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Summer’s here in Waikato! Time to get outside and soak up everything our district has to offer.

From lakes and swimming holes to playgrounds, skateparks, scenic walkways, and rivers, there’s something for everyone.

Whether you’re planning a full-on family day out, a quiet spot to read, a short walk, or a refreshing swim, this page has tips to help you make the most of the long, warm days in the Waikato district.

Stay safe this summer

We hope everyone has a fun and safe summer! Here are a couple of quick tips to keep it all sweet while you’re out and about.

A fun, festive countdown packed with practical summer safety tips.

Each day shares a simple, easy-to-do action to help you and your whaanau stay safe from storms, heatwaves, fire risks, travel hassles, and other summer emergencies.

Follow along on Facebook or use this short guide to get prepared at your own pace.

Day one

Discuss what your whaanau would do in an emergency. Make a family plan.

Day two

Get the latest weather information from MetService - Te Ratonga Tirorangi  and ensure your phone can receive Emergency Mobile Alerts.

Day three

Keep at least 3 litres per person per day for 3 days, plus pets’ water. Get prepared.

Day four

Prepare emergency grab bags for home, work, school, and your car — so you’re ready wherever you are. Find out what to pack here

Day five

Save key phone contacts, including daycare/schools, family, neighbours, council, and emergency lines.

Day six

Know if you’re in a tsunami zone, and plan multiple routes to safety.

Day seven

Stay cool this summer — drink plenty of water, check on elderly neighbours, and keep pets shaded.

Day eight

Heading away? Pack an emergency grab bag for your car. Use the NZTA journey planner to check your route before you go. 

Day nine

Be prepared for power outages — keep torches and power banks handy, and unplug electronics during storms.

Day ten

BBQ safely — keep it away from dry grass, never leave it unattended. Check for fire bans before you light a fire this summer: checkitsalright.nz 

Day 11

Make sure your furry friends are ready too — have spare pet food and think about how you’d evacuate with your pets if needed. 

Day 12

Connect with neighbours and vulnerable people near you before an emergency occurs.

  • Check your vehicle before you travel 
  • Drive to the conditions and take regular breaks.
  • Take it slow on rural roads.
  • Plan a sober driver before you head out.

Check out our summer resealing programme and any upcoming roadworks around our district.

  • Keep children within arm’s reach.
  • Swim within your ability.
  • Look out for each other.
  • Be aware of changing lake and river conditions.

Head to Water Safety NZ to learn the five simple ways to stay safe in, on, and around water with your whaanau.

  • Bring plenty of water and shade.
  • Protect your skin - slip on a shirt, slap on sunscreen, and seek shade.

Check out some handy tips from Health NZ on preventing sunburn, heat stroke, exhaustion, and dehydration.

  • Keep your pets cool, including horse and livestock.
  • Know the signs of heatstroke.
  • Never leave them in parked cars.
  • Remember to five-second rule for hot surfaces.

The SPCA has some great tips on keeping your pets safe during summer - learn all about it.

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Use the Antenno app to tell us about things that need our attention, like potholes, graffiti, or broken streetlights.

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