Greetings, curious merfolk and aquatic adventurers! I’m Professor C. Weedy of the New Zealand Academy of Aquatic Mysteries, and I have spent many years studying the enchanting world of mermaiding across Aotearoa’s waters. Mermaiding is a fin-tastic activity for water lovers of all ages — a magical blend of swimming, imagination, fitness, and ocean spirit. But even the most graceful mermaids must remember that swimming with a tail brings extra challenges, especially for inexperienced swimmers and young sea sprites. Safety must always come first in the underwater realm!

While mermaiding can be enjoyed freely throughout New Zealand’s oceans, lakes, estuaries, and many private pools, some public swimming pools still do not allow mermaid tails or monofins. This can make it tricky for travelling mermaids to find safe and welcoming waters to practise their aquatic arts.

That is why I have created New Zealand’s very first Interactive Mermaid-Friendly Pool Map — a magical guide to help mermaids discover pools where fins, flukes, and underwater adventures are welcomed. Use the map to explore new watery kingdoms, practise your mermaid skills, and connect with the growing pod of merfolk across the country. And remember, my dear mermaids and mermen: always mermaid safely, never exceed your swimming abilities, and whenever possible, swim with a fellow merfriend by your side. The ocean may hold mysteries… but safety is the greatest treasure of all!