Fitzroy Beach in New Plymouth is one of Taranaki’s most popular bathing beaches, with surf life patrols during the summer months. Its central location and high-quality waves also make it very popular for surfing. The beach is readily accessed from the coastal walkway, car parks and nearby campground.
The Waiwhakaiho River enters the sea approximately 800m to the east of the beach sample site. The Waiwhakaiho River drains an agricultural and industrial catchment and heavy rainfall can significantly impact bacteriological water quality within the river. Near the mouth, the river typically has a high level of contamination from birdlife.
Recreational bathing surveys over the last two summers (2018-2019 and 2019-2020) showed that 100% of beach samples met the marine microbiological water quality guidelines prepared by the Ministry of the Environment in conjunction with the Ministry of Health (MfE, 2003) and did not exceed the ‘Action’ level (two consecutive samples >280 enterococci/100 ml).
Keep your distance from other people.
Practicing social distancing is still essential. Only go to the beach if you are able to keep 6 feet or 2 meters away from others. Follow the instructions provided by your local health authorities. If your community has asked that you remain indoors and away from others, do so. Spending a day in any crowded place is the worst thing we can do for our most vulnerable right now and will counter our efforts to curb the virus’s spread.
- Passed water quality tests 60-95% of the time
Historical Status
Keep your distance from other people.
Practicing social distancing is still essential. Only go to the beach if you are able to keep 6 feet or 2 meters away from others. Follow the instructions provided by your local health authorities. If your community has asked that you remain indoors and away from others, do so. Spending a day in any crowded place is the worst thing we can do for our most vulnerable right now and will counter our efforts to curb the virus’s spread.
- Passed water quality tests 60-95% of the time
- Historical Status
Fitzroy Beach in New Plymouth is one of Taranaki’s most popular bathing beaches, with surf life patrols during the summer months. Its central location and high-quality waves also make it very popular for surfing. The beach is readily accessed from the coastal walkway, car parks and nearby campground.
The Waiwhakaiho River enters the sea approximately 800m to the east of the beach sample site. The Waiwhakaiho River drains an agricultural and industrial catchment and heavy rainfall can significantly impact bacteriological water quality within the river. Near the mouth, the river typically has a high level of contamination from birdlife.
Recreational bathing surveys over the last two summers (2018-2019 and 2019-2020) showed that 100% of beach samples met the marine microbiological water quality guidelines prepared by the Ministry of the Environment in conjunction with the Ministry of Health (MfE, 2003) and did not exceed the ‘Action’ level (two consecutive samples >280 enterococci/100 ml).
