Here’s where to take kids swimming in Christchurch and greater Canterbury.
Looking for the perfect place to take the kids for a swim? Whether you’ve got little ones who love splashing around or bigger kids seeking water thrills, Canterbury’s swimming pools are packed with activities and amenities for all ages. We’ve rounded up the top spots across Christchurch, Selwyn, and North Canterbury that’ll keep everyone happy – from lazy rivers to hydroslides, and toddler pools to BBQ areas. Plus, during school hours in term time, children and their caregivers can swim for free, making it a fun, free activity throughout the week. Dive in and read on for where to take kids swimming in Christchurch and greater Canterbury.
Read more: Free Library Activities for Preschoolers in Christchurch
Where to take kids swimming in Christchurch:
Graham Condon Recreation and Sport Centre
Papanui’s Graham Condo is always a sure bet when wondering where to take kids swimming in Christchurch. The centre boasts a range of swimming pools, including a leisure pool, a toddler pool with fountains, and a lap pool for confident swimmers or adults. Little ones can splash in shallow water while the older kids try the inflatable obstacle course that pops up during school holidays and weekends. It’s also fully accessible, making it a great option for everyone.
Cost: Adults $6.70; Children $3.80
Where: 3 Sisson Drive, Papanui, Christchurch
Opening times: Mon-Fri 5.30am – 9.30pm, Sat-Sun 7am-8pm
Temperature: Toddlers pool – temperatures range from 32 to 34 degrees
More info here.
Jellie Park
Jellie Park is a favourite in Christchurch thanks to its variety of amenities. It’s a must-visit with two hydroslides to whiz down (speed chutes and a twister), a leisure pool, and outdoor swimming in the summer months. There’s also a splash deck perfect for younger kids, and a full-sized lap pool for more serious swimmers. Families will love the free BBQ area, so you can pack a picnic and make it a full-day outing.
Cost: Adults $6.70; Children $3.80
Where: 295 Ilam Road, Burnside, Christchurch
Opening times: Mon-Fri 5.30am-9.30pm, Sat-Sun 7am-8pm
Temperature: Outdoor pool – temperatures range from 25 to 27 degrees; Toddlers pool – temperatures range from 29 to 31 degrees; Recreation pool – temperatures range from 26.5 to 28 degrees
More info here.
Matatiki Hornby Centre
Matatiki Hornby Centre, Christchurch’s newest pool complex, offers something for the whole family. It’s modern, with a great indoor leisure pool perfect for younger swimmers. There’s a dedicated toddlers’ pool and an inflatable obstacle course set up on Sundays between 12-3pm. After a swim, you can check out the on-site library, making it a great place to chill for an afternoon.
Cost: Adults $6.70; Children $3.80
Where: 25 Smarts Road, Hornby, Christchurch
Opening times: Mon-Fri 5.30am-9.30pm, Sat-Sun 7am-8pm
Temperature: Toddlers pool – 32 degrees
More info here.
Pioneer Recreation and Sport Centre
With its lazy river, wave pool, and plenty of space for kids to splash around, Pioneer is perfect for the family. Younger children can paddle in the shallow areas boasting water fountains, a basketball hoop, balls, pool rings and a splash bucket, while older kids will also love the occasional wave pool sessions. Follow up your swim with a ticket to Tumbletimes to guarantee a good sleep.
Cost: Adults $6.70; Children $3.80
Where: 75 Lyttelton Street, Spreydon, Christchurch
Opening times: Mon-Fri 5.30am-9pm, Sat-Sun 7am-8pm
Temperature: Leisure pool – temperatures range from 30 to 32 degrees
More info here.
Taiora QEII Recreation and Sport Centre
Taiora QEII in New Brighton is jam-packed with family-friendly features, from a large leisure and toddler pool to a water playground, a 130-metre-long hydroslide, and a lazy river. If your kids love water adventures, they’ll enjoy hours of fun here. An inflatable obstacle course also runs on Sundays from 2pm to 4pm.
Cost: Adults $6.70; Children $3.80; Slide pass for children $10.50 (includes entry)
Where: 193 Travis Road, North New Brighton, Christchurch
Opening times: Mon-Fri 5.30am-9pm, Sat-Sun 7am-8pm
Temperature: Main pool – temperatures range from 26.5 to 27.5 degrees; Leisure pool – temperatures range from 32 to 34 degrees; Toddlers pool – temperatures range from 32 to 34 degrees; Wet play area and hydroslide – temperatures range from 28 to 32 degrees
More info here.
Te Pou Toetoe Linwood Pool
Kids can explore the interactive water play deck with water toys and splash in the toddlers’ pool, while the inflatable obstacle course brings extra excitement on weekends from 1pm to 3pm. For those who love to swim, the 25-metre lane pool is ready for action, and the family spa offers a cosy spot to relax. Don’t miss the indoor manu pool—New Zealand’s first all-season pool—where you can show off your best jumps and splashes.
Cost: Adults $6.70; Children $3.80
Where: 141 Smith Street, Linwood, Christchurch
Opening times: Mon- Fri 5.30am-9.30pm, Sat-Sun 7am-8pm. The pools close at 2.30pm on Wednesdays.
Temperature: Toddlers pool – 33 degrees; Manu pool – 28 degrees
More info here.
