Need to cool off this summer? We’ve got you, your friends and your whānau covered with our free and affordable pools and splashpads all over the region. Here’s some of our faves:
CENTRAL AUCKLAND
Pt Erin Pools
This outdoor facility above Westhaven has welcomed millions of people through its gates over more than 50 years. It features a 33m fun outdoor pool, dive pool, water slides, basketball court, a family spa, grassy shaded areas to spread out for a picnic for relaxation and splashing good fun!
Parnell Baths, Judges Bay
The iconic Parnell Baths is a must-visit that opens up in time for summer every year. Boasting the largest saltwater pool in New Zealand, this venue is perfect for soaking up the sun and cooling off from it too. There are also lanes for competitive swimmers in training, family and adult spa pools, a toddlers’ pool and the famous interactive aqua playground for the kids. With all this and more, Parnell Baths combines the best of retro charm and leisure pool innovation.
Parnell baths by the harbour. Photo credit: Jay Farnworth
Tepid Baths
Get in a swim during lunchtime or after work at ‘The Teps’, an Auckland landmark in the city centre. It has a 25m seven-lane pool, a 15m learner’s pool, spa and sauna, and a state-of-the-art fitness centre.
Grey Lynn Paddling Pool
Need to cool off your toddler? Grey Lynn Paddling Pool is a great size and depth for young ones to gain confidence in the water, and has a shade sail and lifeguard on duty during opening hours. After a paddle you can take your bundle of energy to the nearby Grosvenor Street playground for fun in the sun. Your little one will sleep well after this adventure!
SPLASH PADS
Myers Park
Myers Park has been a popular spot for water play for more than a century, with the splash pad built on the site of the original paddling pool, which opened in 1916. The surrounding historic park – accessible via Queen Street or Karangahape Road through St Kevin’s arcade – also offers a contemporary playground, and the recently installed artwork Waimahara Interactive, where you can sing a waiata to activate a beautiful light and sound experience.
Wind Tree
Grab a coffee and let the kids cool their feet off at Wynyard Quarter’s Wind Tree pool while you watch the light reflecting into the artwork and illuminating the sculpture’s movement. The adjoining Silo Park Playline is a fun, interactive series of pipes that include a water mister on hot days.
Waterview Reserve
Waterview Reserve has an awesome splash pad, and a great playground too, so a day of play awaits! The well-equipped playground has been designed to appeal to tamariki and rangitahi, and the crew can take a spin on the bike and scooter tracks too.
Potters Park
Potters Park in Balmoral is on a 3ha reserve and home to Auckland’s first splash pad. Once you’ve had your fill of exciting tip buckets and unexpected water jets, dry off and head to one of the nearby eateries to grab some lunch, or stay around and have a picnic in the park.
NORTH AUCKLAND
Albany Stadium Pool
Albany Stadium Pool is full of fantastic interactive water features such as the over-the-pool climbing wall, inflatables and water cannons for people of all ages. Want to relax? Check out a huge adult spa and sauna. If all this is making you hungry, you can head to the cafe at reception for delicious coffee and cabinet food.
Albany Stadium Pool. Photo credit: Bryan Lowe
Stanmore Bay Pool and Leisure Centre
On Whangaparāoa Peninsula, just across the road from a beautiful beach, the award-winning Stanmore Bay Pool and Leisure Centre offers something for people of every level, from the young of age to the young at heart, including lane pool, learners pool and spa pool.
SPLASH PADS
Stanmore Bay Pool and Leisure Centre has an aptly beach-themed outdoor splash pad to get you in a beachy frame of mind. The complex also has an on-site cafe and badminton courts, so there are plenty of reasons to visit once you’re splashed out.
Albany Stadium Pool has a splash pad with wacky water features for non-stop water play and imaginative fun.
SOUTH AUCKLAND
Moana-Nui-a-Kiwa Pool and Leisure Centre, Māngere
FREE to swim for all ages, with five irregularly shaped outdoor pools, including a 2.6m “bombing” pool, and a hydro slide, Moana-Nui-a-Kiwa Pool is the place to be in South Auckland this summer - there’s something for all ages and abilities. You can also book a BBQ in the new electrical barbecue area with shade and tables. Can't book? Don't worry, you can still make a day of it and picnic on the grass by the pools.
Moana-Nui-a-Kiwa Pool and Leisure Centre.
Ōtāhuhu Pool and Leisure Centre
With 6 different pools, Ōtāhuhu Pool and Leisure Centre has plenty to offer: A 25 metre lane pool, learn to swim pool, toddler’s pool, leisure pool and spa! For those seeking even more fun, there is a specialised bombing pool. That’s right, water bombing in the pool IS allowed here.
SPLASH PADS
Moana-Nui-a-Kiwa Pool
If you don’t have your togs, no problem. Moana-Nui-a-Kiwa Pool also has a splash pad, where the swimwear requirement is relaxed as it’s not an actual pool – shorts and a t-shirt and you’re good to go!
Ōtāhuhu Pool and Leisure Centre
In the running for the prettiest splash pad in the city, the Ōtāhuhu Pool and Leisure Centre, water playground has colourful flower-shaped fountains and a tipping bucket that looks like a giant water wheel.
Ōtāhuhu Pool and Leisure Centre. Photo credit: Jay Farnworth
EAST AUCKLAND
Lagoon Pool & Leisure Centre
Dive into the ultimate summer experience at Lagoon Pool and Leisure Centre (known as Swimarama to the locals). Enjoy the slide, dive and run activities that run daily, as well as a spacious outdoor area. If you fancy cooking up a storm there are barbeques to hire! Out for a more chill day? Then check out the freshly made food at the onsite café.
Lloyd Elsmore Park Pool and Leisure Centre
Lloyd Elsmore Park Pool and Leisure Centre is your local Pakuranga spot for all things active — jump in! Go for a swim in the leisure or lap pools, relax in the spa or sauna, or have a splash in the splash pool.
SPLASH PAD
Lloyd Elsmore Park
Kids getting hot and cranky? Take them to the splash pad at the Lloyd Elsmore Park Pool and Leisure Centre. This Pakuranga fun pad is open daily 9am-6.30pm (weather permitting) and offers a whole lot of water play fun with fountains, mist sprayers and elevated structures.
WEST AUCKLAND
West Wave Pool and Leisure Centre
There is something for everyone at West Wave, from a hydro slide, diving pool through to a steam room, sauna, hydrotherapy pool and 50m lap pool, but of course the most exciting feature is the WAVE POOL!! This pool has a wave that turns on for five minutes at 15-minute intervals.
LEARN TO SWIM
Want more confidence in the water for you and your whanau this summer, then why not sign up to a Learn to Swim programme at one of Auckland Council’s Pools and Leisure Centres around the region?
Why learn to swim?
Great for kids
Swimming helps kids flourish in so many ways:
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developing motor skills
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developing hand-eye coordination
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learning to be adaptable
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learning about effort and reward
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learning to retain information
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increasing their self-confidence.
