Water Activities in New Zealand

When you want to keep cool this summer, you've got loads of options. Of course, you can sit in the shade, lick an ice cream and enjoy your favourite long, cold drink but there's a lot of water-based activities, sports and playgrounds to enjoy too! So grab your sunscreen, your hat and your sunnies to enjoy the New Zealand summer safely and get out there!

Water Sports and Wet Adventures

There are plenty of ways to get wet in New Zealand with ample opportunity for visitors and locals to enjoy numerous water sports. Local tourism operators can provide you with all the safety equipment you need to enjoy these water sports and tuition is generally available for beginners. Whilst you're on holiday and the sun is hot, there's no better time to throw a bit of caution to the wind and have fun in the water:

• Kayaking
• Rafting (white water and blackwater rafting)
• River boarding – this is something you won't often get to try!
• Sailing
• Scuba diving and snorkelling
• Surfing
• Windsurfing

Simply choose where and how you want to chill out from our water sports listings. Alternatively, use our site search to find out where the sport you want is available.

Swimming

If you like swimming, then you are spoilt for choice. There are great public swimming pools (indoors and outdoors) and lidos in most New Zealand towns, which often include seperate pools for toddlers and wet, watery play equipment for kids of all ages. And of course, there are some great beaches to choose from – safe swimming beaches are usually signposted and during summer months, surf lifeguards patrol popular beaches within designated swimming areas.

Wet Sightseeing Adventures

There are even more adventurous ways to feel a cooling breeze during the summer months including: taking chartered trips to see or swim with dolphins and seals, hooking a great catch on a fishing trip or getting up close and personal to giant sperm whales.

• Dolphin sightseeing
• Fishing charters
• Swimming with seals
• Whale watching

View more information about these 'wet' sightseeing adventures and attractions.

Summer Information

View more information about average summer temperatures and keeping safe in the sun.