Where to take kids swimming in Selwyn:
Selwyn Aquatic Centre
Rolleston’s Selwyn Aquatic Centre is a hub for families in the area. The centre offers five pools, including a leisure pool with a lazy river and toddlers area attached. Those under 8 can hop in and row in a hand-pedal boat on Saturdays, while Sunday afternoons invite drop-in pool inflatable sessions for all ages.
Cost: Adults $6.90; Children $4; Preschooler with caregiver $4
Where: 71 Broadlands Drive, Rolleston
Opening times: 6am–9pm Monday to Friday, 8am–8pm Saturday, Sunday
Temperature: Leisure pool with a lazy river and toddlers area attached is 32 degrees
More info here.
Where to take kids swimming in North Canterbury:
Dudley Park Aquatic Centre
Dudley Park offers a lap pool, as well as a sizeable children’s leisure pool that includes a toddler area and a lazy river.
Cost: Adults $7.40; Children $4.20; Parent and Preschooler $4.60
Where: 40 Church Street, Rangiora
Opening times: Mon-Fri 6am-9pm, Sat-Sun 7.30am-7pm
More info here.
Kaiapoi Aquatic Centre
Kaiapoi Aquatic Centre has a lap pool, leisure area, and a beach-style space perfect for toddlers. With learn-to-swim programmes, aquarobics, lane swimming, and more, there’s something for everyone.
Cost: Adults $7.40; Children $4.20; Parent and Preschooler $4.60
Where: 9 Cass Street, Kaiapoi
Opening times: Mon-Fri 6am-9pm, Sat-Sun 7.30am-7pm
More info here.
Christchurch summer and seasonal pools:
Note: Summer pool opening dates for 2024 have not yet been announced.
Norman Kirk Memorial Summer Pool
Lyttelton’s Norman Kirk Memorial Pool is a stunning outdoor pool nestled against the backdrop of the Port Hills. There’s a paddling pool for young swimmers and plenty of space for family fun and picnic, with unbeatable harbour views.
Cost: Adults $6.70; Children $3.80
Where: 7 Winchester Street, Lyttelton
More info here.
Te Hāpua Halswell Summer Pool
Te Hāpua is all about summer fun, and with a seven-lane pool as well as a toddler pool, all ages will be kept entertained. Over 5s will love the hydroslide, while parents can relax by the poolside. Bring a picnic to enjoy on the grassy areas or under the shaded spots around the pool.
Cost: Adults $6.70; Children $3.80; Adult or child hydroslide entry $2
Where: 341 Halswell Road, Christchurch
More info here.
Templeton Summer Pool
Templeton’s outdoor pool is perfect for families seeking a quiet, relaxed swimming experience. With a four-lane pool and a shaded toddler area, it’s a great way to cool off in summer. This pool is reserved for members and their guests, giving it a private, community feel.
Cost: Season pass membership (key holder) $80 per household
Where: 62 Kirk Road, Templeton, Christchurch
More info here.
Waltham Summer Pool
A long-standing favourite for locals, Waltham Summer Pool features a nine-lane pool with a beach-style entry, making it great for kids of all ages. There’s a separate toddlers’ pool and a hydroslide for added fun. The free BBQ area makes it easy to spend an entire afternoon enjoying the water.
Cost: Adults $6.70; Children $3.80; Adult or child hydroslide entry $2
Where: 30 Waltham Road, Christchurch
More info here.
Selwyn summer pools:
Darfield Swimming Pool
Darfield Pool is a seasonal favourite, open in summer with a relaxed, community vibe. It’s fully heated, making it comfortable even on cooler days. There’s a hydroslide, a toddler splash deck with water features, as well as a water bombing area.
Cost: Adults $3.50, Children $3
Where: 1272 Greendale Road, Darfield
More info here.
Sheffield Memorial Pool
A peaceful, family-friendly spot with two pools and a diving board for those wanting a bit of extra fun. Bring some snacks, find a shady spot, and enjoy a sunny afternoon while the kids swim.
Cost: Adults $3, Children $2.50
Where: 23 West Coast Road, Sheffield
More info here.
Southbridge Pool
Southbridge Pool is fully heated and lifeguarded, offering a safe and fun spot for families. There’s a hydroslide for kids over eight years old, and two outdoor pools, perfect for summer splashing.
Cost: $3
Where: 100 High Street, Southbridge
More info here.
Leeston Learners Pool
For families with younger kids, Leeston Learners Pool is a great option. This small, shallow outdoor pool is perfect for introducing your littles to swimming. It’s not lifeguarded, so a season key is required, making it ideal for a quiet spot to help build on little swimmers’ confidence.
Cost: Family swim access keys for the season can be purchased from the Leeston Library and Service Centre. Seasonal swimming costs $35. The pool is suitable for families with primary and pre-school children only.
Where: Chervier Street, Leeston
More info here.
North Canterbury summer pools:
Oxford Community Aquatic Centre
Oxford’s outdoor pool is a gem in the summer, with space for swimmers of all ages. The smaller, heated pool is perfect for toddlers, while the larger pool and diving board keep older kids entertained. There’s plenty of shade and grass areas for relaxing after your swim.
Cost: Adults $7.40; Children $4.20; Parent and Preschooler $4.60
Where: 7 Burnett St, Oxford
More info here.
Featured image courtesy of Unsplash, all other images credited to respective Councils
