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Pioneer Recreation and Sport Centre

Workout and have fun at the same time. We have a range of pools, gym equipment and group fitness classes to suit all fitness levels.

Visiting Recreation and Sport Centres during Alert Level 2

Graham Condon, Jellie Park, Taiora QEII and Pioneer remain open.

  • Fitness Centres and pools do not require bookings.
  • For group fitness classes and Tumbletimes, to help manage numbers and avoid waiting times an online booking process is in place.
  • For programmes such as Swimsmart, pre-school gymnastics, the Southern Centre and sport group bookings, the standard booking process applies.

Due to COVID restrictions, there may be some delays to entry. Please be patient and kind. 

Find out more about using a Rec & Sport Centre under Alert Level 2.

Book a class

Pioneer pools

Become a Recreation and Sport Centre member

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Repair work planned for Pioneer

Pioneer’s main pool, wave pool, spa and sauna is closed for six months from Saturday 14 November so the pool plant, roof and air conditioning system can undergo repairs and earthquake strengthening work. Find out more(external link).

The majority of Swimsmart classes will not be affected as the Teach Pool will remain open. Swimsmart lessons in the lane pool will all be transferred to Te Hāpua Halswell Summer Pool(external link) until it closes for the season on 28 March 2021.

The fitness centre and group fitness classes will remain open as usual. Aqua Natal classes will continue in the Teach Pool.

AquaFit classes are now being held at Te Hāpua Halswell Summer Pool.

You can visit the pools at Taiora QEII(external link), Jellie Park(external link) or Graham Condon(external link), or our outdoor pools(external link) when they open for summer.

Ngā mihi, thank you for your patience.

Address: 75 Lyttelton Street, Somerfield, Christchurch

Phone: 03 941 6888

Email: recandsport@ccc.govt.nz

Post: PO Box 73034, Christchurch 8154

Bus: The Orbiter

Last entry to the pool is 15 minutes before closing. Please be ready to leave the facility by the closing time.

  Monday to Thursday Friday Weekends and public holidays
Fitness centre 5.30am to 9.30pm 5.30am to 8pm 7am to 7pm
Indoor pools 5.30am to 9.30pm 5.30am to 9.30pm 7am to 8pm
Stadium 5.30am to 9.30pm 5.30am to 9.30pm 7am to 8pm

Pioneer cafe

Pioneer Recreation and Sport Centre offers everything from family fun in the well-equipped indoor pools to a multi-purpose gym and fitness centre.

Pioneer is also home to a sports stadium and the Southern Centre.

Free wireless internet

Wifi is available while you are at Pioneer Recreation and Sport Centre. Talk to customer services at the centre for details.

Onsite car park

Free onsite car parking is available at Pioneer, we have seven mobility car parks available.

Bicycle stands

To increase your fitness, bike to Pioneer. There are free bike stands available. Make sure you have your own bike lock to secure your bike.

Onsite café

During the current renovations the café is open Monday to Friday from 7.30am to 5.30pm and during the weekends from 8.30am to 2pm (longer during events).  It serves a great selection of food and beverages. Phone 03 337 8014.

Lockers

Lockers are available in the changing rooms and pool area for use. Enquire at reception for details.

Spa and sauna

Relax and unwind in our poolside sauna or spa, access is included in pool admission fees. 

Courts

A variety of basketball, netball, volleyball and badminton courts are available for hire. 

Rooms

There are two rooms available for hire at Pioneer Recreation and Sport centre. The rooms are best used for activities such as table tennis, martial arts, dance, birthday parties or holiday programmes.

Bookings

For enquiries about availability and to make a court or room booking:

  • email rsubookings@ccc.govt.nz with the facility and space you wish to book, times, numbers attending and contact details.
  • phone 03 941 6446.

people in the Pioneer gym

Our gym facilities are regularly updated and maintained to ensure the best training environment for users. Our highly qualified personal trainers help you achieve your fitness goals.

Gym facilities

Our facilities include:

  • Technogym treadmills
  • Exercycles
  • Rowing machines
  • Cross trainers
  • Weight-resistance machines
  • Free weights, including benches and multi-use power racks with chin and dip attachments
  • Stretching area
  • Personalised fitness programmes
  • Change rooms
  • Showers
  • Lockers

Trainers

Our qualified, experienced instructors and personal trainers can guide you to your fitness goals.

Bioelectric Impedance Analysis (BIA) Scales

BIA scales allow a more accurate way to track your progress in our fitness centres. It measures weight, body fat percentage, metabolic age, percentage of water weight, muscle mass and visceral fat.

The cost of this service is $20 for members and $35 for non-members. New members have access to a full reading as part of their first and second programmes. The initial free sessions are included as part of our Personal Programme to new members.

Pioneer poolAt Pioneer, we offer loads of fun in our indoor pools and swimming lessons for all ages. From babies to adult learners, we help you make the most of the water throughout the year.

Pools

  • Five-lane, 25-metre recreation pool (1.1m to 1.5m deep)
  • Four-lane, 16-metre teach pool
  • 22 by 22-metre leisure pool (0 to 1.5m deep)
  • Leisure pool and lazy river
  • Wave pool operates Monday to Friday from 4.30pm and weekends and public holidays from 11.30am
  • Spa (ages 3+)
  • Sauna and steam room (ages 16+)
  • Basketball hoop, balls, small float toys and splash bucket
  • Water fountains
  • Public viewing area

Hoists are available for accessible entry to the lane pool, teach pool and spa pool. Please speak to our friendly lifeguards to use the hoists.

The leisure pool has an entry ramp. The steam room and sauna are wheelchair accessible.

Pool status and availability

At least two lanes are usually available for general swimming, including during Aqua Fit classes and Swimsmart lessons. Class and lesson times can vary from term to term. Contact us on 03 941 8999 to check pool availability.

Learn to swim

We offer swimming lessons for all ages and abilities. As well as the Swimsmart programme, private lessons can be arranged.

Pioneer stadiumThe indoor stadium is 2150 square meters and features a wooden sprung floor.

The stadium features:

  • 6 volleyball courts
  • 3 basketball / netball courts
  • 12 badminton courts

Sports bleaches are for hire and can hold up to 540 people, the stadium is bookable for expos and large sporting competitions and has a maximum capacity of 800 people.

The Pioneer indoor stadium is also home to Gymnastics programmes such as Tumbletimes, Pre-School Gymnastics and Kiwi Gym Fun. 

Bookings

For enquiries about availability and to make a booking:

  • email rsubookings@ccc.govt.nz with the facility and space you wish to book, times, numbers attending and contact details.
  • phone 03 941 6446.

The Southern Centre uses innovative lighting and sound technology that allows participants to explore and create at the touch of a switch.

It is a unique facility with the ability to cater for the needs of the individual, empowering them to choose their own environment, make changes and control their leisure time.

The Southern Centre sensory room is located on the first floor at Pioneer Recreation and Sport Centre, and is a partnership between the Council and The Southern Centre Charitable Trust.

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