Oriental Bay Beach, Wellington
Although the water can be a little on the chilly side, this is a great spot on one of those "can't beat 'em" Wellington days. It's a lovely stroll or cycle from the city and there's plenty of space for running around.
Caroline Bay, Canterbury
In the Timaru district, this sheltered bay is perfect for family days out. There's calm waters for splashing around in, a playground, skate park, minigolf, icecream kiosk, and nearby rose garden when you need a bit of peace and quiet.
Wenderholm Regional Park, Auckland
A 40-minute drive from central Auckland, this makes a great day trip. At the mouth of the Puhoi River, the park is surrounded by forested headlands, giving lots of shady spots and fun walks when the kids get tired of the sand. Electric and wood-fired barbecues are available, and there's a large area of grass for picnics so you can avoid getting sand in your sandwiches.
Whangamata, Coromandel
Named the country's best beach in our Herald reader poll last summer, Whanga is a perennial favourite with families thanks to its range of activities — kayaking, SUPing, snorkelling, fishing, nearby cafes and lots of public amenities. It's also great for surfers, thanks to its world-class break.
Long Beach, Russell
Away from the crowds of tourists and cruise-ship visitors enjoying the delights of Kororāreka, Long Beach has calm waters and golden sands, perfect for young children. Just be aware that Donkey Bay, on the left, is an unofficial nudist beach so you might get more than you bargained for if you head off exploring.
Otarawairere, Bay of Plenty
This secluded beach is a hidden jewel close to Ohope. Only accessible on foot or by kayak, it's a great option for swimming. Visit in early summer to see the pohutukawas in full bloom, making the idyllic backdrop even more perfect.
New Chum, Coromandel
Another hidden gem — but highly sought after by the Instagram travel crowd — New Chum has no buildings, no roads, no infrastructure, and no camping. Essentially it's "just" a beach. But there's nothing average about this spot of coastal paradise — the sparkling waters and white sand are fringed by native forest, and that combined with its isolation makes it a true slice of 100 per cent pure New Zealand.
Pelorus, Marlborough
For those who prefer fresh water, this scenic reserve between Blenheim and Nelson offers waterfalls, rock pools, and Middle Earth magic — it was one of the filming locations for The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug. Take a guided kayak tour, jump into the crystal-clear waters, or hike along a ridge to a 417m peak. Look out for native birds and lush native forest on the way. There's also a campground in the reserve.
Lake Taupo
Taupo is a wonderful long weekend or holiday destination, with an abundance of activities — from jetboating to hiking, golfing to hot springs, parasailing to scenic cruises. There are also many great freshwater swimming spots around the lake — just step in from the lakefront in town, or head further afield to Kinloch, Whakaipo Bay or Bulli Point.
Hot Water Beach, Lake Tarawera, Rotorua
Take a boat from Rotorua to get to this year-round hot pool on Lake Tarawera, or hike there; the hot water will be the perfect way to soothe sore muscles.
If you want to race
Ocean swimming events are popular and there are numerous races and series to take part in. You join fellow swimmers — from experts through to beginners — to swim a marked-out course with your times recorded as you cross the finish line. Most series allow you to dip in and out and compete in as many — or as few — swims as you like, although if you want a series medal you'll need to compete in every event.
The big one is the NZ Ocean Swim Series, which has events at Russell in the Bay of Islands (Dec 1), Omaha Beach (Dec 15), Wellington (Jan 27), Mount Maunganui (Feb 9), Nelson (Mar 2), Rotorua (Mar 16) and Auckland Harbour (Apr 6), where for the first time participants will swim under the Harbour Bridge.
There are weekly events for those who want to train for the big races, or have a social swim and increase their fitness, including a number of Auckland locations.
The Takapuna Beach Series kicks off on Tuesday, October 30, running weekly until March 5, with distances ranging from 250m to 2km.
Summer Swim Series begins on Thursday, November 1, at Kohimarama, and continues for 16 weeks. Each night you can choose from up to six distances, ranging from 250m to 2.5km.
The Orewa Beach Series is in its third year, and has about 200 participants every week. This summer's season begins on Sunday, November 4, then continues weekly on Thursday nights until February 28. Distances range from 250m to 2km.
The Bean Rock Swim gives competitors the chance to swim from Mission Bay out to the Bean Rock Lighthouse, the largest navigational marker in the Waitematā Harbour. The race takes place on Saturday, February 9, with a full distance of 3.2km, or the option to swim half, 1.6km.
Elsewhere in the country, Nelson's Clements Endurance Series has four longer swims, giving swimmers the chance to test their stamina. The series starts with the Opening Splash on November 25 (2km), which is followed by the Eyebright Mile on January 6 (2km), the Haulashore Circuit on February 3 (2.8km) and the Ironman Challenge on February 17 (3.8km).
Whanganui is host city for the 2019 Masters Games and swimmers aged 20 and older can compete in a 2km open water race on February 7.
The ninth annual Napier Port Ocean Swim takes place on February 16, with distances from 200m to 2.5km.
For those more into lake swimming, choose from the Open Water Championship in Northland's Kai Iwi Lakes (Dec 15), Epic Swim Taupo (Jan 12-13), Rotorua's Blue Lake Multisport Festival (Jan 26-27), The Ruby Wanaka (Jan 26), and the Lake Taupo Across the Lake Swim (Feb 23).
The 5 Bridges River Swim begins at Hamilton Gardens, taking swimmers along the Waikato River, finishing at Ann St Park. The distance is 7.1km, but the river's current gives a helping hand, making it the equivalent of a 3km swim. Go with the flow on March 10.
There are many more weekly and one-off events over summer — for a full list, and details on how to enter, see oceanswims.nz, or track down your local swimming club to see what they've got planned.
TAKE THE PLUNGE
NZ Olympian Carl O'Donnell gives his tips for successful competitive ocean swimming
Gear check
Practise with your gear before race day. Leaky or foggy goggles, chafing on the neck and lost swim caps are the most common gear malfunctions to avoid.
Relax
Ocean swimming events are popular and can get crowded at the start line. Focus on your own swimming and take the start slowly to avoid the rush. Build your pace throughout the swim if you feel you have more to give.
Catch a ride
The easiest and fastest way to swim in the open water is behind other people. Swimming behind the feet or alongside the hip of another swimmer positions you in their slipstream and gives you an extra boost.
Know where you are heading
Navigating an ocean swim course is harder than it looks. Waves and tides can alter your course significantly and marker buoys can be difficult to see when your head is in the water. Get into the habit of lifting your head and having a look for marker buoys or landmarks.
Have fun
Don't let your nerves take away the fun and excitement of your ocean swim. Always remember the worst case scenario is that you put your hand up and catch a ride with the safety crew.
● Competitive ocean swimmer Carl O'Donnell offers coaching, swimming programmes, technique lessons and more at Swim360.
