Taiora QEII
Work out and have fun at the same time. Taiora QEII has a range of pools, inflatable obstacles course sessions, gym equipment and group fitness classes to suit all fitness levels.
Looking for relaxation and recovery? Sit back and enjoy the hydrotherapy pool, sauna, steam room and spa pool.
Want to plan an event, sports training or tournament? Find out more about pool and meeting room hire at Christchurch Recreation and Sport Centres.
Taiora QEII opening hours
Lane pool
Aqua jogging
Leisure pool with lazy river
Splash deck and water adventure playground
Toddlers pool
Hydrotherapy pool
Teach pool
Hydroslide
Sauna
Steam room
Spa pool
Gym
Inflatable obstacle course
Red Café
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Physiotherapy -
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Car parking -
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Wheelchair access -
Sport shop -
Hearing loop
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Our pools and facilities operate year-round and include:
- Lane pool - 25 metres with 10 lanes (2 metres deep with movable floor)
- Hydroslide - 130-metres long, suitable for double and single rafts
- Leisure pool with lazy river
- Splash deck and water adventure playground
- Spa pool, sauna and steam room (ages 16+)
- Toddlers pool
- Hydrotherapy pool (ages 16+)
- Teach pool
Plan your visit. View lane availability for typical peak times in our pools.
Information about pool temperatures can be found on the Accessibility page.
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Lane pool -
Lane pool -
Hydrotherapy pool -
Splash deck with water adventure playground -
Spa pool
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Bounce, twist, slip and slide down our hydroslide with your friends and family at Taiora QEII.
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Conditions of entry
- Pre-schoolers aged under five years are not allowed on the hydroslides.
- Children between the ages of five and seven (inclusive) must be wearing a purple wristband and actively supervised by a responsible caregiver aged 16 years or older, who is to be within the pool area at all times and able to provide immediate assistance.
- Children aged 8 to 11 years (inclusive) must have a responsible caregiver 16 years or older on site unless they are in a supervised programme, such as swimming lessons. If they are swimming before or after their programme, their caregiver must be onsite.
- You must be at least 107cm tall to use the hydroslide.
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Swimsmart learn to swim lessons teaches children and adults essential water safety skills and confidence in the water.
Lessons for children are taught during the school terms, with the option to also enrol in the school holiday programme.
Adult lessons are free for Pool and Gym & Pool members.
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The gym offers a range of cardio, strength building and functional equipment for you to improve your fitness and wellbeing.
- Treadmills, exercycles, spin bikes, rowing machines, cross trainers and grinders
- Weights - resistance machines and free weights, including benches and squat racks
- Power bags/Swiss balls/Kettlebells
- Functional training frame area
- Stretching area
Our qualified, experienced instructors and personal trainers can guide you to your fitness goals. Speak to our fitness team to find out more.
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Fitness centre -
Group fitness room -
Treadmills -
Equipment in fitness centre
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Group fitness classes
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Aqua DeepCasual: $12.50 Multi pass: $112.50A great deep water workout for all fitness levels. Exercises are performed while wearing a flotation belt.
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Aqua FitCasual: $12.50 Multi pass: $112.50A medium to high-intensity class, incorporating equipment to improve core stability and balance, while increasing muscular strength endurance and overall flexibility.
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Aqua GentleCasual: $6.00 Multi pass: $54.00A gentle, low-intensity workout in the hydrotherapy pool aimed to gain strength and mobility while improving flexibility and coordination.
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Aqua HIITCasual: $12.50 Multi pass: $112.50A high-intensity 35-minute pool workout including drills, intervals and circuits with dynamic power moves designed to provide a challenging class to improve strength, flexibility and cardiovascular fitness.
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Babies and ToddlersMembership: $11.50Group lessons with caregiver and child in the water. Develop water confidence and safety skills for your child in a fun and interactive way.
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Preschooler lessonsMembership: $14.30Small group lessons for children aged 3 to 5 years, introducing some structure while focusing on growing water confidence and developing water safety skills.
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School age lessonsMembership: $14.30For aged five years and over, children progress through the levels of achievement working towards the end goal of performing five water safety skills continuously.
