Get access to our Gold centres:
- Tepid Baths
- Marina Fitness
Plus all our Silver and Bronze centres.
Birkenhead Pool and Leisure Centre
About the centre
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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 premiere 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
Centre hours
Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 6am–9pm
Tuesday and Thursday, 6am–10pm
Weekends, 9am–7pm
Gym hours
Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 6am–9pm
Tuesday and Thursday, 6am–10pm
Weekends, 9am–7pm
Public holidays, 10am–6pm
Pool hours
Summer (until 22 March 2020)
Weekdays, 6am–8pm
Weekends, 9am–7pm
Public holidays, 10am–6pm
Winter (from 23 March 2020)
Weekdays, 6am–10.30am and 3.30pm–7.00pm
Weekends, 9am–7pm
Public holidays, 10am–6pm
View our live pool schedule. The learn to swim pool's availability varies according to bookings.
Address
- 46 Mahara Avenue, Birkenhead
- View on Google Maps
Contact details
- Phone: 09 484 7296
- Email: birkenheadpools@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz
Visit us on social media
Pools and water play
Pool hours
Summer (until 22 March 2020)
Weekdays, 6am–8pm
Weekends, 9am–7pm
Public holidays, 10am–6pm
Winter (from 23 March 2020)
Weekdays, 6am–10.30am and 3.30pm–7.00pm
Weekends, 9am–7pm
Public holidays, 10am–6pm
View our live pool schedule. The learn to swim pool's availability varies according to bookings.
Osborne (outdoor) pool
This outdoor pool gets a great sunrise most mornings. The pool is accessible by hoist.
Temperature 28°C
Six lanes
Length 33.3m
Read our pool rules to help keep you and your family safe and having fun.
Learners' pool
Temperature 32°C
Read our pool rules to help keep you and your family safe and having fun.
Wristbands
Swimmers must wear wristbands issued at reception in the pool, at all times.
Things to know before you come to the pool
- To keep our precious tamariki safe we have a pool alone policy, which specifies minimum adult-to-child ratios.
- To make sure that we are both inclusive and respectful we have guidelines around what to wear in the pool.
Our prices
| Entry type | Casual | 10 visit pass |
|---|---|---|
| Child (16 years and under) |
Casual
Free
|
10 visit pass
-
|
| Supervising adult (with up to two children under 5) |
Casual
$1
|
10 visit pass
$9
|
| Adult |
Casual
$7.30
|
10 visit pass
$65.70
|
| Concession* |
Casual
$5
|
10 visit pass
$45
|
*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
Learn to Swim
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Jump in at our Learn to Swim Birkenhead!
We offer:
- small class sizes
- free swimming before and after lessons
- 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 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 hold a New Zealand Certification in Aquatics and are AUSTSWIM qualified.
- As a community facility, we are more affordable than many private providers — and we never compromise on quality.
- Our facility accommodates family members of all ages, with both a shallower, warmer learn to swim pool and a bigger pool for deep water confidence and greater distance. Be in the pool with your baby, or do your own laps or get in a quick workout while your school-aged child takes a class!
Contact the swim school
Term classes
-
Our average student to instructor ratio is 5 to 1.
Adult beginner
- Freestyle kicking with arms
- Backstroke kicking with arms
- Rotation (horizontal and vertical)
- Butterfly kick
- Deep water confidence
Adult breather or intermediate
- Freestyle 1 length
- Backstroke 1 length
- Freestyle with bilateral breathing
- Backstroke with basic technique
- Introduction to other strokes: butterfly, breaststroke
Adult advanced
- Freestyle breathing bilateral
- Backstroke
- Concept of breaststroke kick
- Sculling headfirst
- Push and glide into a forward roll
-
Our child to instructor ratio is 8-10 to 1.
The child's parent or caregiver must be in the pool during the class.
- Develop water confidence and enjoyment
- Hold on to rail or side independently
- Respond to cueing
- Submersion
- Setting a routine
-
Our child to instructor ratio is 3 to 1.
Preschool beginner classes
• Safe entry and exit
• Total submersion (fully underwater)
• Unassisted front float
• Unassisted back float
• Confidence and enjoymentPreschool confident beginner classes
• Streamline gliding on front
• Arms by side gliding on back
• Streamline kicking on front
• Arms by side kicking on back
• Independent U-turnsPreschool improver class
• Freestyle kicking with arms
• Backstroke kicking with arms
• Horizontal rotation (must be one movement)
• Vertical rotation
• Deep water confidencePreschool beginner breather class
• Freestyle (one-sided breathing)
• Concept of breaststroke kick
• Butterfly kick
• Seated dives
• Backstroke -
Our average child to instructor ratio is 5 or 6 to 1.
