Check the depth first and never dive or jump into water of unknown depth
- The Hutt River sometimes has toxic algae warnings, so check LAWA before swimming
- There are no lifeguards at either spot; supervise children closely
- Tell someone your plans before heading somewhere remote, and check the forecast
Look After These Rivers
Take all your rubbish home and leave the riverbanks as you found them. At Kaitoke, stay on the tracks and keep the water clean: the Hutt River here supplies Wellington's drinking water.
Combine with Regional Attractions
Wairarapa
- Martinborough: the famous wine region
- Castlepoint: dramatic coastline and a lighthouse on the reef
- Greytown: a charming historic town
- Pūkaha Mount Bruce: native bird sanctuary
Wellington
- Wellington city: Te Papa, cafes and the waterfront
- Zealandia: wildlife sanctuary
- Makara Peak: mountain biking
- South Coast: rugged beaches and seal colonies
The Lord of the Rings Connection
Kaitoke Regional Park, home to Whakamōonie Swimming Hole, was the filming location for Rivendell in The Lord of the Rings trilogy. The sets are long gone, but the forest remains, and swimming in the same clear river seen in the films adds something special to the trip. Please leave the Rivendell site undisturbed.
Wellington & Wairarapa Swimming FAQs
Can you swim at Waiohine Gorge?
Yes. The Waiohine River has deep, clear pools near the swing bridge and DOC campsite. The water is cold and the river rises fast after rain, so only swim when it's calm and low.
Is the road to Waiohine Gorge sealed?
No. Waiohine Gorge Road is gravel, with rough, narrow and winding sections and two fords, so take it slowly.
Where is the Rivendell swimming hole near Wellington?
Whakamōonie Swimming Hole is on the Hutt River in Kaitoke Regional Park, the park where Rivendell was filmed, about 45 minutes from Wellington.
Can you camp at Waiohine Gorge?
Yes. There's a DOC campsite by the river. Spaces must be booked in advance, and campfires aren't allowed.
Get the Guide
Want maps, GPS coordinates, seasonal swimming notes and local tips for these spots and more across the North Island? Check out Swim New Zealand – North Island.
The Wellington and Wairarapa region has clear river swimming a short drive from the capital. Whether it's Waiohine Gorge's emerald pools or a family swim at Whakamōonie, it's worth the trip. For more, see our 20 best swimming spots in the North Island.
