He Puna Taimoana Hot Pools — Attraction in Christchurch

1st time visit last night for Mother's Day. Competitive and affordable pricing. Front desk staff were lovely. Great that the sauna and steam room are available at no additional cost also. Being small, I'm glad there was enough privacy to not hear everyone's conversations but we could still hear each other clearly. The live singer was a nice addition also. However, there are only 3 jets in one pool out of the whole place. The same 3 people were on each jet for the entire time, so my mum who wanted to come to the hot pools specifically for the jets for her aches and pains on Mother's Day couldn't use them. I'm sure other people were wanting a turn also. There should be more than 3 jets, or maybe people monitoring them so the same 3 people don't hog them for the whole session. The pools were not as hot as we expected either, the life guards/security look intimidating/not friendly as they stand there and watch in their hoodies. Not sure how to describe the life guards other than that, and different to our usual experience. Also, only two pools were really used, one long and skinny one which was the only view of the pier was full + had no seating, and the one next door was nearly full but much bigger. Then, the other pools only had 1-3 people. Maybe make the others hotter to spread people out more, rather than the two hottest pools being very full. Because there's a limited amount of people for each session, I expected it to feel less busy. The changing rooms are also very small with 3 short benches for changing, and only 2 showers in the changing room. We left about 45 minutes early but the changing rooms were still full! Would be great if there were more showers, and with space to put your clothes to get changed into after the shower without having to come out into the open area after to change. Also, the pools were quite shallow, I enjoyed this being 5'2 and not being able to swim but can a imagine this wouldn't be great if you were someone of the average height. Had a good night regardless but hopefully my constructive criticism...

Update 2025..still a very clean and well run facility, the winter sunrise session is well worth the extra costs because it's not at all crowded. Shout out toJohn at reception for being a lovely person.

Cafe still sucks, I got a free coffee voucher from the pools, but they tried to upcharge me $1.50 on my coffee order. And, she didn't understand my coffee order because her English wasn't great, and she got snippy when I inquired about the extra charge. It's sad to be all blissed out by the pools and then get a crummy cofe experience.

Three years ago:Fantastic location, from the top pool and the dry sauna we had spectacular views of the ocean, the pier, and on the day I went, a whale!

Every inch of the facility was spotlessly clean, and well staffed with lifeguards who were not looking at their phones. The ladies main changing room had a suit spinner, an excellent service for drying your togs.

The cafe was a bit disappointing, outdoor seating overrun with birds, coffee was just average with higher prices than in town. I did see two gals tucking into massive burgers, though, I may have to revisit to try those.

One suggestion..more outdoor towel rails. People draped towels on handrails which I dont think is safe or sanitary..some extra drying racks around the place would be great.

The only reason I didnt give it five stars was it was too crowded. Perhaps they could have one or two sessions a week where they doubled the price and halved the capacity, so those of us who may wish for more space and serenity...

I recently had the pleasure of visiting He Puna Taimoana Hot Pools in Christchurch, and I must say it was an absolutely delightful experience. From the moment I arrived, I was greeted with warm hospitality and a tranquil atmosphere that set the tone for a relaxing and rejuvenating time. The facilities at He Puna Taimoana Hot Pools are top-notch, with clean and well-maintained pools that offer a perfect blend of luxury and comfort. The variety of pools, each with different temperatures and features, catered to every preference, whether I wanted to unwind and de-stress or enjoy a more invigorating soak. The stunning ocean views from the pools added an extra touch of serenity to my visit, creating a truly picturesque setting that enhanced the overall ambiance of relaxation. The professionalism of the staff was exceptional, ensuring that my visit was seamless and enjoyable from start to finish. I also appreciated the attention to detail in the design and layout of the pools, which exuded a sense of tranquility and escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. It was the perfect retreat to unwind and recharge, and I left feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. Overall, my experience at He Puna Taimoana Hot Pools was nothing short of fantastic. I highly recommend this gem in Christchurch to anyone looking for a serene and luxurious escape to indulge in some...