An Instagram model was criticised for going swimming in a natural spring.
Many accused Cleo Codrington of paddling in a banned spot – which she vehemently denies.
The influencer since responded to the backlash and insists she was taking a dip elsewhere.
Cleo recently posted a stunning underwater shot to Instagram.
In the image, she swims in a spring surrounded by lush greenery.
The beautiful snap has racked up more than 5,600 likes over the last few weeks.
But while many praised the photography, some questioned the location the blogger decided to shoot at.
Many believe the picture was taken in the Te Waihou Blue Spring – a body of water that tourists arent allowed to swim in.
A swimming ban has been placed on the North Island hotspot because it has been swamped by visitors in recent months.
This has had a negative impact on the landscape, which is why guests are discouraged from visiting.
As many Kiwis thought Cleo had stopped off in this area, they were understandably peeved.
One responder wrote: "Please NEVER swim there. That spring is sacred.”
Another said: “There is a reason its this clean.
“Its sacred and a sign of disrespect to swim here.”
Following the backlash, Cleo insisted she wasnt paddling in the Te Waihou Blue Spring.
She claims she took a dip in the Bay of Plenty region, which is around 60 miles away.
The influencer told fans: “This IS NOT Blue Springs, but Read More – Source
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