Richmond Aquatic Centre
Information about Richmond Aquatic Centre
Opening hours
- Monday: 5:30 AM – 9:00 PM
- Tuesday: 5:30 AM – 9:00 PM
- Wednesday: 5:30 AM – 9:00 PM
- Thursday: 5:30 AM – 9:00 PM
- Friday: 5:30 AM – 7:00 PM
- Saturday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Sunday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Our comment from FitFit New Zealand about Richmond Aquatic Centre:
The Richmond Aquatic Centre is a vibrant and family-friendly facility located in Richmond, New Zealand, offering a variety of swimming options and activities suitable for all ages. Visitors appreciate the clean changing rooms, well-maintained pools, and the excellent staff who contribute to a pleasant experience. The centre features a range of amenities including:
- Wave pool that delights children and families alike
- Sauna and spa for relaxation
- Aqua classes and swimming lessons
- Café with options for snacks and refreshments
- Family-friendly atmosphere with plenty of space to enjoy time with kids
However, some visitors have noted areas for improvement, particularly regarding cleanliness and maintenance of certain facilities such as the showers and café. There are concerns about the lack of privacy in showers and mixed feedback about customer service at the café. The centre has been highlighted for its potential, with many expressing hope for upgrades and better management of cleaning standards.
Overall, Richmond Aquatic Centre remains a popular choice for local families and individuals looking to engage in aquatic activities, though attention to certain aspects could enhance the visitor experience.
Services, Machines and Guided Classes
Richmond Aquatic Centre: Opinions
Fantastic experience: To say it is bad would be a lie.
Fantastic experience: Joined the gym
Fantastic experience: Highly recommend for an afternoon of activity and fun with grandchildren. The life guards were helpful, vigilant and friendly.
Positive experience: Loved the Aqua classes i attended here! The sauna, amazing!! being quite a clean person hygenically, the changing rooms were clean and tidy. Overall being my first time it's definitely worth my rating.
Negative experience: This place was fun ages ago but now it is not i mean like now in weekdays waves only on after four and the things that ARE fun you pay for
Fantastic experience: Great value for 2 hours of swimming, spa time and in sauna
Negative experience: Sadly it's the younger workers here that really let this place down. Most of the lessons that take place here are for children and none of these woman know how to speak to children (not the instructors - they are fantastic, nor the boss as she is lovely). These girls sit on the sides of the pool yelling nasty demands to children instead of speaking to them like they're actual human beings. I have watched this time and time again, all they do is make the kids feel uncomfortable. I am very far from being the only parent here who has expressed this concern. Definitely prompting getting lessons anywhere else. And before the comment comes that this is ok, quite often it's at kids who are standing and talking awaiting their lesson turn, the ladies yell at them to go sit on the side of the pool and await the instructor! So they do this, and then are told to get out of the pool (their legs) as the instructor hasn't told them to get in yet. None of this is said with any patience or kindness at all, clearly no maternal instinct here. The instructor told the kids to get in so they did, and then this lady clearly didn't hear so she barks at them to get out again until the instructor tells them to get in. Unfortunately the instructor lacked the strength to let her know she had told the kids it was ok. When dealing with kids, kindness, compassion, respect and a little laughter should be mandatory. I'm honestly really disappointed. I also did phone with concerns regarding the lessons, I expressed clearly how amazing i felt the instructor is - but hearing this relayed to the instructor that I (not so covertly pointed at me) had called and complained. I did not complain, not at all. I was seeking clarity which I feel I made clear. Guess even at poolside - gossip changes the truth.
Positive experience: I had a really good experience at this leisure centre. The staff were very friendly and welcoming, making the visit feel easy and enjoyable from the start. The facilities were spotless — everything from the changing rooms to the pool area was clean and well maintained. The pool itself was excellent — spacious, well-kept, and perfect for both casual swimmers and those wanting to get a few laps in. The sauna was also a nice bonus — it’s large enough to accommodate several people comfortably, which made it feel very relaxed rather than cramped. The only slight downside was that it wasn’t quite as hot as I would have liked, but still a great place to unwind after a swim. Overall, a fantastic spot for a swim and a bit of relaxation. Would definitely recommend and will be back!
