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Pools and Leisure
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Birkenhead Pool and Leisure Centre

About the centre

Combine standout facilities and outdoor adventures with a charming parkside setting and you have the Birkenhead Pool and Leisure Centre.

From indoor rock climbing gym to outdoor heated pool, from fitness centre with a 'bash-a-giant-tyre' difference to a high ropes course, there's nothing run-of-the-mill about this centre.

Need even more good times? We're also custodians of a skate park and a pump track — and we're proud to be home base to a fully mobile Education Outside the Classroom (EOTC) team and service.

Our outdoorsy, challenge-loving team welcome your enquiries. You can use the contact us form or, even better, pop in so we can show you around our fab facility. 

Auckland’s premier rock climbing wall

Indoor rock climbing is exhilarating, challenging, healthy and fun!

All ages, levels and abilities are welcome. Our awesome instructors will make sure you know what to do and that you’re completely comfortable before you set off on the walls.

You can hire climbing equipment, and free instruction is provided for beginners.

Disclosure of risk

Anyone who wants to rock climb at our centre must first complete this online disclosure of risk form. If the climber is under 14, their parent or guardian must complete the form on their behalf.

If you don't have access to the internet you can complete the form on a tablet at reception at the centre.

Indoor rock climbing facilities

Training wall (5m top rope)

The 5m vertical top rope is where we teach how to climb and belay (man the safety rope). This is a two-person activity.

Top rope wall (10m)

Climbers are attached to a safety line attached to the top and bottom of the wall. We have 21 lines and about 40 different climbs.

Bouldering

Climbers are able to ‘free’ climb — no harness or safety rope required — to a height of 3m.

Lead wall (12m)

Our lead wall is for advanced climbers with their own equipment. All climbers must have their skill level assessed by our staff to obtain a lead licence (free of charge) to climb on the lead wall. We have space for 10 climbers at a time, with up to 50 different routes.

Battle rope 

Climbers are attached to a safety line and use both upper and lower body strength to wriggle themselves to the top of the rope.

Booking information

Group bookings 

We take group bookings, but this does not give exclusive use to these groups.

Climbing duration 

Your admission price entitles you to a full day of access to the climbing gym.

Sports team training

Birkenhead Pool and Leisure Centre can host sports teams and groups who facilitate their own training and programmes at the centre. North Harbour Tri Squad frequently use our pool and gym.

Interested in securing a training space for your team? Email us at eotc@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz.

Hours

Address

Contact details

Pools and water play

Pool hours

Osborne (outdoor) pool

Depth at ends, 1m Depth in centre, 1.3m

Temperature 28°C

Six lanes

Length 33.3m

This outdoor pool gets a great sunrise most mornings. The pool is accessible by hoist.

Read our pool rules to help keep you and your family safe and having fun.

View our live pool schedule for lane availability

Learners' pool

Depth 0.8m

Temperature 32°C

Read our pool rules to help keep you and your family safe and having fun.

View our live pool schedule for pool availability


Pool availability

For our Osborne (outdoor) Pool and Learner Pool availability please click the button below and select either Birkenhead - Outdoor Pool or Birkenhead - Learner Pool.

View pool availability here


Free swimming for 16 years and under

Young people across Auckland have free access to all council-owned pools. This initiative, for Aucklanders aged 16 years and under, means more of our region’s children and young people can be fit, healthy, and waterwise.* 

*excludes The Olympic Pool and Mt Albert Aquatic


Wristbands

Supervision wristbands will be issued on arrival at reception so that your child/ren are easily identified by our lifeguards. 

    • All children aged under 10 years and their supervising adult must wear a wristband.
    • Learn to Swim students aged 10 and under wanting to swim before or after lessons will also need to wear a wristband.

Things to know before you come to the pool


Pool Entry Prices

Pool admission prices
Entry type Casual 10 visit pass
Child (16 years and under)
Casual
Free
10 visit pass
-
Supervising adult in the water (with up to two children under 5)
Casual
$1
10 visit pass
$9
Adult Swim (swimming only)
Casual
$8
10 visit pass
$72
Concession Swim* (swimming only)
Casual
$4.80
10 visit pass
$43.20

*Concession pricing available with valid ID to students, seniors, Community Services Card holders and Green Prescription holders. Also available to those with a permanent disability.

