The Six Best Swimming Holes in Auckland

It's a surefire way to win "coolest friend" when you show someone a secret swimming hole for the first time, and luckily, living in New Zealand, we're not short of options. With the mercury hitting a tipping point in recent weeks, it's about time you get sorted with some freshwater swimming holes in Auckland. As an added bonus, these beauties are all within arm's reach of the CBD.

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Adam Flickr

KAREKARE FALLS

After Jane Campion's Oscar-winning film The Piano made Karekare Beach internationally popular back in 1993, the falls have been gaining more attention each year. This summer, make a day of it and venture on the stunning walk through the forest to find the hidden freshwater swimming hole near Auckland. The height of the waterfall is supposedly 25 metres and you can find it after just a short walk from Lone Kauri Road into the forest. There's even a picnic table so you can take long exposure photos of the falls (great for Instagram) or stop for a bite to eat.

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Anup Shah

KITEKITE FALLS, PIHA

While Karekare Falls is off the beaten track, Kitekite Falls (be sure not to confuse the two) is a more well-known and popular option on the tourist trail. Don't worry, there are never hoards of visitors crowding your shot but you may make a new friend or two. Also, it's just a short walk from Piha, so start the day with a hike and some fun swimming under the waterfall, and finish it with fish and chips at sunset on the wild west coast beach.

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Anthony Sowersby

LAKE WAINAMU

Head out towards Te Henga/Bethells and you'll eventually come across the Lake Wainamu Track. Hike along the stream until you reach the stunning lake, surrounded by mountains and sand dunes. Lake Wainamu is a gorgeous and refreshing option to swim in on a hot day thanks to its crystal-clear water. Don't forget to take a boogie board or some cardboard to slide down the dunes if you're up for some kidult fun in New Zealand.

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Pablo Garbino

OAKLEY CREEK FALLS

With a six-metre curtain of cascading water, this inner-city waterfall is absolutely jaw-dropping — and only a hop, skip and a jump from downtown Auckland. The "hike" (we use the term loosely) to the falls is around 15 minutes return from Oakley Creek Reserve Walkway, also known as Te Auaunga. It's probably the most accessible waterfall in Auckland and you can even catch a bus there, taking you from the city's hustle and bustle to a magical waterfall in minutes. How Kiwi is that?

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LUCAS CREEK

Located on the North Shore in Albany, Lucas Creek really is a hidden gem. This is one of the most easily accessible swimming holes and waterfalls around Auckland, and it's a real shame not many people seem to know about it. A short 20-minute drive from the city centre, the track to the falls is paved and has no steps so is suitable for wheelchair users and prams.

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HUNUA FALLS

The waterfall at this popular swimming spot 45 minutes south of Auckland is one of the tallest in the region — it stands at a whopping 30 metres high. If you recognise this plunge pool it's because it reached international fame after being featured on Xena: Warrior Princess. This is a particularly popular spot for locals, but be careful: the water can be deep and chilly, with some rocks hiding under the surface. It's a refreshing place for a plunge on a hot day, but you also need to tread carefully. If you'd rather admire the falls from land, enjoy a picnic at one of the tables nearby.

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For the most up to date safety information on swimming around New Zealand, check out the Can I Swim Here page on the 'Land, Air, Water, Aotearoa' website.

Top image: Kitekite Falls by Nicola Easterby

Published on January 15, 2024 by Olivia Round