Swimming Hole Heaven in New Zealand

Your guide to the best swimming holes

New Zealand offers some spectacular summer swims, as well as several hot springs for swimming in the outdoors all year round. It is one of the few places in the world with a myriad of pristine streams with excellent water quality for swimming. Sure, the water temperature can be excruciatingly cold in some places, particularly the glacier fed lakes, but if you time your swim right and choose the right lakes, once in the water you will be rewarded with some of the most breathtaking views on the planet.

Whilst I have visited both the north and south island, Swimming Hole Heaven only documents my swims from a recent trip to the south island, which includes a couple of hot springs and an awesome free splash park. Click or tap on the heading of each location to find your next swimming trip or holiday destination. Swim safe, have fun and remember that no matter how cold the water is, it's alright once you're in!

Hanmer Springs, Canterbury Region

The biggest public hot spring complex on the South Island with the widest range of pool temperatures and water-based activities, including a lazy river and several giant water slides. It's under two hours drive from Christchurch to this little hamlet in the hills…

Tekapo Hot Springs, Canterbury Region

Nestled into the side of a pine forest mountain and overlooking Lake Tekapo, this is possibly the most spectacular hot spring in New Zealand. The water is chlorinated so you can fully immerse yourself under the water to remove the chills…

Christchurch's Warmest Pools

Can't make it to a hot spring, so you're looking for the warmest indoor pool near you? Here is a list of the water temperature in the warmest pool and the warmest lap pool in every public swimming pool in Christchurch. Perfect for dedicated winter swimmers…

Margaret Mahy Playground, Christchurch

This is one of my favourite free community splash parks in the world. It operates day and night with a wide variety of water features for kids in the heart of Christchurch, including some startling air pressure powered squirters, plus an equally amazing dry playground…

NZ Travel Tips

New Zealand was much easier for travelling than I expected, even in the mountain ranges of the south island. Here are some tips that might help your trip to run smoother such as when to visit, eating in New Zealand (including gluten free eating), hiring a car, etc…

Each swimming spot includes a link to swimming safety information. Please make sure you read that information before you head out, particularly if you are an inexperienced swimmer.

I'm always interested in hearing about and visiting new swimming holes, so feel free to share them with me and suggest a swim.

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