Pool Membership Prices

Get full membership, including access to the gym, pools and fitness classes.

Your membership gives you access to multiple centres across our network. Read more about prices and membership.

Get 15 per cent discount and a reduced joining fee with valid ID to students, seniors, Community Services Card holders and Green Prescription holders. Also available to those with a permanent disability.

Gold
$24.70 per week

Get access to our Gold centres:

  • Tepid Baths
  • Marina Fitness

Plus all our Silver and Bronze centres.

Silver
$21 per week

See which centres you get access to

Bronze
$17.20 per week

See which centres you get access to

Get unlimited access to the pools, spa and sauna at your chosen centre with a Swim it membership.

Get 15 per cent discount and a reduced joining fee with valid ID to students, seniors, Community Services Card holders and Green Prescription holders. Also available to those with a permanent disability.

Bronze
$15 per week

See which centres you get access to

Neighbouring North Shore centres with lap swimming pools

Learn to Swim

Jump in at our Learn to Swim Birkenhead! 

We offer:

  • small class sizes
  • free swimming before and after lessons (subject to availability). Pool supervision policy must be followed
  • plenty of free parking
  • discounts for families.

We can instruct swimmers of any age and ability, from 6-month-old babies to adults.

Why choose our Learn to Swim classes?

  • We are a member of Swim Coaches Teachers New Zealand (SCTNZ)
  • We are a registered Swim School with Swimming New Zealand
  • We really care about teaching water safety. All our students are taught key water safety skills first, then progress to mastering swimming skills.
  • All our instructors are either AUSTSWIM qualified or are working towards becoming AUSTSWIM qualified. 
  • As a community facility, we are more affordable than many private providers.

Our facility accommodates family members of all ages. We have a shallower, warmer indoor Learner Pool and a bigger outdoor heated 33m Lane Pool for deep water confidence and greater distance.


Accessibility and inclusion at our swim school

Here at Birkenhead Learn to Swim, we are beginning our journey towards a more inclusive centre. We are working to ensure that our staff are considering the individual needs of students and are learning how to modify their practices to cater to more young people with disabilities or impairments. Our team are happy to talk about how we can create a better opportunity and experience for your child.


2024 Learn to Swim Term Dates

Term 1: Tuesday 30 January - Sunday 14 April
Term 2: Monday 29 April - Sunday 7 July
Term 3: Monday 22 July - Sunday 29 September
Term 4: Monday 14 October - Friday 20 December

No swimming lessons on public holidays (and Monday-ised public holidays)

School holiday intensive lessons will be available depending on each swim school's availability.

Class levels at Birkenhead Learn to Swim

Learn to Swim prices
Programme Price per session
Babies (6-12 months)
Price per session
$18
Toddlers (12 months - 3 years)
Price per session
$18
Pre School (3-5 years)
Price per session
$18
School Age (5-9 years)
Price per session
$20
Youth and Stroke (9-16 years)
Price per session
$20
Adults (16 years and over)
Price per session
$20
Squads
Price per session
$16.50

Discounts for Learn to Swim

We offer the following discounts for our swim lessons:

  • Family Discount: When enrolling three or more children from the same family, the family is eligible to receive 10% off for each swimmer.

  • Second Booking Discount: If a swimmer enrols in more than one class, they are eligible for a 15% discount on the second booking. 

  • Community Services Card (CSC) Discount: Holders of a Community Services Card along with their dependents are eligible for a 30% discount.

  • Private Lessons Discount: We offer a 40% discount on private lessons for swimmers with accessible needs. This applies to private lessons only

Discounts will only be applied after redeeming in person at the swim school of your choice. 

Terms and conditions apply.

Which class is right for me or my child?

Follow the flow chart below to find the right level for you or your child.

If you are new to Learn to Swim lessons, you will be a beginner in your age group.