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Swimsmart school holiday programmeCourse: $30.00School holiday lessons are a great opportunity for school aged children to rapidly improve their swimming skills and burn some serious energy.
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Burn zoneCasual: $12.50 Multi pass: $112.50Achieve your goals while burning calories and increasing your fitness levels in an energetic, fun environment.
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SpinCasual: $12.50 Multi pass: $112.50For a fun and challenging ride, this spin class is ideal for those who want to test themselves on the bikes and gain a great cardiovascular workout in the process.
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STRONG Nation™Casual: $12.50 Multi pass: $112.50A high-intensity interval training workout driven by synced music motivation. Combines body weight, muscle conditioning, cardio and plyometric training moves synced to original music specifically designed to match every move.
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ZumbaCasual: $12.50 Multi pass: $112.50Ditch the workout, join the party. Zumba fuses hypnotic Latin rhythms and easy-to-follow moves.
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PumpCasual: $12.50 Multi pass: $112.50Feel the burn, make your muscles tremble and kick start your metabolism with this full-body weight lifting class. Build endurance and stamina by using low weights and high repetition.
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Butt, Abs & ThighsCasual: $12.50 Multi pass: $112.50Firm and re-shape your lower half while you achieve better core strength.
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YogaCasual: $12.50 Multi pass: $112.50Advance your yoga practice at your own pace. Connect your mind to your body and breath by experiencing a blend of various yoga styles suitable for all levels using standing, seated and lying postures.
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Core ZoneCasual: $12.50 Multi pass: $112.50Push your body through a series of exercises to strengthen your core, build upper body strength, and increase your mobility and flexibility.
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FUNky movementsCasual: $6.00 Multi pass: $54.00A mixed ability, low intensity 45-minute class that combines gentle mind and body exercises for disabled people. No two classes are the same - they are always fun and support people are welcome.
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Gentle exerciseCasual: $6.00 Multi pass: $54.00Looking for a low-impact exercise class? Our Gentle Exercise classes are perfect for people who want to stay active, mobile, and healthy.
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Gentle exercise - Pilates and YogaCasual: $6.00 Multi pass: $54.00Looking for a low-impact exercise class? Our Gentle Exercise classes are perfect for people who want to stay active, mobile, and healthy.
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Gentle exercise - Move and GrooveCasual: $6.00 Multi pass: $54.00Move and Groove is a dance-inspired gentle exercise class designed for older adults and beginners who want to keep moving, improve mobility, and enjoy music while exercising.
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Gentle Exercise - Strength and BalanceCasual: $6.00 Multi pass: $54.00Designed to keep you strong, steady, and sharp — this class blends equipment-based exercises with bodyweight movements that may include mat work on the floor to build everyday strength.
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Gentle Exercise – Seated Strength and BalanceCasual: $6.00 Multi pass: $54.00Designed to keep you strong, steady, and sharp with a combination of seated and some standing exercises. Perfect for anyone looking for a safe, effective workout that supports mobility and independence.
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Rest and RestoreCasual: $12.50 Multi pass: $112.50Experience a blissful blend of gentle stretching and guided relaxation techniques. Rest & Restore can help you to lengthen and restore muscles and fascia through gentle movements that release tension and promote flexibility.
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Group fitness timetableIf you are unable to book through the timetable below, please login first by clicking the green 'Log in' button above.
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The hydrotherapy pool at Taiora QEII is amazing for relaxation, therapy and supporting your overall wellbeing. The warm water can help your body heal, relieve muscle tension, soothe joint pain and increase flexibility.
Aqua Gentle classes are held in this pool every Tuesday and Friday from 10.40am to 11.25am and Thursday at 10.40am and 1pm. Bookings are essential to attend these classes, the pool is closed for recreational use during these times. Please book in advance.
Half of the hydrotherapy pool can be booked for 30 minutes at 10.30am and 11am on Mondays and Wednesdays.
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Show more
- During Aqua Gentle classes, the hydrotherapy pool is unavailable for general use.
- Main access to the hydrotherapy pool is for people over the age of 16 years. Children under the age of 16 years old may use the hydrotherapy pool provided they are actively engaging in rehabilitation or recovery, not disturbing other customers, and are actively supervised by a responsible caregiver over the age of 16.
