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Pioneer Recreation & Sport Centre

All Council facilities closed – COVID-19 updates

We’ve closed all of our Council facilities until further notice, to support the Government’s fight against COVID-19.

This includes pools and recreation centres, libraries, service centres, community facilities, the Christchurch Art Gallery and all our visitor’s centres in gardens and regional parks.

It’s important to proactively look after our mental and physical wellbeing. Whilst our centres are closed you can join us for workouts from the comfort of your living room. Join our daily Facebook live fitness classes.

All payments have been automatically frozen for all members (pool, fitness, multi, and Swimsmart) including direct debits. Expiry dates on concession cards will also be extended.

Please take care, be kind to yourself and others.

Follow us on Facebook at @ChchRecSport

More information

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Pioneer pools

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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

Gym and fitness centre

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
  • bike machines
  • 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

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.

Activities and facilities

  • Leisure Pool and lazy river operate every day.
  • Wave pool operates Monday to Friday from 4.30pm and weekends and public holidays from 11.30am.
  • Swimming lanes available every day.
  • Spa, steam room and sauna operate every day.
  • Small inflatables available daily.

Indoor pools

Our indoor pools facilities include:

  • a five-lane, 25-metre recreation pool (1.1m to 1.5m deep)
  • a four-lane, 16-metre teaching pool
  • a 22 by 22-metre leisure pool (0 to 1.5m deep)
  • a wave pool, operated after 4.30pm on weekdays and from 11.30am at weekends and during the school holidays
  • a lazy river
  • water fountains
  • a public viewing area
  • a spa (ages 3+)
  • a sauna and steam room (ages 16+).

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 indoor stadium

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: 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 that incorporates the Council and The Southern Centre Charitable Trust.

Facilities

Pioneer cafe

Pioneer Recreation & 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 & Sport Centre. Talk to customer services at the centre for details.

Onsite car park

Free onsite car parking is available at Pioneer, we have 7 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

Pioneer cafe is open seven days a week from 8.30am to 5pm serving 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 pool side 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 & 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.