If you have had lessons before or time has lapsed since your last lesson, we recommend you get an assessment.  An assessment can be booked through the link below.

How to enrol in swimming lessons

If you know what class to enrol in, come into the centre and have a chat with our friendly staff at reception or sign up online using the button below.

Enrol now

If you are unsure what class to enrol in, we highly recommend booking into a free assessment or contact the centre.

Book a free assessment


Learn to Swim intensive lessons

Our Learn to Swim intensive lessons run over five consecutive half days (four if there is a public holiday) from Monday to Friday. Lessons may be in the morning or the afternoon. 

If your child is a bit stuck on an element of their swimming, by coming every day for five days they'll normally crack it. Conquer that learning to breathe, breaststroke, or butterfly!

How to book into Learn to Swim Intensive lessons

Contact us using the details on this page, or talk to the Learn to Swim team at the centre. A free assessment may be required to determine your child's level.


Swimming lessons and water safety for schools 

We’re experienced and skilled at working with schools, tailoring programmes to schools’ needs and the age and stage of their students:

  • swimming lessons
  • lifejacket usage
  • deep water confidence
  • boating experiences.

Lessons can take place in our facilities, or our instructors can come to you if your school has its own pool.

Auckland Council Pools and Leisure is a partner in the Water Skills for Life programme of funded school swimming lessons.


Contact the swim school

Phone: 09 484 7290

Email: birkenheadlearntoswim@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz 

Gym and fitness

Birkenhead’s ITT (Integrated Team Training) fitness centre is a special kind of gym.

There's all the cardio gear, functional equipment and free weights you'd expect, and there's also an open area for our group fitness classes or for your own personal functional training outside of class times.

Olympic floor

The gym area has an Olympic platform suited for doing deadlifts.

Supporting you to achieve your fitness goals

We know that everyone's needs are different so when you become a member, in consultation with you, we tailor a support programme to best serve you while you're getting (fit and) active your way!

You'll enjoy regular check-ins from our qualified instructors, and programme updates to keep things motivating and interesting.

Gym hours

View class timetable

View timetable and book online

Our prices

Fitness and class prices
Entry type Casual 10 visit pass
Gym - Adult
Casual
$18.90
10 visit pass
n/a
Group fitness classes - Adult
Casual
$16.80
10 visit pass
$151.20

*Concession pricing available with valid ID to students, seniors, Community Services Card holders and Green Prescription holders. Also available to those with a permanent disability.

Membership options

Get full membership, including access to the gym, pools and fitness classes.

Your membership gives you access to multiple centres across our network. Read more about prices and membership.

Get 15 per cent discount and a reduced joining fee with valid ID to students, seniors, Community Services Card holders and Green Prescription holders. Also available to those with a permanent disability.

Gold
$24.70 per week

Get access to our Gold centres:

  • Tepid Baths
  • Marina Fitness

Plus all our Silver and Bronze centres.

Silver
$21 per week

See which centres you get access to

Bronze
$17.20 per week

See which centres you get access to

Get access to the gym at your chosen centre with a Gym it membership.

Get 15 per cent discount and a reduced joining fee with valid ID to students, seniors, Community Services Card holders and Green Prescription holders. Also available to those with a permanent disability.

Bronze
$15 per week

See which centres you get access to

Buy a membership

Group fitness classes

Group fitness classes get you off the couch and interacting with our community. They also harness the group's energy to create a motivating, challenging, and totally addictive workout experience.

They're a great way to change things up and make the most of your workout!

Group Fitness Timetable

Booking information:

  • Book into group fitness classes related to your membership up to a week in advance.
  • You'll be notified of any class cancellations by email or SMS
  • You'll receive confirmation of a booked class in a form of an admission ticket.
    -  You don’t need to do anything with the admission ticket, just scan your membership card upon arrival.
  • Please visit reception upon arrival

View timetable and book

View Class Descriptions

Our Prices

Fitness and class prices
Entry type Casual 10 visit pass
Gym - Adult
Casual
$18.90
10 visit pass
n/a
Group fitness classes - Adult
Casual
$16.80
10 visit pass
$151.20

*Concession pricing available with valid ID to students, seniors, Community Services Card holders and Green Prescription holders. Also available to those with a permanent disability.

