Waterfalls & Swimming Holes in New Zealand

I haven't personally been but it's on my list.

2 minute stroll from the carpark to view from the top or an extra two minutes down to the viewpoint at the bottom. Carpark has a toilet.

Gorgeous swim spot with rope swings and jump off points on the turquoise river.

A few minutes stroll from the carpark leads to the lower view of this gorgeous waterfall. Great spot for a stretch break along your way.

This 2.7km relatively flat path leads to a beautiful waterfall with swimming hole. Add to your hike by heading up the stairs to more soaking pools at the top.

A 5 minute stroll to a beautiful waterfall and a swimming hole beneath. There is some shade nearby for a picnic. The shore is pretty flat and good for young kids.

A hot spring waterfall. Yep. But it's a bit more like a warm spring so it's best for the shoulder seasons.

I haven't personally been but it's on my short list for a day trip.

I haven't personally been but it's on my list.

Highly rated swimming spot on Lake Taupo

A half kilometer walk from the car park, a warm stream joins the river at a turquoise swimming cove. There is a care, changing rooms/toilet, and little platforms built into the shore for ease of getting in and out of the water.

This one is very unique to New Zealand. About 2 hours either side of low tide, hot water bubbles up beneath the sand. People gather with large spades to dig their own little hot pools for a soak. The water is scalding so we find it best to dig a pool where it can come up and cool, then dig a pool next door with a channel that can be opened when you're ready for more hot water and close when it gets too hot. It does get crowded so I recommend getting there early, especially on weekends. Sometimes there is no room available unless you find someone to squeeze in with. The pools only ever get a few inches deep (due to sand erosion) so be prepared to lay in the sand or only soak part of your body. It's a blast, absolutely beautiful, and I highly recommend the experience!

A half mile stroll to a beautiful waterfall.

A less crowded, black sand, hot water beach if you can manage to find the water!

A pretty flat hike through bush and over swing bridges to some of the most blue water I've ever seen. It is signposted 1 hour total.

35 minute walk from the car park to soak in a natural hot spring.

A 2 minute walk from the road and you're ready for a swim!

A 10 minute walk from Opito Bay leads to this secluded beach of rugged coastline.

This highly rated destination is considered one of New Zealand's gems. Be prepared for a 4.5km walk with 225m elevation gain. Then enjoy the cave and the beautiful surrounding beach.

A little tropical island oasis

Trek down a gravel road and a 20-30 minute hike down to this hidden gem with a cave for exploring. The hike back is uphill and the gravel road bumpy so make sure both your vehicle and fitness level are suitable.

Private chemical free hot springs and camper van spots.

Easy 2km/1mi round trip walk (with some stairs) to a 131 foot waterfall viewing platform.

Primitive hot springs near Cedar Flat Hut. The main soaking pool is across the river from where you arrive.

A less crowded, black sand, hot water beach if you can manage to find the water!