Marine health warnings
We monitor marine sites regularly over the summer to check for faecal indicator bacteria.
Sites that we monitor are given a long-term grade prior to each summer season for suitability for swimming . The grade is based on the last five years of sampling.
Sites that are not recommended for swimming, or any water-based recreation, because of their long-term grade are shown as red on the Land Air Water Aotearoa (LAWA) website and signage should be in place at the site.
This summer, the long-term grades at 13 bays in Whakaraupō Lyttelton Harbour and Akaroa Harbour are replaced with a new predictive water quality tool. This tool provides real-time information about the conditions. Learn more about the predictive water quality tool.
Temporary health warnings are issued when a site was graded as good to swim but there is now an increased risk of faecal contamination.
Faecal contamination poses a risk to health, it can cause gastrointestinal illnesses, respiratory diseases, and eye, ear, nose, throat and skin infections.
You can also help stop the spread of marine pests that pose a major threat to our region's beautiful coastal waters.
Temporary health warnings
Advisory Note - Rainfall Affected Water Quality
Incident date: Thursday 18 February 2026
Last updated: 1.42pm, Sunday 22 February 2026
Don’t swim in estuaries, harbours, and beaches within 48 hours of significant rainfall!
Swimmers are urged to stay up to date on the quality of their favourite Canterbury estuaries, harbours and beaches to confirm they are safe to swim this summer.
When you’re heading for a swim, don’t forget to look out for the water quality information signs or visit ‘Can I Swim Here?’ section of the Land Water Aotearoa (LAWA) website at www.lawa.org.nz to view the latest information.
Swimmers should avoid getting in the water within 48 hours of significant rainfall as heavy rain flushes contaminants from urban and rural land into waterways, reducing the quality of water within a short period of time – even at sites that generally have good water quality. Check the water is clean and clear before taking a dip.
Find out more: Land, Air, Water Aotearoa (LAWA) - Can I Swim Here?
Advisory Note - Unsafe Recreational Water Quality
Incident date: Sunday 22 February 2026
Last updated: 1.42pm, Sunday 22 February 2026
Following the significant rain events last week and the subsequent wastewater overflows, water quality at the following sites is considered unsuitable for swimming, other water-based activities, and shellfish gathering.
- Akaroa Harbour (French Farm Bay, Tikao Bay)
- Avon-Heathcote Estuary/Ihutai (Humphrey’s Drive, Mount Pleasant Yacht Club, South New Brighton Park, Beachville Road Jetty)
Find out more: Land, Air, Water Aotearoa (LAWA) - Can I Swim Here?
Advisory Note - Unsafe Recreational Water Quality at Whakaraupō Lyttelton Harbour bays
Incident date: Sunday 22 February 2026
Last updated: 1.42pm, Sunday 22 February 2026
Following the significant rain events last week and the subsequent wastewater overflows, water quality at Corsair Bay, Rāpaki Beach, Governors Bay Sandy Beach, Diamond Harbour and Purau Bay is considered unsuitable for swimming, other water-based activities, and shellfish gathering.
Te Hapū o Ngāti Wheke (Rāpaki) through the Rāpaki Tangata Tiaki have installed (as of 1700 hours on 21 February 2026) a seven (7) day rāhui on the taking of kai moana within Whakaraupō. Eating shellfish, fish and other kai moana from Whakaraupō should be avoided.
This rāhui also applies to Cass Bay Main Beach, Cass Bay Jetty, Charteris Bay and Church Bay.
Te Hapū o Ngāti Wheke are attempting to contact those with permits given over the last 24 hours and no further issuing of permits will occur during the seven-day rāhui or possibly beyond.
Find out more: Land, Air, Water Aotearoa (LAWA) - Can I Swim Here?