Work out and have fun at the same time. We have a range of pools, gym equipment and group fitness classes to suit all fitness levels.
COVID-19 updates
Christchurch is currently operating under the Orange setting of the Covid-19 Protection Framework.
Under the Orange traffic light alert level, anyone aged 12 and older entering Recreation and Sport facilities will require a vaccine certificate. Masks are also required for entry.
Bookings are essential for group fitness, Tumbletimes and adult swimming lessons. Secure your spot. No booking is required to use the pool and fitness centre.
Become a Recreation and Sport Centre member
Location
Address: 75 Lyttelton Street, Somerfield, Christchurch
Phone: 03 941 6888
Email: recandsport@ccc.govt.nz
Post: PO Box 73034, Christchurch 8154
Bus: The Orbiter
Opening hours
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 |
Facilities
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.
Physio
Visit the Physio South website to make a booking.(external link)
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.
Gym and fitness centre
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.
Pools
Pool status
At least two lanes are usually available for general swimming, including during Aqua Fit classes(external link) and Swimsmart(external link) lessons. Class and lesson times can vary from term to term.
At 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+. Children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by a parent or caregiver within the spa. Max ratio 1 adult with 2 children.
- 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.
Learn to swim
We offer swimming lessons for all ages and abilities. As well as the Swimsmart programme, private lessons can be arranged.
Pool lane availability
Pioneer has a 5-lane pool. Lane availability is subject to change, for further enquiries please phone 03 941 6446. To check the pool availability of our other pools, please phone 03 941 8999.
Number of lanes available for public use
| Morning | Fri 3 | Sat 4 | Sun 5 | Mon 6 | Tue 7 | Wed 8 | Thur 9 |
| 5.30am | 5 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| 6.00am | 5 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| 6.30am | 5 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| 7.00am | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| 7.30am | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| 8.00am | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| 8.30am | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| 9.00am | 2 | 4 | 4 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| 9.30am | 2 | 4 | 4 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| 10.00am | 3 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 |
| 10.30am | 3 | 5 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 |
| 11.00am | 3 | 4 | 5 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 |
| 11.30am | 3 | 3 | 5 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 |
| Afternoon | Fri 3 | Sat 4 | Sun 5 | Mon 6 | Tue 7 | Wed 8 | Thur 9 |
| 12.00pm | 3 | 4 | 5 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 |
| 12.30pm | 3 | 5 | 5 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 |
| 1.00pm | 3 | 5 | 5 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 |
| 1.30pm | 3 | 5 | 5 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 |
| 2.00pm | 3 | 5 | 5 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 |
| 2.30pm | 5 | 5 | 4 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| 3.00pm | 5 | 5 | 4 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 5 |
| 3.30pm | 4 | 5 | 4 | 3 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| 4.00pm | 3 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| 4.30pm | 4 | 5 | 3 | 3 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| 5.00pm | 3 | 5 | 3 | 3 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| 5.30pm | 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| 6.00pm | 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| 6.30pm | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 |
| 7.00pm | 3 | 5 | 5 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 4 |
| 7.30pm | 3 | 5 | 5 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 4 |
| 8.00pm | 5 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| 8.30pm | 5 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| 9.00pm | 5 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
Pioneer indoor stadium
The 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: multi-sensory experience
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.
Group fitness timetable
Have a look at our group fitness and aqua classes. The timetable below shows the full schedule available at Pioneer.
If you want to give us a suggestion, compliment or complaint, you can provide feedback.