Pioneer
Pioneer Recreation and Sport Centre offers everything from family fun in the well-equipped indoor pools, to indoor sports courts for those who enjoy a bit of competition, to a multi-purpose gym and fitness centre which caters to individuals of all fitness levels and interests.
Pioneer is also home to the Sensory Centre which uses innovative lighting and sound technology so participants can explore and create at the touch of a switch.
Want to plan an event, sports training or tournament? Find out more about court, pool and event hire at Christchurch Recreation and Sport Centres.
Pioneer opening hours
Lane Pool
Leisure pool with lazy river
Waves in leisure pool
Spa pool
Sauna
Steam room
Gym
Stadium
Sensory Centre
Plunge Café
-
Physiotherapy -
Café -
Wifi -
Car parking -
Bicycle stands -
Lockers -
Rooms for hire -
Wheelchair access -
Sport shop
-
-
Our indoor pools and facilities operate year-round and include:
- Lane pool - Five-lane 25-metre pool (1m to 1.5m deep)
- Teach pool - Four-lane 16-metre pool
- Leisure pool - 22 by 22-metre pool (0 to 1.5m deep).
- Lazy river
- Water fountains, basketball hoop, balls, pool rings and splash bucket.
- Waves in leisure pool - operates Monday to Friday from 4pm to 7pm and weekends and public holidays from 12pm to 6pm.
- Spa pool - 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+
Plan your visit. View lane availability for typical peak times in our pools.
Information about pool temperatures can be found on the Accessibility page.
-
-
-
Lane pool -
Lazy river -
Toddler pool -
Learn to swim pool
-
-
-
-
Swimsmart learn to swim lessons teaches children and adults essential water safety skills and confidence in the water.
Lessons for children are taught during the school terms, with the option to also enrol in the school holiday programme.
Adult lessons are free for Pool and Gym & Pool members.
-
-
-
Pioneer has a purpose-built indoor stadium featuring courts for hire, after-school programmes and other recreational activities.
- 2150 square meters of sprung timber floor
- Portable bleachers for hire that would enable seating for up to 400
- 3 basketball / netball sized courts
- 6 volleyball courts
- 12 badminton courts
- Kitchen and meeting/multi-purpose rooms available
- On-site car park
Pioneer stadium is also home to Tumbletimes and Pre-School Gymnastics.
-
-
-
The Sensory Centre is a multi-sensory environment for people of all ages and abilities which helps reduce stress levels and develop social skills.
It is a unique facility with the ability to cater to the needs of the individual, empowering you to choose your own environment, make changes and control your leisure time.
The Southern Centre is for everyone, however, individuals who would most benefit are adults and children who have learning differences, cerebral palsy, autism, multiple disabilities, anxiety or stress-related problems.
-
-
-
-
The gym offers a range of cardio, strength building and functional equipment for you to improve your fitness and wellbeing.
- 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
Our qualified, experienced instructors and personal trainers can guide you to your fitness goals. Speak to our fitness team to find out more.
-
-
-
Group fitness classes
-
Aqua FitCasual: $12.50 Multi pass: $112.50A medium to high-intensity class, incorporating equipment to improve core stability and balance, while increasing muscular strength endurance and overall flexibility.
-
Aqua NatalA programme designed for expectant mothers to keep active during their pregnancy journey in a safe and social environment.
-
PilatesCasual: $12.50 Multi pass: $112.50Improve your strength, flexibility, and posture with Pilates, a challenging and rewarding class suitable for all fitness levels.
-
Burn zoneCasual: $12.50 Multi pass: $112.50Achieve your goals while burning calories and increasing your fitness levels in an energetic, fun environment.
-
HIIT ZoneCasual: $12.50 Multi pass: $112.50If you are short on time this challenging cardio class is for you. High-intensity interval training (HIIT) principals and Tabata formats will be used involving high output followed by short recovery periods.
-
SpinCasual: $12.50 Multi pass: $112.50For a fun and challenging ride, this spin class is ideal for those who want to test themselves on the bikes and gain a great cardiovascular workout in the process.
-
ZumbaCasual: $12.50 Multi pass: $112.50Ditch the workout, join the party. Zumba fuses hypnotic Latin rhythms and easy-to-follow moves.
-
Butt, Abs & ThighsCasual: $12.50 Multi pass: $112.50Firm and re-shape your lower half while you achieve better core strength.
-
YogaCasual: $12.50 Multi pass: $112.50Advance your yoga practice at your own pace. Connect your mind to your body and breath by experiencing a blend of various yoga styles suitable for all levels using standing, seated and lying postures.
-
Core ZoneCasual: $12.50 Multi pass: $112.50Push your body through a series of exercises to strengthen your core, build upper body strength, and increase your mobility and flexibility.
