Swimming in New Zealand in august 2025 Sea temperature by city in august

In august in New Zealand swimming conditions vary by city. Details below:

Swimming in august in Tauranga, Cape Reinga, Cathedral Cove, Coromandel, Omamari, Kaitaia, Kerikeri, Ruakaka, Thames, Waihi Beach and Whangamata is possible... with a wetsuit! Indeed, the water is cold at this time of year with an average temperature of 59°F (min: 59°F/max: 61°F).

Forget about swimming in Auckland, Christchurch, Dunedin, Wellington, Abel Tasman National Park, Akaroa, Castlepoint, The Catlins, Hokitika, Invercargill, Māhia, Moeraki Boulders, Mokau, Napier, Nelson, Otago Peninsula, Porangahau, Ruatoria, Stewart Island, Waiheke Island, Waitārere Beach, Wharariki beach, Whatipu Beach, Balclutha, Blenheim, Gisborne, Greymouth, Hawera, Kaikoura, Levin, New Plymouth, Oamaru, Opunake, Paraparaumu, Picton, Porirua, Raglan, Takaka, Timaru, Wairoa, Waitara, Waiuku, Wanganui, Warkworth, Westport and Whakatane in august! The water temperature is freezing, reaching as low as 58°F (and only 60°F at the best of times). Our advice: plan on sightseeing, and don't bring your beach towel!