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Water temp at Whitianga and Bay of Islands beaches in Dec.

Vienna, Virginia
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Water temp at Whitianga and Bay of Islands beaches in Dec.
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Just wanted to check what is the water temperature at beaches around Whitianga and Bay of Islands during Christmas. Is it warm enough to swim without a wet suit? The ground temp shows to be in the low 70s. I am putting together an itinerary to get some beach time (3 days), but if I can't swim due the water being cold, I will probably just visit beaches near Auckland.

Thanks,

D

Christchurch, New...
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for Christchurch, South Island, Akaroa
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1. Re: Water temp at Whitianga and Bay of Islands beaches in Dec.
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Basically the same water! Auckland is in between Whitianga & the BoI. Most NZers swim at Xmas and don't swim in wet suits! Beach water temp may vary quite a bit depending on the tide: for example if the beach is shallow and the tide is out all day, the incoming tide will pick up warmth from the sand and a late afternoon swim will be very pleasant; get a bit of wind on the water surface and it will cool down again.

There is always Hot Water Beach!!

Vienna, Virginia
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2. Re: Water temp at Whitianga and Bay of Islands beaches in Dec.
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:-) I should have clarified what I meant by going to Auckland beaches. I know that the water temp will be the same throughout, but I would rather not spend 2-3 days at BOI or the Coromandel, if I or the kids are not going to be splashing or swimming in the water... ...can't go to a beach town and not enter the waters!! I could just go to one beach when I'm in Auckland and that should then suffice. The water temperature around Christmas is around 65 Fahrenheit which is mighty darn cold for me. I will work on an itinerary that includes the interior parts... ...Auckland, Waimoto and Rotura. Is there anything else that you recommend for kids on the North Island?

Auckland, New...
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3. Re: Water temp at Whitianga and Bay of Islands beaches in Dec.
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Hi - we have a beach house at Matarangi (Coromandel) and always swim at that time of year. We don't wear wet suits at all. The beaches at Christmas are jam packed with swimmers!!

Rarotonga, Cook...
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for Rarotonga, Waiheke Island, Southern Cook Islands, Auckland Central, New Zealand, North Island, Cook Islands
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4. Re: Water temp at Whitianga and Bay of Islands beaches in Dec.
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Auckland and Northland temperatures can vary from day to day. If we have had a run of warm and sunny days, the sea temps will warm up. More so when the tide comes in across the warmed sands creating a flow-on effect. Late afternoon high tide is a good time to swim in this respect.

The Bay of Islands receives the benefit of a warm current which flows across the top of the country before it moves south towards Auckland and on to the Coromandel. But depending on where you eventually enjoy the seaside, let's hope our summer is a good one for you and your family.

Hobbiton near Matamata, and not far to drive from Rotorua may interest you? Mt Maunganui is another great beach choice, with its well-developed facilities and warm bathing pools at the foot of the mount/Maunga.

Melbourne, Australia
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5. Re: Water temp at Whitianga and Bay of Islands beaches in Dec.
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We are visiting these areas in October, i am currently booking accommodation with heated pools, just for the kids to splash around and burn off that excess energy. This way you could have the beach & pool options.

6. Re: Water temp at Whitianga and Bay of Islands beaches in Dec.

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