- Booking a hydrotherapy pool session guarantees your group access to the pool space, and helps with planning and coordinating your participants/clients.
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Rush, jump, slip, slide, biff and bash your way through our inflatable obstacle course!
Grab your mates and whānau and head on down to Taiora QEII on Sundays from 1pm to 3pm.
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Conditions of entry
- Inflatable obstacle course users between the age of five and 10 years old (inclusive) are required to complete a deep water swim test before going on the inflatable. Children under eight need to be supervised by a responsible caregiver over 16 years old.
- Inflatables users must be able to swim 25 metres unaided. Children under eight need to be supervised by caregivers over 16 years old.
General pool admission price applies.
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Taiora QEII has two multipurpose rooms and one smaller meeting room that can be used for:
- Community exercise programmes
- Training courses
- Community hui, celebrations and gatherings
- Seminars and workshops.
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Learn the deep history behind the land of Taiora QEII, a land which has met the tide and where people have gathered together for hundreds of years.
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Active Health offers physiotherapy and podiatry services at Taiora QEII.
Their team will work collaboratively with you to achieve your goals and the best possible outcome for your health and wellbeing.
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Red Café offers a range of healthy foods and great coffee at Taiora QEII Recreation and Sport Centre.
Grab a quick coffee after your workout, a cold smoothie after your swim, or catch up with friends after your group fitness class.
Red Café can also cater your event or birthday party.
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Plan your visitMake your visit easy with everything you need to know before your arrive. From how to get here to what to expect at the centre, this section covers transport options and accessibility.Travel by bike
Taiora QEII has bike stands to the right of the main entrance.
Travel by carTaiora EII has carparking located directly outside the main entrance. Access is from Travis Road.
Travel by busYou can travel to Taiora QEII on the 60, 80 and 135 buses.
- Bus number 135 stops directly outside the main entrance. View bus 135 timetable.
- Bus number 60 stops on Travis Road outside the Shirley Boys/Avonhead Girls High Schools, and is a 420 metre or 6 minute walk to Taiora QEII. View bus 60 timetable.
- Bus number 80 stops on Bower Avenue near Dick Taylor Drive, and is a 310 metre or 4 minute walk to Taiora QEII. View bus 80 timetable.
Wheelchair accessEntry to Taiora QEII is a low gradient ramp with an automatic door. We have a lowered desk at the front counter.
Poolside
- Pool access is through an entrance gate. Please ask staff to help you if you need assistance.
- Wet wheelchairs are available beside the pool.
- Please bring your own slings for the hoist, they are not available to hire.
- The lane pool, leisure pool, hydrotherapy pool, teach pool, toddlers pool and spa pool all have ramp access.
- The sauna is accessible, however assistance may be needed with the doors.
Gym and group fitness studios
The gym and group fitness studios are accessible. Access is through an entrance gate and double doors. Please ask staff to help you if you need assistance.
Taiwhatiwhati and Pioke rooms
Taiwhatiwhati meeting room is accessible. Please ask staff to help you if you need assistance with the door.
Accessible toiletsPoolside
There are five accessible toilets near poolside, four in the change village and one near the toddlers pool.
Two of the accessible toilets in the change village have hoists.
The accessible toilet near the toddlers pool has a left handrail and emergency help button.
Foyer
There is an accessible toilet in the main foyer with a right handrail and emergency help button.
Gym and group fitness hallway
There is an accessible toilet in the gym and group fitness hallway with an emergency help button.
Accessible changing roomsPoolside
There are two accessible changing rooms near poolside in the change village. Each of these changing rooms has an adjustable bed, hoist, shower and toilet.
Please bring your own slings for the hoist, they are not available to hire.
Gym and group fitness hallway
There is an accessible changing room located in the hallway near the group fitness studios. This has a shower, toilet and bench.
Accessible carparksTaiora QEII has ten accessible carparks opposite the main entrance.
Hāpai Access CardVisit the Hāpai Access Card website to see responses to access barriers and a walk-through video of Taiora QEII.
Hearing loopHearing loop is available. Please ask staff if you need assistance.
