Summer is on the horizon which pretty much means three things in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland: ice cream, rooftop bars and swimming. While we’ve covered the first two for you here and here, and we’ve told you the best beaches to hit, we thought it would be timely to share the best swimming pools our fair city of Auckland has to offer, just for you.
Whether you’re inclined to something a little wild, salt water, fresh water, outdoors or in, there is something for everyone. Go forth and tame that rising mercury. Here are Urban List's picks of the best swimming pools in Auckland.
Parnell Baths
Judges Bay Road, Parnell, Auckland
Image credit: Parnell Baths | Facebook
We’re kicking off our list of Auckland’s best swimming pools with the OG, the iconic Parnell Baths. These salt-water pools are the biggest in the country and have been keeping bathers happy for more than a hundred years.
There's heaps of fun for the sprogs with brightly coloured water equipment in a smaller pool as well as a deep 60m pool for those who are a little more confident. It’s a popular spot in the warmer months, so make sure you head along early to nab your pozzy.
They even have live cams on their website so you can assess the sitch before you even leave home. Quality.
Point Erin Pools
94 Shelly Beach Road, Herne Bay, Auckland
Image credit: Point Erin Pools | Facebook
Like the Parnell Baths, Point Erin Pools are only open during the summer season (November to March) as it’s a large outdoor pool. Not only can you soak up the sunshine, but you also get to soak up the views of the Harbour Bridge.
If you want to add a few fun activities, you can choose from a diving well, a family spa or hit up the basketball courts or even the playground. Extra points for the live cam so you can scope what's happening poolside before you visit.
The Y Lagoon Pool And Leisure Centre
29 Lagoon Drive, Panmure, Auckland
Image credit: The Y Lagoon Pool And Leisure Centre | Facebook
Formerly the YMCA but now owned by Auckland Council, The Y Lagoon Pool And Leisure Centre is the perfect spot to spend a day poolside.
This Panmure venue has an outdoor pool, a hydro slide, diving boards splash pad, a dive well and an adventure playground. We also love the outdoor area with a garden, picnic tables and barbeque that’s perfect for a summer’s day feast.
Parakai Springs
150 Parkhurst Road, Parakai, Auckland
Image credit: Parakai Springs | Facebook
One of Auckland’s geothermal pools worth a visit is Parakai Springs. Situated out West, if you’re a thrill-seeker you’ll love the waterslides or, if you prefer to sit back and relax, there are plenty of pools for you to do so.
There's even an adults-only rock pool (also available for private hire), so bring a picnic and a blanket and make a day of it. While you're there, be sure to check out the toasty geothermal indoor pool with a huge hole in the roof, perfect for stargazing on clear nights.
The Y Onehunga War Memorial Pool
1 Park Gardens, Onehunga, Auckland
Image credit: The Y Onehunga War Memorial Pool | Facebook
The Onehunga War Memorial Pool opened in 1956 and is one of the best places for having an epic swim this summer. With multiple pools, including indoor and out (outdoor open November to April) and a dedicated dive pool with both high and low boards, you could spend a whole day here keeping cool.
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Tepid Baths
100 Customs Street West, Auckland CBD
Image credit: Tepid Baths | Facebook
If you prefer to have your swim time free from unnecessary splashing and the other fun-filled pools sound like your worst nightmare, then take a break and head to Tepid Baths in the CBD.
Otherwise known as “The Teps,” it is an iconic swimming pool in Auckland, situated in a 100-year-old building. Inside, it’s lovely and serene—much like one of those fancy-pants pools you see in the movies.
Massey Park Pool
2 Ron Keat Drive, Papakura, Auckland
Massey Park Pool is high up there on our list of must-visit pools. There’s an outdoor 50m pool if you want to burn off those Christmas calories but if you prefer a little excitement to your life, make the most of the hydro slide and lazy river as well as the wave pool.
If you’re lucky, you may be there for a ‘wave rave’. A what? Yep, you can have a rave in the wave pool with pumping music to get you going. There are plenty of competitions including bombing and an aqua run.
Mount Albert Aquatic Centre
38 Alberton Avenue, Mount Albert, Auckland
Image credit: Mount Albert Aquatic Centre | Instagram iamcandyb_
The Mount Albert Aquatic Centre is one place you’ll want to put on your summer bucket list. With the indoor pool basically performing as an underwater playground, there’s also a huge hydro slide, a river run and a wave pool that turns on every 30 minutes. Cue mass excitement.
Pro tip: this is a popular spot so entry may be restricted at peak times, plan to visit outside of the middle of the day if possible.
Glenfield Pool And Leisure Centre
73-77 Bentley Avenue, Glenfield, Auckland
We're huge fans of the dive pool at Glenfield Pool And Leisure Centre, but that's not the only reason we'd recommend this pool in the Auckland suburb of Glenfield. With pools, sauna, steam rooms and even hydro slides, this will quickly become a fave spot.
West Wave Pool And Leisure Centre
20 Alderman Drive, Henderson, Auckland
Image credit: West Wave Pool And Leisure Centre | Facebook
A popular spot for Westies, the West Wave Pool And Leisure Centre will certainly cool you off this summer. Purpose-built for the 1990 XIV Commonwealth Games, the aquatic centre’s popular leisure and hydrotherapy pool—including a wave pool, toddler pools, hydro slide, spas, and sauna and steam is always a hive of activity.
Give the hydro slide a try or feel like you’re at the beach when they turn on the waves. If you’d like to try some diving, there are one-metre, three-metre and five-metre boards.
Northern Arena
8 Polarity Rise, Silverdale, Auckland
If you’re going for a swim just to train and want a no-fuss pool, then the Northern Arena in Silverdale is for you. The pools were crafted in Italy and specifically designed with swimmers in training in mind.
The water has low levels of chlorine, which makes it more gentle on your skin. There’s an eight-lane training swimming pool for those wanting to get serious. Please note that access to this pool is on a membership basis, so for casual swims, you're better off heading to Stanmore Bay.
For more summer-loving ideas, check out:
- Where To Go Strawberry Picking
- Best Day Trips From Auckland
- Sunflower Farms In NZ To Visit This Summer
Main image credit: Parnell Baths | Instagram
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