Membership Options

Get full membership, including access to the gym, pools and fitness classes.

Your membership gives you access to multiple centres across our network. Read more about prices and membership.

Get 15 per cent discount and a reduced joining fee with valid ID to students, seniors, Community Services Card holders and Green Prescription holders. Also available to those with a permanent disability.

Gold
$24.70 per week

Get access to our Gold centres:

  • Tepid Baths
  • Marina Fitness

Plus all our Silver and Bronze centres.

Silver
$21 per week

See which centres you get access to

Bronze
$17.20 per week

See which centres you get access to

Get access to the gym at your chosen centre with a Gym it membership.

Get 15 per cent discount and a reduced joining fee with valid ID to students, seniors, Community Services Card holders and Green Prescription holders. Also available to those with a permanent disability.

Bronze
$15 per week

See which centres you get access to

Buy a membership

Activities and term programme

Term recreation programmes

Check out the information below for this terms activities and programmes and contact us to book a space now!

Enquiries and enrolment 

To enrol, please fill out the below form and email it to birkenheadpools@aucklandcoucil.govt.nz 

Contact us if you have any questions.

Other helpful information

Accessibility

At Birkenhead Pool and Leisure Centre, we are committed to creating an inclusive environment that caters to individuals of all abilities. While we have implemented certain accessibility features, we acknowledge that we have limitations. We want to assure you that we are continuously working towards enhancing accessibility throughout our facility.

Accessibility Features

Carparks: Our facility has 4 accessible car parks available.

Doors: The front entrance door to our facility is automatic, and the doors in the building are manual.

Wheelchair Access: Our facility has 2 levels. The reception area and practice rock wall is on the Ground level. The rock walls and gym are on the Lower level. The pools are outside the facility, accessible by a ramp. The accessible toilets and showers are located by the rock wall on the Lower level, and by the pools accessible by ramp. We have a wheelchair-accessible lift between the Ground and Lower levels.

Assistance dogs: Assistance dogs are permitted if the dogs are in uniform.


Pool Accessibility

Access: The 33-metre outdoor pool and Learner Pool is located outdoors and is accessible by ramp from outside reception with hand railing. The Lap Pool is accessible by a pool hoist (weight limit is 200kg), which staff can assist with. The Learner Pool has steps into the pool with hand railing.

Accessibility Changing Rooms: We have 1 accessible changing room in our aquatics area, containing a seat within the shower area and railing.

For more information about our pools, visit our Pools and water play page.


Gym Accessibility

Access: The gym can be accessed via the lift at reception.

Gym equipment: The gym has enough space between equipment and machines for those in wheelchairs to move around. Cable machines are free weights are available for those in wheelchairs.

Accessible Changing Rooms: The closest accessible toilet to the gym is located by the rock wall next to the gym. Our friendly staff are available to show you where they are.

For more information about our gym, visit our Gym and fitness page.


Additional Services or Accommodations

Many of our recreation programmes can be adjusted to suit the needs of the individual and/or group. Contact us to organise an activity for you or your group. We are happy to assist.

Our Swim School offers private lessons for those with accessibility needs. It is $32.20 per lesson per student. Call us on  09 484 7290 or email birkenheadlearntoswim@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz for availability.


Contact Information

For further information about our accessibility features or to discuss any specific requirements, please contact our friendly staff at 09 484 7290 or email us at birkenheadpools@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz

We are more than happy to assist you and ensure that your visit is as comfortable and inclusive as possible.

School holiday programme

About our programme 

We're the only Auckland Council centre which runs both outdoor education and school holiday programmes – this means you get to choose from a huge range of activities!

