Five of the best fresh water swimming holes in Auckland

Thursday, 2 February 2017

As the Auckland summer ramps up in both heat and humidity, it's time to suss out the best local spots to cool off.

Fresh water swimming spots are hidden throughout the region and often far less crowded than the city's beaches.

Here are some of our top picks:

1. Lake Wainamu, Waitakere

An hour's walk wandering through black sand dunes from Bethell's Beach car park sits Lake Wainamu. It's a fresh water swimming spot perfect for fishing, swimming and general exploring.

The water is crisp and clear and the hills surrounding the lake are smothered in native bush.

2. Kitekite Falls, Piha

The Kitekite Falls are one of the Waitakere Ranges' crowning glories, but beware the falls can be slippery and dangerous.

Watch your footing in and around the falls.

3. Oakley Creek Falls, Waterview

Oakley Creek meanders 15 kilometres from Hillsborough to Pt Chevalier. Volunteers have cleaned up the stream and planted thousands of native trees.

Work is ongoing to restore the spot to its former glory by removing weeds and enhancing water quality.

In the meantime, its proximity to the city centre makes it popular with those seeking a handy place to cool off.  

4. Fairy Falls, Waitakere

The Waitakere Ranges is famous for native bush walks and waterfalls. Fairy Falls is an easy walk meandering through kauri trees and fernery.

The waterfalls are impressive in themselves and even more so if you take the plunge into the water below.

5. Hunua Falls, Hunua

Hunua Falls is one of Auckland's most popular fresh water swimming holes.

However the falls themselves have been the scene of numerous accidents - be careful in the area.

The falls are more than 30 metres high and spill over volcanic rock into the deep pool below.