School age beginner
• Safe entry and exit
• Total submersion (fully underwater)
• Unassisted front float and recovery
• Unassisted back float and recovery
• Independent U-turnsSchool age confident beginner
• Streamline gliding on front
• Arms by side gliding on back
• Streamline kicking on front
• Arms by side kicking on back
• Deep water confidenceSchool age improver
• Freestyle kicking with arms
• Backstroke kicking with arms
• Rotation (horizontal and vertical)
• Butterfly kick
• Breaststroke kickSchool age beginner breather
• Freestyle bilateral breathing (four cycles)
• Backstroke (correct hand entry, rolling shoulders)
• Drop down push offs on front with three fly kicks
• Breaststroke arms
• Forward rollsSchool age intermediate breather
• Freestyle one length (half lengths)
• Backstroke one length (half lengths)
• Breaststroke timing including breathing
• Drop down push off on back with three fly kicks
• Butterfly three cycles (no breathing)School age advanced breather
• Freestyle two lengths (three-quarter lengths)
• Backstroke two lengths (three-quarter lengths)
• Breaststroke one length (three-quarter lengths)
• Butterfly half a length (three-quarter lengths)
• Tumble turns -
Our child to instructor ratio is 8-10 to 1.
The child's parent or caregiver must be in the pool during the class.
One to two year olds
• Monkey walking (moving along the rail at the side of the pool)
• Responding to cues
• Submersion
• Assisted back float
• Safe entry and exitTwo to three year olds ('Advanced classes'):
• Independent U-turns
• Unassisted back float
• Push, glide to wall and climb out
• Assisted horizontal and vertical rotation -
Youth classes are designed for older children who haven’t been learning for long, or who would benefit from extra development before they progress to adult classes.
Our average student to instructor ratio is 5 to 1.
Youth beginner
• Safe entry and exit
• Breath control and relaxation techniques
• Independent floating – back, front, side, egg
• Streamline push and glide – front and back
• Freestyle and backstroke – 6 to 8 strokesYouth breather
• Jump into deep water and return to side unaided
• Horizontal rotation
• Freestyle bi-lateral breathing one length
• Backstroke one length
• Survival backstrokeYouth advanced
• Freestyle one length
• Backstroke two length
• Breaststroke one length
• Basic butterfly
• Tumble turns
• Survival skills (side stroke, treading water, duck dive)
• Seated dive
Which class is right for me or my child?
We offer free assessments to determine yours or your child’s level.
School holiday learn to swim courses
Holiday swim courses run over five consecutive half days (four if there is a public holiday) from Monday to Friday. Courses may be in the morning or the afternoon. We take enrolments for complete courses only.
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 a school holiday course
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 Greater Auckland Aquatic Action Plan (GAAAP) programme of funded school swimming lessons.
Gym and fitness
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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, but there's also an open court area where you can embrace your inner gladiator with Ludus-style training.
Smash a powerball onto a target on a wall, flip a huge tyre, push a weighted sled – and all before breakfast should you choose!
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
Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 6am–9pm
Tuesday and Thursday, 6am–10pm
Weekends, 9am–7pm
Public holidays, 10am–6pm
Our prices
| Entry type | Casual |
|---|---|
| Gym - Adult |
Casual
$15.50
|
Membership options
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Our range of classes includes:
- Interval training fitness classes.
Our prices
| Entry type | Casual |
|---|---|
| Gym - Adult |
Casual
$15.50
|
Membership options
Activities
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Activity type
-
This six-week course is held during school terms and teaches the basics of archery. Watch your kids improve their stance, hand-eye coordination, technique and strength and become more confident as their skills grow.
Day and time:
Term 4 2019
Monday, 4pm – 5pm (4 November – 9 December)
Term 1 2020
Monday, 4pm – 5pm (17 February – 23 March)Price:
$96 -
Our high ropes course is one of only three in Auckland. Groups of six people or more can book the high ropes course for two hour sessions, subject to staff availability. Participants must be at least 8 years old. Belayers (the participants who hold the ropes) must be at least 16 years old.
When schools bring groups, a group size of 20 climbers requires at least four belayers. Adult groups can take turns belaying for each other.
To book the high ropes course, email us at eotc@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz
Price:
$25 per person -
Want to learn how to lead climb? At our lead climbing classes you can learn, practise, further your skills and get expert advice from our trained instructors in a fun and supportive environment.
Day and time:
Mondays, 6pm-8pm - weekly for four weeks from 3-24 February 2020.Price:
$80 for the four week course. Payment is required at the time of booking. -
Join the Outdoor Adventures Club and explore the great outdoors with like-minded 8-14 year olds. Our varied six week adventure course includes archery, kayaking, high ropes, exploring the bush and learning rock climbing techniques!
