Kerikeri Beaches & Swimming Spots

Q: What is the best swimming spot in Kerikeri for families with young children?

The Kerikeri Basin near the Stone Store is perfect for families with young kids. It has shallow entry areas, calm swimming, and handy facilities like toilets and cafes nearby. Rainbow Falls also has good swimming spots for families.

Q: When is the best time of year to swim in Kerikeri?

The best time to swim in Kerikeri is from December to March when the water is warmest (19-22 degrees Celsius). January and February are usually the hottest months.

Q: Are there any dangerous swimming spots to avoid in Kerikeri?

Most swimming spots in Kerikeri are safe, but after heavy rain, river swimming can be dangerous because of stronger currents and murky water. Always check conditions before swimming at Charlie's Rock or Rainbow Falls.

Q: Which Kerikeri beaches have lifeguards?

Most river swimming spots in Kerikeri don't have lifeguards. For a beach with lifeguards, go to Paihia Beach in summer (mid-December to late January). Matauri Bay sometimes has volunteer lifeguards during busy summer periods.

Q: Can I bring my dog to all Kerikeri beaches?

Not all beaches allow dogs and many have seasonal rules. Dog-friendly beaches near Kerikeri include Doves Bay, some parts of Waitangi Beach, and Te Haumi Beach. Always check the signs for current rules.

Kerikeri's Best Swimming Spots — A Local Guide

Kerikeri isn't right on the coast, but it has some of the best freshwater swimming holes in Northland and sits within easy striking distance of stunning Bay of Islands beaches. Whether you want to jump off a rock into a cool river pool, swim beside a waterfall, or explore a sheltered ocean bay, there's a spot here for you.

We're locals who've spent years exploring these places. Many of the swimming spots listed here are a short drive from our accommodation at Kerigold Chalets — 326 Kerikeri Road — making them ideal for day trips during your stay.

Quick Kerikeri Swimming Tips:

Best season: December to March — water temperatures 19–22°C
After heavy rain: Avoid river swimming at Charlie's Rock and Rainbow Falls due to currents
Lifeguards: Paihia Beach (mid-December to late January) — most river spots have none
Dogs: Doves Bay, parts of Waitangi Beach, and Te Haumi Beach are dog-friendly
Drive time from Kerigold Chalets: Most spots 5–45 minutes away

Popular Kerikeri Swimming Spots

Freshwater Rock Jumping Local Favourite

Charlie's Rock

A true Kiwi swimming hole on the Kerikeri River — jump off the big rock into cool, deep water below. A short bush walk leads you there. Go early on summer weekdays to beat the crowds.

Landing Road, ~3 km from town

5–10 min bush walk

No facilities — bring everything you need

Waterfall Freshwater Scenic

Rainbow Falls (Waianiwaniwa)

Kerikeri's most famous natural attraction — a spectacular 27-metre waterfall with a large swimming hole at the base. Easy to reach with good facilities, and a regular favourite for visitors.

Rainbow Falls Road, 3 km from town

Large car park

Public toilets available

Historic Family-Friendly Freshwater

Kerikeri Basin

Combine a swim with a dose of New Zealand history — the Basin sits beside the Stone Store and Kemp House, NZ's oldest buildings. Shallow entry, calm water, cafes nearby. Perfect for families.

End of Kerikeri Road, near Stone Store

Cafes and toilets nearby

Ocean Beach Snorkelling 5-Star Views

Matauri Bay

One of the most beautiful beaches in the Bay of Islands — crystal-clear water, white sand, and views of the Cavalli Islands. Visit the Rainbow Warrior memorial at the top of the hill for panoramic vistas.

30 km north of Kerikeri (30 min drive)

Swimming, snorkelling, surfing

Basic toilets available

Ocean Beach Surfing Family-Friendly

Taupo Bay

A stunning white-sand beach perfect for swimming and surfing. The northern end is sheltered and calm for families; the southern end offers good waves for surfers. Campground nearby in season.

45 km north of Kerikeri (45 min drive)

Toilets and changing facilities

Sheltered Kayaking Family-Friendly

Opito Bay

A calm, sheltered bay just 15 minutes from Kerikeri with clear water ideal for swimming and kayaking. Visit at low tide to explore the rock pools along the shoreline. Peaceful and relatively uncrowded.

