Matatiki Hornby Centre
Matatiki offers the Hornby community refreshing pools, learn to swim classes, aqua group fitness classes, library, service centre and more.
Looking for recovery and relaxation? Sit back and enjoy the spa or hydrotherapy pool, or chill out with some quiet time in the library.
Want to plan an event, sports training or tournament? Find out more about pool hire at Christchurch Recreation and Sport Centres.
Matatiki Hornby Centre opening hours
Lane pool
Teach pool
Toddlers pool
Spa pool
Hydrotherapy pool
Women's Thursdays
Inflatable obstacle course
Library
Service Centre
Cafe
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Café -
Wifi -
Bicycle stands -
Car parking -
Lockers -
Rooms for hire -
Sport shop -
Wheelchair access
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Our indoor pools and facilities operate year-round and include:
- Lane pool - Eight-lane 25-metre pool (1.2m to 1.8m deep)
- Hydrotherapy pool (1.4m)
- Teach pool (0.75m - 1.0m)
- Toddlers pool (0.4m)
- 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 (1.0m)
Plan your visit. View lane availability for typical peak times in our pools.
Information about pool temperatures can be found on the Accessibility page.
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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.
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Aqua fitness classes
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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.
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Aqua GentleCasual: $6.00 Multi pass: $54.00A gentle, low-intensity workout in the hydrotherapy pool aimed to gain strength and mobility while improving flexibility and coordination.
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Move & Mingle AquaCasual: $6.00 Multi pass: $54.00A water-based recreation programme for those over 60 who want to be active and socialise together.
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Group fitness timetableIf you are unable to book through the timetable below, please login first by clicking the green 'Log in' button above.
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Matatiki Hornby Centre's pool space is exclusive for women every Thursday from 3pm to 9.30pm for women's swimming sessions to encourage all women and girls to feel more confident in our pools. Windows will be covered for privacy.
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The hydrotherapy pool at Matatiki Hornby Centre is amazing for relaxation, therapy and supporting your overall wellbeing. The warm water can help your body heal, relieve muscle tension, soothe joint pain and increase flexibility.
Aqua Gentle classes are held in this pool every Tuesday and Thursday at 1.30pm. Bookings are essential to attend these classes, the pool is closed for recreational use during these times. Please book in advance.
Move & Mingle classes are held in this pool every Monday at 11am and Friday at 2pm. Please book ahead.
Half of the hydrotherapy pool can be booked for 30 minutes at 10.30am and 11am on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.
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Show more
- During Aqua Gentle classes, the hydrotherapy pool is unavailable for general use.
- Main access to the hydrotherapy pool is for people over the age of 16 years. Children under the age of 16 years old may use the hydrotherapy pool provided they are actively engaging in rehabilitation or recovery, not disturbing other customers, and are actively supervised by a responsible caregiver over the age of 16.
- Booking a hydrotherapy pool session guarantees your group access to the pool space, and helps with planning and coordinating your participants/clients.
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Rush, jump, slip, slide, biff and bash your way through our inflatable obstacle course!
Grab your mates and whānau and head on down to Matatiki on Sundays from 12pm to 3pm.
General pool entry applies.
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Conditions of entry
- Inflatable obstacle course users between the age of five and 10 years old (inclusive) are required to complete a deep water swim test before going on the inflatable. Children under eight need to be supervised by a responsible caregiver over 16 years old.
- Inflatables users must be able to swim 25 metres unaided. Children under eight need to be supervised by caregivers over 16 years old.
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Matatiki has one multi-purpose room and one smaller meeting room that can be used for:
- Community exercise programmes
- Training courses
- Community hui, celebrations and gatherings
- Seminars and workshops.
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Show your Hornby pride - buy a bubble
Help bring a hydrotherapy pool to Hornby.
