Waipoua River Swimming Hole: Kauri Forest Swimming and Day Trip from Whangārei

Much of Northland’s ancient forest was lost to milling, fire and farming. The largest kauri are more than 50 metres tall, with trunks up to 16 metres around, and they can live for about 2,000 years.

The best known is Tāne Mahuta, which DOC describes as New Zealand’s largest known living kauri tree: 51.2 metres tall, with a trunk girth of 13.77 metres. LAWA’s description of the swimming hole also points to Te Matua Ngahere and the Yakas kauri, both in the same forest.

Te Roroa are the tangata whenua of Waipoua. DOC notes that Māori have lived in the Waipoua valley for a long time and still do, and that tradition, early European records and archaeology point to a large, thriving community that fished, gathered shellfish, used forest resources and practised sophisticated agriculture.

The river itself is part of what makes the forest special. LAWA’s site description, written for Northland Regional Council, says the Waipoua River runs for 31 kilometres, that 11 native freshwater fish species have been recorded in it, including at-risk longfin eels, torrentfish, shortjaw kōkopu and lamprey (kanakana), and that glowworms light up the limestone banks along the river at night. The forest is also home to North Island brown kiwi and the endangered North Island kōkako.

Across 72 tests between December 2019 and March 2025, 88% were suitable for swimming, so roughly one sample in eight has needed caution or been unsuitable. A Fair grade means the water is usually suitable, but bacteria levels can rise, especially after rain.

Check the latest result on LAWA or Safeswim before you swim, and stay out of the water for at least 48 hours after heavy rain.

Northland Regional Council suggests waiting two to three days after heavy rainfall, when runoff washes bacteria into rivers. Rain also raises the river and makes it faster and murkier, so do not swim when the water is high or discoloured.

Rivers can grow toxic algae (cyanobacteria), often as dark brown or black mats on the riverbed and rocks, especially during warm, low-flow spells. Do not touch the mats, stay out if you see them, and check LAWA for any algae alerts. Toxic algae can kill dogs, although pets are not allowed in Waipoua Forest in any case.

There is no lifeguard at the swimming hole. Check the depth before getting in, never jump or dive into water you have not checked, and keep children within reach.

Kauri have sensitive surface roots, so stay on the formed tracks, and use the wash station at the Tāne Mahuta track entrance. LAWA’s description of the swimming hole gives the same advice: keep to the official walkways to avoid damaging kauri roots.

Plan ahead for supplies. There is no general store, petrol station or supermarket in the forest; the nearest petrol is at Kaihu, 28 kilometres south, and Waimamaku, 20 kilometres north. DOC also warns that wasps are numerous, especially from January to April, so carry antihistamine, and your own medication if you are allergic to stings.