-
Strength ZoneCasual: $12.50 Multi pass: $112.50A full-body workout consisting of low repetitions but with high gains. A combination of weights equipment and training methodologies will be used.
-
Gentle Exercise - Strength and BalanceCasual: $6.00 Multi pass: $54.00Designed to keep you strong, steady, and sharp — this class blends equipment-based exercises with bodyweight movements that may include mat work on the floor to build everyday strength.
-
Gentle Exercise – Seated Strength and BalanceCasual: $6.00 Multi pass: $54.00Designed to keep you strong, steady, and sharp with a combination of seated and some standing exercises. Perfect for anyone looking for a safe, effective workout that supports mobility and independence.
-
Rest and RestoreCasual: $12.50 Multi pass: $112.50Experience a blissful blend of gentle stretching and guided relaxation techniques. Rest & Restore can help you to lengthen and restore muscles and fascia through gentle movements that release tension and promote flexibility.
-
Pilates FoundationCasual: $12.50 Multi pass: $112.50Pilates Foundation provides the perfect introduction to the six principles of Pilates: breath, concentration, control, precision, centre, and flow.
-
Yoga FoundationCasual: $12.50 Multi pass: $112.50Yoga Foundation is an introduction to the fundamental principles of yoga, including basic postures, alignment, breathing techniques and the language of the practice.
-
-
Group fitness timetableIf you are unable to book through the timetable below, please login first by clicking the green 'Log in' button above.
-
-
Pioneer has three wooden-floor dance studios and a multipurpose room that can be used for:
- Dance classes
- Community exercise programmes
- Training courses
- Community hui, celebrations and gatherings
- Seminars and workshops.
-
-
-
-
Physiosouth know how important movement is. Their focus extends beyond addressing symptoms; they are dedicated to mobilising people and tailoring your recovery plans to address not only physical, but also emotional needs. Their approach is characterised by empathy and care because crafting a treatment plan is more than just diagnosing problem – it’s about understanding people.
Their Repair – Perform – Thrive philosophy will help you harness the power of movement and reflects our commitment to channeling all our energy, skills, care and attention to helping you move towards getting more out of life.
They want you to move, for life.
-
-
-
Plunge Café offers a range of healthy snacks and great coffee at Pioneer Recreation and Sport Centre.
Grab a quick coffee after your workout, a cold smoothie between games, or catch up with friends after your group fitness class.
-
-
Plan your visitMake your visit easy with everything you need to know before your arrive. From how to get here to what to expect at the centre, this section covers transport options and accessibility.Travel by bike
Pioneer has bike stands located at the front and back entrances.
Travel by busYou can travel to Pioneer on the Orbiter bus. The bus stop is on Lyttelton Street near Conway Street, and the bus stop is located 130 metres or 2 minutes walk to Pioneer.
Travel by carPioneer has carparking located at the front and back entrances.
Accessibility guideCheck out our detailed Pioneer Accessibility Guide so you know what to expect throughout our centre.
Hāpai Access CardVisit the Hāpai Access Card website to see responses to access barriers and a walk-through video of Pioneer.
Accessible carparksThere are seven accessible carparks available at Pioneer. Five are located at the front entrance (80 metres) and two are located at the back entrance (30 metres).
Wheelchair accessBoth the front and back entry to Pioneer is via a flat entrance with automatic doors. There is a low internal ramp into the stadium.
Poolside
- Pool access is through an entrance gate. Please ask staff to help you if you need assistance.
- Wet wheelchairs are available outside the change village.
- Please bring your own slings for the hoist, they are not available to hire.
The leisure pool has a ramp entrance. - The lane pool has a mobile step access with a rail. Please ask a lifeguard to put the steps in the pool.
- The teach pool has built in step access with a right handrail.
- The spa pool has a hoist and steps. The hoist is available through self-transfer or carer assistance.
- The steam room and sauna are accessible, however assistance may be needed with the doors.
Gym
Access to the gym is through an entrance gate. Please ask staff to help you if you need assistance.Group fitness
You can access the group fitness studios on Level One using the lift located next to the back entrance.Lounge and kitchen
You can access the lounge and kitchen on Level One using the lift located next to the back entrance.Dance studio
You can access the dance studio on Level One using the lift located next to the back entrance.Sensory Centre
You can access the Sensory Centre on Level One using the lift located next to the back entrance.Accessible toiletsPoolside
You can find the accessible toilet in the change village and teach pool. The toilet in the change village has a hoist. The toilet in the teach pool also has a large shower area.
Foyer
There are four accessible toilets in the foyer, you can find two larger toilet cubicles in each of the male and female toilets near the back entrance and the stadium entrance.