12 km east of Kerikeri (15 min drive)

Shallow, calm — great for children

Dog-Friendly Beaches Near Kerikeri

Travelling with your dog? These beaches welcome four-legged visitors. Always check current signs on arrival as rules can change seasonally, and carry fresh water for your pet.

Doves Bay

A sheltered bay with calm water — ideal for dogs who like to swim without battling big waves. Dogs allowed off-leash in designated areas. About 5 km from Kerikeri town centre.

Doves Bay, 5 km from town

Dogs off-leash in designated zones

Waitangi Beach

A long shoreline where dogs can run and explore. Some sections allow dogs year-round; others have seasonal rules. Great for dogs who love to run. 15 minutes from Kerikeri.

Waitangi, 10 km from Kerikeri

Check seasonal area restrictions

Te Haumi Beach

Quieter than Waitangi Beach — ideal for dogs who don't like crowds. Mixed sand and pebble shoreline with easy, shallow entry for dogs. Dogs on-leash year-round. About 12 km from Kerikeri.

Between Paihia and Waitangi

Dogs on-leash year-round

Dog Owner Tips:

Always carry fresh water — salt water and heat dehydrate dogs quickly
Bring waste bags and clean up after your pet to keep beaches accessible for everyone
Check the current DOC and Northland Regional Council rules before visiting — restrictions change
If travelling with a pet, ask our team at Kerigold Chalets for up-to-date dog beach advice

Why Stay at Kerigold Chalets for Beach Trips

Central Location

At 326 Kerikeri Road you're within 5–45 minutes of all the swimming spots in this guide — the perfect base for exploring the Bay of Islands waterways

Free Parking

Dedicated off-street parking right outside your unit — load up your beach gear and go without worrying about car park hassles

5-Star Bathrooms

Return from a swim at Charlie's Rock or Matauri Bay to a walk-in shower, premium toiletries, and hotel-quality towels in your private unit

Kitchen Facilities

Pack your own lunch and snacks for a beach day — our self-contained kitchens mean you can save on meals and spend the day exploring

Frequently Asked Questions — Kerikeri Beaches & Swimming

What is the best swimming spot in Kerikeri for families with young children?

The Kerikeri Basin near the Stone Store is the top pick for families with young kids. It has calm, shallow water, easy entry, toilets, and cafes right nearby. Rainbow Falls also has family-friendly swimming but supervise children closely near the waterfall itself. Both spots are easily reached from Kerikeri accommodation in under 10 minutes.

When is the best time of year to swim in Kerikeri?

The best swimming season in Kerikeri is December to March, when water temperatures reach 19–22°C. January and February are the warmest months. River spots like Charlie's Rock can feel refreshing even on warm spring and autumn days. When planning your Kerikeri stay, summer holidays (late December to late January) offer the best conditions but also the busiest beaches.

Are there any dangerous swimming spots to avoid in Kerikeri?

Most spots in this guide are safe in normal conditions. The main risk is river swimming after heavy rain — currents at Charlie's Rock and Rainbow Falls can become dangerously strong and the water turns murky. At ocean beaches, watch for rip currents and only swim between the flags where lifeguards are present. The team at Kerigold Chalets can advise on current conditions during your stay.

Which Kerikeri beaches have lifeguards?

River swimming spots in Kerikeri have no lifeguards. The closest patrolled beach is Paihia Beach, which has surf lifesavers from mid-December to late January (weekend and holiday periods). Matauri Bay occasionally has volunteer cover during peak summer weeks, but this varies each year. Always check for flags and warning signs when you arrive at any beach in the region.

Can I bring my dog to all Kerikeri beaches?

No — rules vary by beach and season. The best dog-friendly options near Kerikeri are Doves Bay, designated sections of Waitangi Beach, and Te Haumi Beach. River swimming spots like Charlie's Rock and Rainbow Falls are generally accessible with dogs on-leash. Always check the local council signage on arrival, as rules can change. If you're travelling with a pet, ask our team at Kerigold Chalets for current advice.