Negative experience: Very poor service in the gym when you want to speak to someone or get assistance. The man will sit in his office ignoring you at the desk for ages as if your time isn't as important as his. The state of the bathroom and toilets is disgusting with poor cleanliness and broken toilets etc. Rude and unprofessional when dealing with issues. I phoned regarding an issue with my account and asked for a return call, instead of a call after 5 days I got an email response with absolutely zero regard to my concerns of how they manage account freezes and their communication, or complete lack of. Meanwhile while querying my account they proceeded to deduct more money from me.
Negative experience: The family changing room and much of the facility was dirty and was not cleaned once in the 3 hours we were there. This is exactly how diseases are transmitted. The authorities should do something about this. There are so many unemployed people and cleaners are not expensive.
Negative experience: The family changing room and much of the facility was dirty and was not cleaned once in the 3 hours we were there. This is exactly how diseases are transmitted. The authorities should do something about this. There are so many unemployed people and cleaners are not expensive.
Positive experience: מקלחת בלבד עולה 9$ כי זה יחד עם כניסה לבריכה הם לא נותנים רק להתקלח יותר לצערי
Positive experience: מקלחת בלבד עולה 9$ כי זה יחד עם כניסה לבריכה הם לא נותנים רק להתקלח יותר לצערי
Fantastic experience: Richmond Aquatic Centre is a fantastic facility with excellent swimming classes. Both of my kids attend lessons here, and the instructors are amazing—patient, supportive, and highly skilled. The centre is well-maintained, offering a variety of pools, including a wave pool and hydrotherapy pool. The staff are friendly, and the overall atmosphere is welcoming. It’s a great place for both kids and adults to improve their swimming skills and enjoy the water. Highly recommended!
Positive experience: Ansich sehr schönes Schwimmbad mit verschiedenen Pools! Im Frauen Bereich gab es „private“ Duschen mit Vorhängen, der Männer Bereich war leider geschlossen. Der Knopf der Dusche hat 5 Sekunden Wasser laufen lassen und danach musste man ihn wieder betätigen, was auf Dauer sehr lästig war! Auf die Frage nach einer Toilette für Männer konnten uns die Mitarbeiter leider nicht weiterhelfen und schlossen im Endeffekt extra die Behinderten Toilette für uns auf, was unser Meinung nach irgendwie nicht die richtige Lösung für das Problem ist! Auch das Personal am Eingang war sehr abweisend und außer einem stumpfen „Hallo“ und „18$“ wurden uns nur angenervte Blicke zugeworfen…
Fantastic experience: Thomas
Fantastic experience: Cool mix of different pools, with good gym and Les Mills classes.
Fantastic experience: Been swimming here regularly since it opened. Great staff, clean changing rooms and showers. Clear clean pool and free spas with your swim… don’t get that at most pools. Great work keep it up, some recent negative publicity does not equate to what I have experienced since you opened.
Negative experience: Dirty filthy changing rooms and pool area. A couple of gym staff are very rude. Overall not a very pleasant facility.
Negative experience: I am a regular lane swimmer in the main pool. I sometimes buy coffee at the café. Recently I have noticed a deteriorating state of cleanliness, poor maintenance and a very disappointing attitude from the front desk staff. The female change rooms are sometimes poorly cleaned. There is a toilet in the female change room that hasn’t flushed properly for ages. I politely reported that to the front desk staff a week or so back. They clearly weren’t at all interested. There is an unlockable toilet door in the toilets off the entrance atrium. It’s been like that for a while. The standard of cleaning overall is poor but it is even worse in the café. On Sunday the counter where coffee and food orders are taken was filthy. I didn’t see staff wiping it once during the half hour I was there. The table I sat at was uncomfortably dirty. Two weeks ago, my friend and I received coffees that were undrinkable. It’s a shame such an important facility has standards that are shockingly low. I’m sure visitors to our area must be surprised that we have such low standards in a facility we’d like to show off to them. Please could management look at improving the situation. We pay our fees. The least we can expect is much higher standards of presentation!
Positive experience: Plenty of options available from swim schools, aqua jogging, spas and training. It also has a sauna
Negative experience: Visited from Christchurch. Was grimy, and felt very dirty. Wouldn’t visit again.
Negative experience: I visited the showers today with others . None of us we impressed. The gold card was not accepted. The showers were hot and a good stream of water . This was great. HOWEVER there is NO privacy. No where to hang towels at the shower area , no where in the shower area for your clothes & towel. There is two ridiculous cubes outside the shower for 3 showers . No hair dryers , only two ridiculous fans you stand under to dry your hair , one of which does not work . We will not be back . Who ever designed the shower area has down an abysmal job.