Day and time:
Term 4 2019
Wednesdays, 4pm – 6pm for six weeks (6 November – 11 December)
Term 1 2020
Wednesdays, 4pm – 6pm for six weeks (19 February - 25 March)Price:
$132 -
Swim outside, even in the middle of winter! The Osborne Pool is a 33.3m outdoor heated pool that never closes for the off-season. Train, work on your swimming fitness or just splash around – all year round!
-
Rock climbing is exhilarating, challenging, healthy and fun. Just choose the level of class that fits your ability.
Day and time:
Beginners
Tuesday, 4pm-6pm weekly for nine weeks from 11 February 2020
Sport climbing
Wednesday, 4pm-6pm weekly for nine weeks from 12 February 2020
Advanced
Thursday, 4pm-6pm weekly for nine weeks from 13 February 2020Price:
$144 for nine weeks of classes. Payment is required at the time of booking. -
Practice with our instructors, and get expert training and advice in a fun, supportive environment!
Day and time:
Beginners classes: Tuesdays, 4pm–6pm
Advanced classes: Thursdays, 4pm–6pmPrice:
$128 for eight weeks
School holiday programme
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About our programme
We're the only Auckland Council site 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.
Hours
The programme runs from 8am to 6pm.
We're sorry we don't offer before or after programme care.
Upcoming programme dates
- Tuesday 14 April to Friday 24 April 2020 (13 April is Easter Monday)
Grab a schedule from this website or your closest centre four to six weeks before the programme starts so you can choose and book your favourite activities!
Our prices
Our activities range in price from $32 to $45 per day.
You may be eligible for a WINZ Holiday Programme Subsidy. Visit the WINZ website for more information.
Enquiries and enrolment
Contact us if you have any questions.
If you would like to enrol a child, fill in our electronic waiver. All new families must complete one of these, and existing families must complete a new waiver each year.
Complete the digital waiver now
Read our Holiday and recreation programmes terms and conditions.
Our outdoor education activities for schools and community groups
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)
- Main pool (up to 250 people)
- Main pool lane (up to eight people)
- Learner pool
Book an extreme climbing party package
An extreme climbing party will be the talk of the school — it’s the perfect, action-packed way to celebrate.
Our birthday party package gives you two hours of climbing wall entry, harness hire and an exclusive climbing brief with one of our trained instructors!
Our prices
| Space or package | Price |
|---|---|
| Main rock climbing wall |
Price
$600 per hour
|
| Classroom |
Price
$36 per hour
|
| Main pool or learner pool hire |
Price
Please call to enquire
|
| Main pool lane |
Price
$36 per hour
|
| Extreme climbing party package |
Price
$13 per child
|
How to book a space or party
Contact us to find out about availability and to make a booking.
Read our Venue hire terms and conditions.
Prices and membership
Our prices
| Entry type | Casual |
|---|---|
| Gym - Adult |
Casual
$15.50
|
| Entry type | Casual | 10 visit pass |
|---|---|---|
| Child (16 years and under) |
Casual
Free
|
10 visit pass
-
|
| Supervising adult (with up to two children under 5) |
Casual
$1
|
10 visit pass
$9
|
| Adult |
Casual
$7.30
|
10 visit pass
$65.70
|
| Concession* |
Casual
$5
|
10 visit pass
$45
|
*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.
| Entry type | Price |
|---|---|
| Child or student |
Price
$11 or $100 for a 10 visit pass
|
| Adult |
Price
$14 or $128 for a 10 visit pass
|
| Family pass (2 adults and 3 children - includes harness hire) |
Price
$66
|
| Family pass additional child |
Price
$9
|
| Bouldering |
Price
$8
|
| Gear hire - Harness |
Price
$5
|
| Gear hire - Shoe |
Price
$4.50
|
| Gear hire - Chalk bag |
Price
$4
|
| Space or package | Price |
|---|---|
| Main rock climbing wall |
Price
$600 per hour
|
| Classroom |
Price
$36 per hour
|
| Main pool or learner pool hire |
Price
Please call to enquire
|
| Main pool lane |
Price
$36 per hour
|
| Extreme climbing party package |
Price
$13 per child
|
| Fee type | Price |
|---|---|
| Joining fee - standard |
Price
$50
|
| Joining fee - concession* |
Price
$25
|
| Card replacement fee |
Price
$5
|
| 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.
| Programme | Price per session |
|---|---|
| Babies and toddlers |
Price per session
$13.20
|
| Preschoolers |
Price per session
$14.20
|
| School age, teens and adults |
Price per session
$14.20
|
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.
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.
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.
