Top 10 summer swimming holes

The editorial team on AA Directions has pulled together 10 of its favourite summer swimming holes to help inspire Kiwis to make the most of summer. Its list features in the latest issue of AA Directions and adds to the overall theme of celebrating New Zealander’s love of water. The magazine is currently being delivered to around 580,000 letterboxes of AA Members throughout New Zealand. “What we love about swimming holes is that they’re not always easy to find, so stumbling across one is like finding a hidden gem,” says AA Directions Editor Kath Webster. “Included on our list are a few spots that came highly recommended by AA Members,” she adds.

AA Directions’ top 10 swimming holes:

Karekare Falls, Waitakere, Auckland Get to this spot with a 30-minute climb up the Taraire track to the top of the falls. Bulli Point, Lake Taupo Located on the main road to Turangi, there are ledges of varying heights to leap into the lake from. Blue Spring, Putaruru, Waikato Te Waihau walkway follows a river with calm, clear pools great for swimming. Kerosene Creek, Rotorua This natural hot spring in a river between Rotorua and Taupo is a popular gem. Rainbow Falls, Kerikeri An easy walk through native bush leads to these falls and swimming hole. Mermaid Pool, Matapouri, Northland Around the rocks from the beach, this rock pool is easiest to access at low tide. Mosquito Point, Whanganui What makes this spot special is a sturdy rope swing to leap into the river from. Pelorus Bridge Scenic Reserve, Marlborough Several great swimming spots are dotted along this river bank. Cleopatra’s Pool, Abel Tasman National Park Complete with a natural waterslide. Lake Rotoiti, Nelson Lakes, South Island Leaping off the long wooden jetty into this cold lake is the best way to get in!

What is your favourite swimming spot? Let us know in the comments section below...