Full steam ahead for bookings at beachside hot pools

A sold-out opening week at He Puna Taimoana is set to continue as people flock to the new beachside destination.

He Puna Taimoana Manager Merryn Skipper says the response to the New Brighton pools, which opened at Queen’s Birthday weekend, has been “overwhelming” as people of all ages check in for a seaside soak.

“We have decided to continue our online booking system as we move to Alert Level 1,” Ms Skipper says.

“Our guests tell us it is so much easier to arrive at the pools and simply check in as we already have their contact details and payment via their booking. The set session times save our guests from long wait times.’’

Ms Skipper says He Puna Taimoana will continue to offer four daily sessions that last 1 hour 45 minutes. The facility is cleaned and sanitised between each session.

"We want everyone to be able to enjoy our hot pools, so from Thursday 11 June we’re looking to increase capacity across all our sessions. Weekday daytime sessions will increase to 60 people per session, with 70 for the evening session and 85 for all weekend sessions. We’re just testing these numbers and we’ll adapt as required to ensure all our visitors continue to enjoy a premium experience.''

Book a session at He Puna Taimoana.

The facility’s sauna and steam room will open for the first time on Thursday.

“People will be able take in the stunning view of New Brighton Pier whilst soothing aches and pains in the sauna for the first time since opening,’’ Ms Skipper says.

She says many pool users are thrilled with the “breath-taking beach views” and the “amazing pools”, describing He Puna Taimoana as a “huge asset to the east”.

“Guests young and old are enjoying the hold pools and we couldn’t be happier with the community support,’’ Ms Skipper says.