Health Warning – Unsafe recreational water quality at Akaroa Main Beach
Canterbury
25 February 2026
Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora has lifted its health warning at Akaroa Beach French Bay.
Latest water testing results show faecal bacteria levels at this site are now below guideline values, and the health warning has been removed with the water at this site now suitable for recreational use.
Dr Cheryl Brunton, Medical Officer of Health for the National Public Health Service, says rainfall in the area last week was the likely cause of the high levels of faecal bacteria.
“This is great news for swimmers and other recreational water users who would have been avoiding the water following the high levels of contamination”.
For further details visit:
Canterbury region - Land Air Water Aotearoaexternal link
To keep up to date with current health warnings visit:
Health alertsexternal link
16 February 2026
Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora has issued a health warning after being advised by authorities on 16 February that there had been a wastewater discharge near Akaroa Main Beach.
Dr Annabel Begg, Medical Officer of Health for the National Public Health Service, says: “Water quality at the affected site is not considered suitable for recreational uses including swimming because of the potential risk to health from the wastewater discharge.”
For further details visit:
Canterbury region - Land Air Water Aotearoaexternal link
To contact your local National Public Health Service office visit:
National Public Health Service - Canterbury and West Coastexternal link
To keep up to date with current health warnings visit:
Health alertsexternal link