Our school holiday programme for 5 to 13-year-olds includes activities like:

  • archery
  • bush survival skills
  • cooking
  • crafts
  • gaining confidence on our high ropes course
  • games and free play
  • navigation and map reading
  • rock climbing
  • sports

We also swim every day in an outdoor pool and are lucky enough to have two big fields, a playground, a skate park and a pumptrack onsite.

Upcoming programme dates 

2024/25 Summer school holiday programme will be announced in November

 


Hours 

The programme runs from 9am to 3pm. Before programme care is available from 8am to 9am, and after programme care is available from 3pm to 6pm.


Our prices

Our activities range in price, depending on what we do each day. View our schedule to view prices.

You may be eligible for a WINZ Holiday Programme Subsidy. Visit the WINZ website for more information.


Enquiries and enrolment 

  • Enrolments are currently closed

Contact us if you have any questions.

Other helpful information

Venue hire and party packages

Types of events our spaces suit

Need to book a space for your event?

We love hosting sports events that get our community active, but our spaces also suit birthday parties and community groups.

Spaces you can book

  • Main rock climbing wall (up to 100)
  • Classroom (up to 80 people)
  • Lane pool (up to 250 people)*
  • Lane pool lane (up to eight people)*
  • High ropes (see High Ropes Party Package)

Birthday Party Packages

We have plenty of fun spaces to book for birthday parties including our rock climbing walls, high ropes, and outdoor heated pool. For information about each of the packages we offer including prices, days and times, and requirements, please download the below brochure.

Rock Climbing Party Package

Our Rock Climbing Party package comprises a two-hour climbing wall entry which includes harness hire, safety briefing, exclusive use to the training wall area for bouldering, climbing, and a dedicated space for food, with tables and chairs for up to 20 guests. For more information, download the Birkenhead Party Package Information.

High Ropes Party Package

Our High Ropes Party package comprises a two-hour instructor-led lead session on our High Ropes course including all equipment hire, safety briefing, exclusive use of our classroom space for food, with tables and chairs for up to 20 guests. For more information, download the Birkenhead Party Package Information.

Pool Party Package

Our Pool Party package comprises a two-hour outdoor pool entry as well as exclusive use of one of our BBQ areas, which includes a BBQ and sheltered picnic table. For more information, download the Birkenhead Party Package Information. Pool supervision policy applies.


Venue availability

For our Classroom and Rock wall party space availability please click the button below. Please note, availability is visible up to a week in advance. For availability beyond one week, please email our centre.

View our availability here

 


Our prices

Venue hire prices
Space or package Price per hour Price per session
Main Rock Climbing Wall
Price per hour
$600
Price per session
n/a
Lane Hire
Price per hour
$42
Price per session
n/a
Lane Pool Hire
Price per hour
$210
Price per session
n/a
Large Room Hire
Price per hour
$52.50
Price per session
n/a
Rock Climbing Party Package*
Price per hour
n/a
Price per session
$20.20 + $14 per person
High Ropes Party Package*
Price per hour
n/a
Price per session
$80 + $30 per person
Pool Party Package*
Price per hour
n/a
Price per session
$60 + pool entry fees per person

*No further discounts apply to packages.

Off-peak discount

We offer 20 per cent discount for off-peak times
Off peak times are 9am-3pm Monday to Friday, excluding public holidays

Regular hirer discount

We offer a 20 per cent discount off the standard hourly rate to regular hirers.
Regular hirers are individuals or organisations who hire a venue we manage 10 times or more over the calendar year (1 January to 31 December)

Community group discount

We offer a 30 per cent discount to community groups.
For groups that meet certain criteria, community groups can get 30 per cent off the standard hourly rate.

These discounts can be stackable using reverse compounding methodology and cannot be added together. Maximum discount of 55 per cent


How to book a space

Contact us to find out about availability and to make a booking.

How to book a Birthday Party Package

Please email birkenheadpools@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz with the following information:

  • Which party package you want to book,
  • what booking slot you want,
  • how many children will be attending,
  • how many adult will be attending,
  • the ages of each of the participants,
  • and any additional information that will help us with your booking.

Payments must be made at least 7 days prior to the booking via internet banking or in person at reception.

