Saturdays and the hot pools — New zealand uncovered

New Brighton, a coastal settlement just north of Christchurch is hardly the stuff of New Zealand dreams. In comparison to Sumner further down the coast it’s on the rough and ready side although that would be to ignore its obvious future potential. For anywhere in such a picturesque spot on the South Island coast must surely have endless possibilities. Christchurch council have recently opened a hot pool by the beach at New Brighton and it’s turning into some success story. One glance and it’s not difficult to see why. The pools complex is right by the beach, overlooking the vast Pacific Ocean. It’s also a short stroll from the New Brighton Pier - a landmark that juts out into the sea - a bit likes its older name's sake in the United Kingdom.

Looking back to New Brighton and its Hot Pools from the Brighton Pier

The hot pools operate an online booking system where you can book slots throughout the day. Each slot is for a couple of hours and there are four to choose from depending on your preferred arrival time. I preferred an early start and opted for the 10am session. This enabled me to check out the onsite cafe, ‘Saturday’s’ first. I’d read a few good reviews about the cafe and was keen to try out its range of breakfast options even though ironically, I was visiting on a Sunday - good to know it opens both weekend days. The signs were promising as it was already busy with a few tables taken when I arrived - I was pleased I’d booked ahead.

My beautifully presented breakfast from ‘Saturdays’

The food was tasty and beautifully presented. The chef here in the busy kitchen obviously cares deeply about making food look as good as it tastes. I’m certainly a fan. With suitable sustenance I headed to join the queue for when the hot pools opened. I was greeted with a friendly welcome at reception and pointed in the direction of the changing rooms. There were a few options, of men’s and women’s communal rooms, families shared rooms and individual cubicles. The floor beneath my feet was heated which was a nice touch on a cold winters morning with a wind blowing off the sea. There are lockers to leave your belongings, or you can choose to put them away in one of the side containers which was the most popular choice I noticed. Shivering I headed across to the steaming water. The top pool had a bench seat where you were able to sit relaxing in the warmth of the water looking out over the beach and ocean beyond. The water was hot, and intoxicating compared to the weather, and I soon sank back, appreciating the views and allowing myself to relax and let the warmth envelope me. There are four other pools at the complex. There is even a plunge pool for those feeling brave and a sauna and steam room if you really want to relax. During the autumn and winter months the pools offer a ‘Sunrise Special’ and there are later Friday night adults only sessions available, but be sure to book well in advance, they are popular.