Level one
There is an accessible changing room on level one. This has an adjustable bed and toilet, and an automatic opening door.
Accessible changing roomsPoolside
There is one accessible changing room and four large changing cubicles in the poolside change village. The accessible changing room has an adjustable electric bed, hoist, shower and toilet. The large changing cubicles have a shower and bench seat.
Please bring your own slings for the hoist, they are not available to hire.
Level one
There is an accessible changing room on level one. This has an adjustable bed and toilet, and an automatic opening door.
Information for carersThe role of the caregiver varies based on individual needs, however you may need to:
- Assist with communication.
- Assist with personal care.
- Help the person you are caring for move through the centre and exiting the centre in an emergency.
- Assist in the pool or actively monitor from poolside.
- Assist in the gym.
Special requirementsIf you have special requirements, please speak to one of our events team for additional assistance.
You are welcome to leave your mobility equipment on poolside as long as it is not blocking a walkway or emergency exit. Lifeguards can help you to find a suitable location if needed and can bring your equipment to you when you are ready to leave the pool.
Guide dogs are welcome to be on poolside.
Sensory CentreThe Southern Centre is a multi-sensory environment which uses a range of lighting effects. These effects are unlikely to bring on seizures. Please speak to staff if you would like more information.
Quiet timesIf you would like to visit Pioneer when it is quiet, we recommend coming before 9am or between 10am and 2.30pm on weekdays.
Weekends are usually busy all day however this does change depending on the season.
Hearing loopPioneer does not have hearing loop.
Baby changePoolside
There are five baby change tables located near poolside. Three change tables are in the change village, and there is one baby change table located in each of the male and female changing rooms.
Foyer
There are two baby change tables located in the main foyer. One in the mens toilets and one in the female toilets near the back entrance and stadium.
Pool temperatures- Leisure pool - temperatures range from 30 to 32 degrees
- Lane pool - temperatures range from 26.5 to 27.5 degrees
- Spa pool - temperatures range from 38 to 40 degrees
- Teach pool - temperatures range from 31 to 33 degrees
-
-
Keep our pools safe
We want everyone to be able to enjoy the pools and have a safe and enjoyable experience.
It’s important that caregivers take extra care when accompanying a child to the pool.
-
Supervision of children in the pool
- Children under five years old must be within arm’s reach and under constant supervision by a responsible caregiver aged 16 years or older in the pool at all times, who is wearing an orange wristband.
- Children between the ages of five and seven (inclusive) must be wearing a purple wristband and actively supervised by a responsible caregiver aged 16 years or older, who is to be within the pool area at all times and able to provide immediate assistance.
- Children aged 8 to 11 years (inclusive) must have a responsible caregiver 16 years or older on site unless they are in a supervised programme, such as swimming lessons. If they are swimming before or after their programme, their caregiver must be onsite.
Maximum adult to child ratiosHow many children can you bring to our pools?
- One adult to two children under 5 years old
- One adult to one child under 5 and two 5-7 year olds
- One adult to four 5-7 year olds
-
-
News and events
view more-
07 April 2026Strong first three months for ParakioreAfter three months operating in the heart of Christchurch, Parakiore Recreation and Sport Centre has racked up over 360,000 visits.
-
17 March 2026Take the plunge at the Pooch Pool PartyIt’s time to paw-ty once again – the Pooch Pool Party is back for one day only this month.
-
17 February 2026Canterbury Rams and Mainland Pouākai to light up the show court at ParakioreParakiore is officially the new home of the Canterbury Rams and Mainland Pouākai basketball teams.
-
12 February 2026New year ideal time to learn to swimThe start of the school year is the perfect time to learn to swim – whether you are a child or an adult that never had the opportunity.
-
25 November 2025Date set for Parakiore Recreation and Sport Centre openingWhizz down a hydroslide, shoot some hoops or relax in the sauna – from 5.30am on Wednesday 17 December, people will be able to do it all (and more) at New Zealand’s largest indoor sport and recreation venue.
-
17 November 2025Lyttelton Primary School wins first dibs on Parakiore hydroslidesLyttelton Primary will be the first school to take on the hydroslides at Parakiore.
-
10 November 2025It’s party time – again!Christchurch City Council is kickstarting the summer season this weekend with the opening of its five outdoor summer pools and eight paddling pools.
-
07 November 2025Manu competitionGet amongst the fun and join our manu competition this summer to win prizes and become the Christchurch City Council manu champion!
-
07 November 2025Summer pool partiesGrab your friends and whānau, and pack your togs, towel and sunscreen - our summer pool parties are back, and you're in for a treat!
-
02 November 2025Crown hands over Parakiore as Council takes the reinsConstruction of New Zealand’s largest indoor sport and recreation centre is complete.
-
