We live in a beautiful catchment with a swimmable river. It’s a common sight, especially in the summer months, to see local families enjoying the fresh waters to cool down on a hot day. There’s plenty of easily accessible sites with shade, parking and lovely swimming areas. There’s rock jumps, shallows, deep pools, confluences and soft rapids. To help you connect with the river, here is the Motueka Catchment Collective guide to the best swimming spots. Get out there and enjoy this summer!

We have just a few health and safety things to point out:

1. Tasman District Council (TDC) run water quality sampling over the summer months. The website states: “The risk of catching an infections disease from swimming in clean, clear water is usually low. However, after rainfall, contamination occurs through runoff into waterways and there is an increased chance that you may catch a gut, ear, skin or respiratory infection. TDC and Te Whatu Ora advise that after rainfall it is best not to swim, especially for at least the first 24 hours and preferably 36 hours to minimise the risk of exposure to harmful bacteria.
2. For a swim smart checklist, visit the LAWA website.
3. Water Safety NZ has advice and tips on staying safe while swimming. Download their factsheet at the link. Key points are to check for hazard, establish an exit point, learn to recognise river features like rapids and whirlpools, and check jump and dive spots before you jump.

If the river level is high after heavy rain a good saying is “If in doubt stay out”.

Below is a map of some of the most favourite spots along the Motueka River to swim with a description of their features. Enjoy!