Hilton Brown Swimming Hobsonville — Attraction in Upper Harbour

FACILITIES are in good condition but the layout for the changing rooms is poor if you have a baby and are the only adult with them. There are no baby changing tables with a security belt in the main changing rooms (there is a large bay of change mats opposite the pool) so there isn't a safe place to secure them from rolling off while you change yourself. This layout only works if you have 2 adults, so one cares for baby while the other can get dry and dressed.

INSTRUCTORS are pretty good and lessons are fun but teaching methods can be a bit inconsistent across teachers. Not a big deal but just something to be aware of. However, particularly the younger ones are very inconsiderate when off duty. They often sit on the walls so their feet would be where the parents heads would be if you want to sit on the benches, and they block off this space often by spreading out (putting their legs up etc).

RECEPTION STAFF are most of the time quite rude and hard to get hold of. I've phoned 7 different times and they've only picked up once. They almost never greet anyone when they come it, they've got their heads down looking at the computer screen and can be hard to get them to answer you. It really doesn't take much to look up for a second and say hello to people as they come in.

BOOKINGS you only get 1 make up for sickness a month (as they'll curtly remind you is part of their t&C's with no compassion) so, particularly if you have a baby or very young child you may miss far more than that especially in winter so the price per lesson rockets up. Even without that fact they are one of the most expensive swimming lesson businesses which after the above mentioned negatives doesn't make it worth it.

PARKING is not enough at peak times as the classes are not staggered so allow another 10mins or so to park somewhere...

Love this place, amazing skilled and passionate teachers, fantastic facilities and pool is so nice.

Our 1.5yr old LOVES his swimming. We've experienced 3 different teachers at this centre and they were all amazing, they engaged with the kids and got them interested in every part of the lesson which isn't easy with the under 3's.

As a parent the biggest difference I found with Hilton Brown compared with other swimming schools is the teachers, they are clearly passionate about what they do (not just going through the motions), they have a clear lesson plan which differs each week, every part of the lesson is clearly explained first which gives you confidence you know what you are doing!! also there is a clear idea of what is trying to be achieved.

Excellent facilities, 10 change mats right by the pool, it's warm, lots of hot showers so you're not waiting, the pool is a perfect temperature especially for the littlies and there is a separate change area for older kids with showers and toilets. Also an area to watch the swimming where kids can play. Above all, we love the mix of salt water and minimal chlorine, you don't come out stinking of chlorine and actually your skin feels nice and soft.

Yes it is a little more expensive than other competing swimming schools but in our experience it is worth every penny. The quality of the teaching and the thought that clearly goes into the lessons, plus the facilities makes a huge difference. We are very happy we changed to Hilton Brown.

We all enjoy the lessons, and look forward to going each week.

Thank you...

Absolutely love Hilton Brown Hobsonville. Since moving to NZ between living on the shore and Northwest Auckland we have been through 4 swim schools and none have compared. We are a larger family with 4 children. They have all come on incredibly in the 7 months we have been with Hilton Brown. All the teachers are so well trained and it shows in the progress our littlies have made. My 5 year old girl was terrified of the water but now swims like a little fish, my 8 year old boy loves his lessons and the teachers know exactly how to hold his attention (no easy task!) and my 12 year old girl has progressed from breather 3 to stroke 200 in 6 months and as a result been selected for her school dive team. Most importantly for us our 10 year old girl who struggles with co-ordination has moved up 2 levels after 2 years struggling elsewhere and her confidence grows by the week. Very importantly for us with 4 children is value for money and again, another massive tick for Hilton Brown with a 10% discount for our second child swimming, then 15% discount for our third and our fourth child swimming FREE! Overall, delighted with our experience and can't recommend...