Swimming and Boating

With its considerable coastline and many rivers Marlborough offers numerous river and sea swimming spots. Marlborough District Council monitors the water quality at the more popular swimming locations, and provides three public swimming pools in Blenheim, Picton and Seddon.

Swimming Water Quality

Using the guidelines set out by the Ministry for the Environment, Marlborough District Council has graded each of Marlborough's swimming beaches and rivers. This allows for increased public awareness with regard to health issues when swimming at various popular locations.

Beach Grades

The beach/river grade takes into consideration factors such as agricultural use in the catchment, annual rainfall figures, water uses (marina, boat moorings etc.) and human activity. It couples this information with the water quality data of that particular area from the past five years, which identifies the level of Enterococci (marine) or Escherichia coli bacteria (freshwater) in the water.

Weekly Monitoring

Water samples are taken at 18 coastal sites and 13 river sites during the summer months (November - March inclusive) and assessed against the Ministry for the Environment recreational water quality guidelines. These guidelines assess the level of risk of contracting illness/infection from coming into contact with the water. Results can vary from week to week so it is important to check the most recent water quality results. For the latest water quality results see:

• Monitored water quality and locations for Marlborough's popular swimming spots

Swimming Pools

• Aquatic Centre
  The Aquatic Centre has two heated indoor pools, a 25 m training and activity pool and a learner's pool. It also has a 50m outdoor pool that is open from December to March.
• Picton Community Pool
  The Picton pool is located at Queen Charlotte College and is accessed from the northern end of Hampden Street, Picton.
• Awatere Community Pool
  The Awatere pool is operated by the Awatere Settlers' Association and is located at the Seddon Domain on Foster Street, Seddon.

Boating

The Marlborough Sounds are recognised worldwide as an area of immense natural beauty and unspoiled environment, and attract large numbers of pleasure boats. Marinas at Waikawa Bay, Picton and Havelock offer both permanent and casual berthage and other facilities. All marinas are operated by Port Marlborough New Zealand Limited who can be contacted on 03 520 3399. 

For more information see:

• Harbours

Being Safe on the Water

The Marlborough Sounds Safe Boating Brochure for Summer 09/10 is available. The brochure  information to help you have an enjoyable and safe time on the water this summer.

For more information see: 

• Jet Skis
• Ski and Swim Lanes
• Kayaking and Rowing