The Buy a Bubble campaign is proudly brought to you by the Rotary Club of Hornby and the Greater Hornby Residents’ Association. Together, we’re raising $1.4 million to fund the hydrotherapy pool at Matatiki Hornby Centre.
We have 3 size options for you to choose from – either with your name or logo on your own bubble. The bubble wall is to be located on one of the busiest corridors in the centre, so will be visible to many!
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A warm, vibrant, and welcoming library in the heart of the Hornby Community. In addition to general library services and regular programming for all ages, Matatiki Library offerings also include:
- Ngā Pounamu Māori collection
- Pasifika Collection
- 12 public computers with free internet access
- PlayStation 5
- Virtual Reality (VR) headsets and gaming
- Free wireless internet access
- Printing and photocopying
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The Customer Service desk manages general Council customer queries! A few services provided are:
- Advice on Council services.
- Applications for building consents, Recreation and Sport membership, alcohol licensing, bookings.
- Payments of rates, parking tickets, pool entry.
- Metrocard purchases and top ups.
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Our café offers a range of healthy snacks and great coffee at Matatiki Hornby Centre.
Grab a quick bite to eat after your swim, take a coffee into the library to find your new favourite book or catch up with friends after your aqua fitness class.
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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 bus
You can travel to Matatiki Hornby Centre on bus numbers 125, 130, 140 and 5 which all stop nearby to the facility.
Travel by bikeMatatiki Hornby Centre has bike stands opposite the main entrance, as well as located in the courtyard.
Travel by carMatatiki Hornby Centre has carparking available directly outside the main entrance.
Wheelchair accessEntry to Matatiki Hornby Centre is flat with an automatic door.
Poolside
Pool access is through an entrance gate. Please ask staff to help you if you need assistance.
Please bring your own slings for the hoist, they are not available to hire.
The main pool, hydrotherapy pool, learn to swim pool, toddlers pool, and spa pool have ramp accessLibrary
Access to the library is through sliding doors. Please ask help if you need assistance.
Accessible toiletsPoolside
There are three accessible toilets located in the poolside area:
In the change village on your way into the pool hall
Opposite the toddlers pool
Opposite the hydrotherapy pool (height adjustable toilet)Library
One accessible toilet is located at the end of the library. This space includes a toilet, rail and sink.
Foyer
One accessible toilet is located next to the multipurpose room that includes a toilet, rail and sink.
Accessible change roomsThere are two accessible changing rooms in the poolside change rooms.
One accessible changing room has a fixed height bed, shower, toilet and hoist.
One accessible changing room has an height adjustable bed, height adjustable toilet, height adjustable sink, shower and hoist.
Please bring your own slings for the hoists, they are not available to hire.
Accessible carparksMatatiki Hornby Centre has eight accessible carparks. Three are located to the left of the main entrance.
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 group fitness classes.
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.
Quiet timesIf you would like to visit Matatiki Hornby Centre when it is quiet, we recommend you call us for recommendations. You can call us on 03 941 8999 during opening hours.
Hearing loopHearing loop is available. Please ask staff if you need assistance.
Baby changeThere are ten baby change tables at Matatiki Hornby Centre.
Six baby change tables are located in the change village. You can also find one in the women and men's changing rooms. There is also a change table located in the foyer toilets, as well as in the library.
Women's swim sessionsWomen's swim sessions run every Thursday from 3pm until 9.30pm. Find out more.
Pool temperatures- Lane pool - 28 degrees
- Teach pool - 32 degrees
- Toddlers pool - 32 degrees
- Spa pool - 38 degrees
- Hydrotherapy pool - 34 degrees
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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.
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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
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News and events
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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17 November 2025Lyttelton Primary School wins first dibs on Parakiore hydroslidesLyttelton Primary will be the first school to take on the hydroslides at Parakiore.
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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.
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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!
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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!
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02 November 2025Crown hands over Parakiore as Council takes the reinsConstruction of New Zealand’s largest indoor sport and recreation centre is complete.
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