Hot saltwater pools a hit
Move over Maruia, Hanmer and Tekapo, because the South Island has a new hot pools destination.
New Brighton’s hot saltwater pools, named He Puna Taimoana, opened on Saturday and have already proven to be a hit with Cantabrians – selling out for the whole of Queen’s Birthday Weekend.
The Christchurch site is split into three zones – unwind, fitness and family – and as well as the five pools, a sauna and a steam room, the $11.2 million beach front facility boasts unspoilt ocean views.
The site was due to open in April, but was delayed because of the Covid-19 lockdown.
But those lucky enough to grab one of the limited opening day places were treated to a cloudless sky and no sign of the infamous easterly wind that can chill the seaside suburb.
The pools range in temperature from 28 degrees Celsius to 40C and there is a cold water pool for those brave enough to take the plunge.
Christchurch couple Sha Jega and Mark Song were among the first to enjoy the pools after Song booked tickets as a surprise.
‘‘It’s awesome. We picked a good day for it,’’ he said.
‘‘For the price of a movie ticket you can come here for a few hours and enjoy the view. I think the price is quite reasonable.’’
Jega works in real estate and said the new pools would be a major selling point for the coastal suburb.
‘‘I definitely think it’s going to be good for the area, it’s going to lift New Brighton and the value of the properties.
‘‘After you finish at the pools you can walk on the beach, how good is that?’’
The site is operated by the Christchurch City Council and has created
25 jobs. It will cost the authority close to
$1m a year to operate.
The hot pools are a key development in the New Brighton Regeneration Project, a council-backed initiative to transform the seaside town.
Manager Merryn Skipper said the first day had gone very well.
‘‘We’re so happy to be at our official opening day and get the doors open,’’ she said.
‘‘It’s been something that the community has wished for since 1968, we couldn’t be prouder of this facility.’’
She hoped people would come to New Brighton and ‘‘get a fresh look at an old favourite’’.
‘‘The uptake has been so strong, we sold out in just six hours for Queen’s Birthday Weekend.’’
She said in future the site could host pool parties, date night bookings, and private functions.
He Puna Taimoana is open between
10am and 8pm, seven days a week, with a reduced rate for locals if they have a Christchurch Resident Card.
Christchurch adults will pay $14 and
$10 for children. The cost for people living outside the council boundary is $18 for adults and $13 for children.
Due to Covid-19 distancing, sessions are limited to 50 people at a time and last
1 hour 45 minutes. The sauna and steam rooms are closed during level 2.