New Brighton Hot Pools - He Puna Taimoana

Since 1971, a concrete whale sculpture and associated paddling pool have adorned the New Brighton foreshore, but in 2020 a new complex will represent a significant upsizing, upscaling and upcycling, complete with a new whale.

A new playground with a new whale was the first feature to be installed, to alleviate grieving associated with the demolition of the old one. Replacing the paddling pool will be five pools with a range of temperatures (all warm or hot), as well as a sauna and plunge pool. Whether this initiative takes the bite out of New Brighton's bitter easterly wind is cause for discussion, with detractors saying it will not improve the suburb which has been ailing since the 1980s and suffered significantly in the earthquakes.

Christchurch Council however states it is committed to further improvements in New Brighton, and the Pier andLibrary are already important assets.

With QEII sports facilities and Olympic pool only five kilometres away, this facility is much more of the recreational kind, intended to bring the people back to the beach.

Image Credits: Christchurch City Council