Read our Venue hire terms and conditions.

Prices and membership

Our prices

Fitness and class prices
Entry type Casual 10 visit pass
Gym - Adult
Casual
$18.90
10 visit pass
n/a
Group fitness classes - Adult
Casual
$16.80
10 visit pass
$151.20

*Concession pricing available with valid ID to students, seniors, Community Services Card holders and Green Prescription holders. Also available to those with a permanent disability.

Pool admission prices
Entry type Casual 10 visit pass
Child (16 years and under)
Casual
Free
10 visit pass
-
Supervising adult in the water (with up to two children under 5)
Casual
$1
10 visit pass
$9
Adult Swim (swimming only)
Casual
$8
10 visit pass
$72
Concession Swim* (swimming only)
Casual
$4.80
10 visit pass
$43.20

*Concession pricing available with valid ID to students, seniors, Community Services Card holders and Green Prescription holders. Also available to those with a permanent disability.

Learn to Swim prices
Programme Price per session
Babies (6-12 months)
Price per session
$18
Toddlers (12 months - 3 years)
Price per session
$18
Pre School (3-5 years)
Price per session
$18
School Age (5-9 years)
Price per session
$20
Youth and Stroke (9-16 years)
Price per session
$20
Adults (16 years and over)
Price per session
$20
Squads
Price per session
$16.50
Rock climbing prices
Entry type 10 visit pass Price
Child or student
10 visit pass
$126.90
Price
$14.10
Adult
10 visit pass
$164.70
Price
$18.30
Family pass (2 adults and 3 children - includes harness hire)
10 visit pass
n/a
Price
$80.50
Family pass additional child
10 visit pass
n/a
Price
$11
Bouldering
10 visit pass
n/a
Price
$11
Gear hire - Harness
10 visit pass
n/a
Price
$5.80
Gear hire - Shoe
10 visit pass
n/a
Price
$5.80
Gear hire - Chalk bag
10 visit pass
n/a
Price
$4.70
Venue hire prices
Space or package Price per hour Price per session
Main Rock Climbing Wall
Price per hour
$600
Price per session
n/a
Lane Hire
Price per hour
$42
Price per session
n/a
Lane Pool Hire
Price per hour
$210
Price per session
n/a
Large Room Hire
Price per hour
$52.50
Price per session
n/a
Rock Climbing Party Package*
Price per hour
n/a
Price per session
$20.20 + $14 per person
High Ropes Party Package*
Price per hour
n/a
Price per session
$80 + $30 per person
Pool Party Package*
Price per hour
n/a
Price per session
$60 + pool entry fees per person
Membership additional fees
Fee type Price
Joining fee - standard
Price
$50
Joining fee - concession*
Price
$25
Card replacement fee
Price
$7.30
Administration fee
Price
$25

*Concession pricing available with valid ID to students, seniors, Community Services Card holders and Green Prescription holders. Also available to those with a permanent disability.

Membership options

Get full membership, including access to the gym, pools and fitness classes.

Your membership gives you access to multiple centres across our network. Read more about prices and membership.

Get 15 per cent discount and a reduced joining fee with valid ID to students, seniors, Community Services Card holders and Green Prescription holders. Also available to those with a permanent disability.

Gold
$24.70 per week

Get access to our Gold centres:

  • Tepid Baths
  • Marina Fitness

Plus all our Silver and Bronze centres.

Silver
$21 per week

See which centres you get access to

Bronze
$17.20 per week

See which centres you get access to

Get access to the gym at your chosen centre with a Gym it membership.

Get 15 per cent discount and a reduced joining fee with valid ID to students, seniors, Community Services Card holders and Green Prescription holders. Also available to those with a permanent disability.

Bronze
$15 per week

See which centres you get access to

Get unlimited access to the pools, spa and sauna at your chosen centre with a Swim it membership.

Get 15 per cent discount and a reduced joining fee with valid ID to students, seniors, Community Services Card holders and Green Prescription holders. Also available to those with a permanent disability.

Bronze
$15 per week

See which centres you get access to

Buy a membership