People in Canterbury are being warned to keep out of the water at Akaroa on Banks Peninsula, due to high levels of faecal bacteria.
Canterbury District Health Board says water samples were taken by Canterbury Regional Council and community volunteers at the main beach and at Glen Bay.
Medical Officer of Health Alistair Humphrey says the water quality at Akaroa is not considered suitable for recreational swimming.
He says while in most cases, ill effects will be minor and short lived, there is potential for serious diseases such as hepatitis A, giardia and salmonella.
Dr Humphrey warns people to not eat fish or shellfish from the area.
