He Puna Taimoana Hot Pools

Just before the world went into lockdown, we celebrated the completion of the stunning He Puna Taimoana – Māori for seaside pools. He Puna Taimoana is located in the beautiful seaside suburb of New Brighton in Christchurch, New Zealand. The facility has five outdoor pools ranging from 26ºC to 40ºC including a lap pool, hot pools, family pools, and a cold plunge pool.

This project marks the completion of the second phase of the New Brighton foreshore development. The first phase was the uniquely envisioned New Brighton Playground and Splash Park, designed and delivered by Select Contracts in 2018.

The He Puna Taimoana Experience

The varied pool temperature concept is great for health and inspired by the Nordic-style baths. The experience is designed for a hot-cold-relaxation cycle beginning in the hot pools, sauna or steam room. Following this, some encouragement is required to jump into the invigorating cold plunge pool at just 12 degrees celsius. Be brave because the euphoric feeling that follows is well worth it! After exiting the cold plunge, relax in the poolside lounges and repeat the cycle.

A Major Attraction

He Puna Taimoana has been several years in the making so we are proud to finally see it come to life. He Puna Taimoana is the second major attraction Select Contracts has designed and delivered to the City of Christchurch. Having had the opportunity to develop such an incredible leisure facility has been a great honor. The significance of the New Brighton hot pools is unique because of what it will provide the community. Residents and visitors alike will enjoy the facility for many years to come.

A huge congratulations to all of our partners involved in bringing this project to life:  Apollo Projects Ltd, Powell Fenwick, ENGEO, AW Architects, Creative Intentions Ltd, Beca, Planz Consultants, Glasson Huxtable Landscape Architects, Jacobs, Matapopore, Rhodes + Associates, Christchurch City Council, DCL, Peoples Independent Republic of New Brighton.

We are all looking forward to the grand opening of the hot pools once normal life resumes! We are confident that He Puna Taimoana will top the list of reasons to visit Christchurch.

Photos by Kevin Hawkins