1. The Sun: Beautiful but Brutal
New Zealand’s sun is famous, but not just for brightening our beaches. Thanks to our relatively thin ozone layer and proximity to the sun during summer, UV levels here are among the highest in the world. That means unprotected skin can burn within minutes, even on a cloudy day.
How to stay sun-safe:
- Slip, Slop, Slap, Wrap: This Kiwi mantra means slip on a shirt, slop on sunscreen, slap on a wide-brimmed hat, and wrap on some UV-protective sunglasses
- Sunscreen Is a Must: Wearing sunscreen is essential, particularly between the months of September and April. Look for a quality water-resistant sunscreen with at least SPF 30. You can find sunscreen at most supermarkets and chemists (pharmacies). Apply generously 20 minutes before heading outside and reapply every two hours—or more often if swimming or sweating. You can learn more here: Sun Smart
- Covering Up: Clothing is the most effective form of protection from the sun. So the easiest thing you can do to protect your skin while enjoying the New Zealand summer is to cover up. If you are out with kids, introduce them to rashies. A rashie will cover most of your kid’s body while out swimming or playing in the sun.
- Find Shade: During peak UV hours (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.), make the most of shaded areas, including buildings and trees. If you’re at the beach, consider bringing a sun umbrella or beach tent
- Check the UV Index: Many weather apps and websites display the UV index. If it’s high, take extra precautions. You can learn more here.
2. Planning a safe summer in rivers, lakes and the sea
Beach Safety: New Zealand is home to some of the world’s most breathtaking beaches, but they can be as unpredictable as they are beautiful. Whether you’re a seasoned swimmer or dipping your toes in for the first time, understanding the ocean is essential.
Know what danger signs to look for depending on where the beach is located. New Zealand’s west coast beaches are arguably more dangerous than its east coast ones.
Ocean beaches are different to harbour beaches as they’re more exposed to open ocean currents. You’re less likely to have waves coming into a harbour beach, meaning danger signs like rips are less likely.
- Swim Between the Flags: Lifeguards mark the safest areas to swim with red and yellow flags. These zones are monitored, so stick to them
- Recognise Rip Currents: Rip currents are strong channels of water that flow out to sea. If you’re caught in one, don’t swim against it—float, signal for help, and swim parallel to the shore to escape
- Stay Close to Shore: Even if the water looks calm, conditions can change quickly. Avoid venturing too far out
- Understand Tides: Check tide times before heading out, as some beaches can become hazardous when the tide is high or coming in
- Black Sand: Made up of eroded volcanic material, these spectacular beaches are also spectacularly hot in the summertime and should only be treaded while wearing footwear
- Surf: New Zealand has plenty of great surf beaches but it’s a smart move to talk to locals before taking on the waves. Some beaches may look like they’re ideal for surfing but there could be unknown dangers like:
- Hidden rocks — can be hard to see under breaking waves, especially near rocky headlands
- Strong offshore winds — that can cause your board to lift up and blow back into your face
- Rocks: Exploring rocky areas can become a danger when the tide is coming in and waves are surging over them. Rogue waves are always possible. Plan to arrive at your beach destination as the tide is on its way out and your time exploring the rocks will be safer.
Lake Safety: New Zealand is renowned for its incredibly pristine lakes — often set amongst mountains and spectacular scenery. New Zealand lakes are safe to swim in for the most part but always look for signs of poor quality water like:
- Contamination: Which can potentially come from bird flocks, storm water drains or wastewater outlets
- Algae: Avoid potentially toxic algae blooms
- Heavy rain: It’s best not to swim after two or three days of prolonged rain
- Murkiness: Foul smells or murky water are valid reasons not to swim
You can check the water quality for swimming at lakes around the country on the Land Air Water Aotearoa (LAWA) site.
River Safety: River swimming can be a heap of fun but also comes with its obvious cautions. New Zealand rivers can rise extremely fast, especially in the mountains. When conditions for river swimming are favourable, look for safe swimming holes, or better still, ask the locals where the best spots are. Good swimming spots have:
- An easy place to get in and out
- A relatively weak current
- Nothing floating downstream like driftwood
- Clear, unpolluted water where you can see the bottom
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