Jump In: An Insider's Guide to New Zealand’s Best Beaches, Lakes, Rivers, Pools and Hot Springs by Nicola McCloy

“I never go anywhere without a pair of togs, and my car has so much swim gear in it that there’s very little room for anything else because I want to be ready in case an opportunity to get in the water might come my way,” says Nicola McCloy.

“I love being in the water. Whether swimming off the coast, in the middle of a lake or cruising down a river rapids, you get to see the land in a way that not many others do. You get to see things - whether it's stingrays, dolphins, orca, fish, eels, endangered birds, native bush or views of the city  that differ from day-today. You don’t have to go far to have your perspective changed, and I think there’s a real joy in that.”

From secluded sandy bays to crystal clear alpine lakes, hidden lagoons, rivers and beaches, Jump In is the ultimate guide to Aotearoa's best swimming spots! The best-selling Kiwi author channels her lifelong love of swimming into this practical guide, including well-known favourites to secret spots across the motu. To be included, the swim spots had to be reasonably easy to access and no roads that require four-wheel drive have been included. 

Arranged north to south with a handy contents-page map, it’s easy to pinpoint one of the 150 swimming spots near you. Every entry provides clear directions plus at-a-glance information for parking, toilets, changing rooms, showers, kid and dog friendliness and longer swim options. Nicola also helpfully includes notes on ease of access, required ability levels and when Surf Life Saving patrols operate. She’s included sensible safety advice alongside engaging descriptions and stories. 

Not surprisingly Jump In features page after page of amazing watery landscapes. What I like most about Jump In is you are guaranteed to find a spot near you, whether it’s a spontaneous day dip or a full-blown road trip. You’ll also find dippable waterfalls, rejuvenation natural hot pools and swimming holes in rivers.

“There’s something brilliantly paradoxical about water. It can inspire you and humble you. It can heal you and hurt you. It can challenge you and soothe you. It can warm you and cool you. It can tire you and refresh you. Most of all, though, it has the capacity to make you see the world in a different way.”

“My hope is that this book inspires readers to get in the water - whether that is at their local beach or somewhere they’ve never been before,” says Nicola.

Nicola McCloy is a Southlander whose parents instilled in her a love of the great Kiwi road trip. She has written more than 20 books, including Let's Get Lost, Whykickamoocow, Made in New Zealand and The Speight's Southern Man Cookbook

Reviewer: Andrea Molloy

HarperCollins