The Oxford Community Aquatic Centre is officially open for the season, Hours:
Mon-Fri 8:30am-6:30pm Sat-Sun 10am-7pm.
And with summer settling in, it’s a good time to revisit all the great places around Waimakariri where you can cool off, splash around, or enjoy a relaxed day by the water. Here’s a simple reminder of all the options available.
Indoor Pools
Dudley Aquatic Centre, Rangiora
Lap pool, leisure pool, spa, and a dedicated Learn to Swim area. A reliable all-weather option.
Kaiapoi Aquatic Centre
Lap pool plus a combined leisure and Learn to Swim space with a beach-style area ideal for parents and toddlers.
Outdoor Pools
Oxford Community Aquatic Centre
Outdoor heated pools open from late November to mid-March. Includes a 25-metre lap pool with easy access and a learners’ pool for younger swimmers.
Waikuku Beach Paddling Pool
Free, shallow, and designed for little ones. Water features make it fun, though it’s not lifeguarded.
Rivers
Ashley Gorge
Clear pools, swimming spots, and bush surroundings. Access via the Ashley Gorge Campground. Check water Quality here
Cones Road (Rangiora–Loburn bridge)
Braided river with both shallow and deep areas. Toilets and picnic spots available. Cyanobacteria appears at times. Check water Quality here
SH1 Site
Popular for fishing and 4WD activity. Cyanobacteria can be common. Check water Quality here
Beaches
Waikuku Beach (Surf Club)
Great for swimming and surfing, with good facilities. Check lifeguards schedule
Pegasus Beach
Wide sandy beach accessed through the township and forest. Check lifeguards schedule
Woodend Beach
Popular surf beach with toilets at the domain. Check lifeguards schedule
Pines Beach
Quiet and sandy, with parking before the dunes.
Useful links
Lifeguards schedule anywhere in NZ https://safeswim.org.nz
For water quality and a map of swiming places visit: LAWA https://www.lawa.org.nz
For pool details check the Waimakariri District Council website https://www.waimakariri.govt.nz/community-and-recreation/swimming-pools