Information for carersThe role of the caregiver varies based on individual needs, however you may need to:
- Assist with communication.
- Assist with personal care.
- Help the person you are caring for move through the centre and exiting the centre in an emergency.
- Assist in the pool or actively monitor from poolside.
- Assist in the gym.
Special requirementsIf you have special requirements, please speak to one of our events team for additional assistance.
You are welcome to leave your mobility equipment on poolside as long as it is not blocking a walkway or emergency exit. Lifeguards can help you to find a suitable location if needed and can bring your equipment to you when you are ready to leave the pool.
Guide dogs are welcome to be on poolside.
Quiet timesIf you would like to visit Taiora QEII when it is quiet, we recommend coming between 11.30am and 3pm on weekdays.
Weekends are usually busy all day however this does change depending on the season.
Pool temperatures- Main pool - temperatures range from 26.5 to 27.5 degrees
- Leisure pool - temperatures range from 32 to 34 degrees
- Hydrotherapy pool - temperatures range from 34 to 35 degrees
- Teach pool - temperatures range from 30 to 32 degrees
- Toddlers pool - temperatures range from 32 to 34 degrees
- Spa pool - temperatures range from 38 to 40 degrees
- Wet play area and hydroslide - temperatures range from 28 to 32 degrees
Baby changeThere are six baby change tables available in the poolside change village.
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Keep our pools safe
We want everyone to be able to enjoy the pools and have a safe and enjoyable experience.
It’s important that caregivers take extra care when accompanying a child to the pool.
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Supervision of children in the pool
- Children under five years old must be within arm’s reach and under constant supervision by a responsible caregiver aged 16 years or older in the pool at all times, who is wearing an orange wristband.
- Children between the ages of five and seven (inclusive) must be wearing a purple wristband and actively supervised by a responsible caregiver aged 16 years or older, who is to be within the pool area at all times and able to provide immediate assistance.
- Children aged 8 to 11 years (inclusive) must have a responsible caregiver 16 years or older on site unless they are in a supervised programme, such as swimming lessons. If they are swimming before or after their programme, their caregiver must be onsite.
Maximum adult to child ratiosHow many children can you bring to our pools?
- One adult to two children under 5 years old
- One adult to one child under 5 and two 5-7 year olds
- One adult to four 5-7 year olds
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News and events
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25 November 2025Date set for Parakiore Recreation and Sport Centre openingWhizz down a hydroslide, shoot some hoops or relax in the sauna – from 5.30am on Wednesday 17 December, people will be able to do it all (and more) at New Zealand’s largest indoor sport and recreation venue.
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17 November 2025Lyttelton Primary School wins first dibs on Parakiore hydroslidesLyttelton Primary will be the first school to take on the hydroslides at Parakiore.
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10 November 2025It’s party time – again!Christchurch City Council is kickstarting the summer season this weekend with the opening of its five outdoor summer pools and eight paddling pools.
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07 November 2025Manu competitionGet amongst the fun and join our manu competition this summer to win prizes and become the Christchurch City Council manu champion!
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07 November 2025Summer pool partiesGrab your friends and whānau, and pack your togs, towel and sunscreen - our summer pool parties are back, and you're in for a treat!
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02 November 2025Crown hands over Parakiore as Council takes the reinsConstruction of New Zealand’s largest indoor sport and recreation centre is complete.
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19 October 2025Browse, book and pay for Council venues onlineWeddings, kids’ birthdays, meetings, sports practices – Christchurch City Council’s 272 bookable spaces and places can host them all, and booking is now easier than ever.
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10 October 2025Linwood pool to close in January for maintenanceTe Poe Toetoe Linwood Pool will close in early January for four weeks to enable scheduled maintenance and improvement work to be carried out.
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06 October 2025Parakiore attracts national champs for 2026With the doors of New Zealand’s largest indoor sport and recreation venue set to open before the end of the year, the 2026 calendar is already filling up with national competitions and events.
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22 September 2025Parakiore’s spectacular water adventure playground comes to lifeA key part of Parakiore Recreation and Sport Centre’s leisure water area has come to life with water flowing through the huge water adventure playground for the first time.
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