Positive experience: Has fine facilities, hard to escape the loud and cheesy top 40 music though if that’s a turn off for you… a little much for myself but a pretty standard public pool centre otherwise
Fantastic experience: Fun
Fantastic experience: Thanks for your marvellous staff and for adding some excellent mobility parking spaces. It makes such a difference.
Fantastic experience: A great place for families..lots to do..
Negative experience: Rating on pools is great. 4/5 However myself and my partner couldn't rate cafe. We thought we would grab a coffee while kids continued to swim and play, we stood there waiting at counter while they serviced through the window, what disappointed us was that there were at least 5 staff there and seen myself patiently waiting but yet not one of them acknowledged me as a waiting customer. I would have happily waited if I felt valued, but to be ignored as a waiting customer is disappointing service. Turned around and got a coffee elsewhere after.
Hi Vicki, Thank you for the positive feedback on the pools. We are sorry to hear that your experience or lack thereof at the café let the overall experience down. We had a number of staff in training on the day and we will be looking to improve on how this is done moving forward. Thank you for taking the time to help us improve our service.
Positive experience: 3 staff, all rather meh. Perhaps they were tired. As a CSR, I smile at everyone I felt uncomfortable so went to Countdown & Bonito Bowl across the road, very nice service.
Fantastic experience: The staff of the swimmingpool were really really kind, helpful and we really felt seen by them. Especially if you are not a foreigner in this country, they helped us really well. And the pool is great too! Lovely sauna, hot pools and swimmingpool.
Fantastic experience: Great experience
Fantastic experience: Kids absolutely loved it especially the wave pool
Positive experience: Overall really good pool, just the showers aren't that good, no cabins, only curtains which is not providing a lot of privacy...
Fantastic experience: Great Pools...loved the Wave pool...so did all the kids there.
Positive experience: Great place to bring kids & have a wee swim. Multiple pools and a small lazy river to dip in. Only downside is wish the main pool was a bit bigger. Would come here again
Fantastic experience: I visited the facially multiple times whilst holidaying in Nelson. The main highlights for me were the spa and sauna. They were very enjoyable. I also enjoyed a swim in the main cold pool after the heat. The gym facilities were good and had most of the main machines you need, but I reckon the gym should be expanded to accommodate more machines and benches. I'd recommend adding a seated low row machine and an incline bench press. The changing and storage facilities were good. The staff were friendly. I will come again on my next holiday. Also, I must say these are the biggest dumbbells I've ever seen!
Positive experience: decent pool Not crowded Good for families
Fantastic experience: Absolutely love it here. Great place, great people and amazing services.
Fantastic experience: great swimming lessons for my baby
Positive experience: The lane pool is great if it isn’t too busy We, quite a few of us, who are using the hydro pool, are very disappointed with the replies we get about the replacements of the exercise sheets on the wall of the pool We have asked now for months when the replacement sheets are coming Always the same answer They are still not there Please lots of people are enjoying those exercises They are great The few pages there ar the moment are too small to read Please get the new ones on the wall
Negative experience: Také klasické ani vynikajúce ani najhoršie. Stredná cesta. sprchy 4,50nzd strašne drahé takže preto len dve hviezdičky. Personál mi tvrdil ze zatvárajú o 20:40. V sprche sú závesy plesnive. Moderná prezliekareň. Dobre veľké parkovisko. Vvtak modernej plavárni mohli byť feny k dispozícii. Podlaha bola čistá aj priestory.
Negative experience: Actually wasn't anywhere near what I was expecting still cool to have something like this in the rejoin but was a little let down
Positive experience: Great pools and facilities, a little expensive, great cafe with friendly staff.
Fantastic experience: Afternoon visit to a favorite place for indoor swimming. Had a spa and could of used suana. Sometimes lane swimming is limited by water sports activities but still plenty of pools to use.
Negative experience: The changing rooms were dirty
Positive experience: Childrens learn to swim programme is very good.
Fantastic experience: Yay I do my aquatic arobic fitness there
Fantastic experience: Good swimming pool with waves, sauna and cafe
Fantastic experience: Caters to all sizes. Kids love it!
Positive experience: Great facility, lots of options for all ages
Positive experience: A very good experience. Bit stuffy. Has improved since I was here last time.
Thanks for your feedback, see you back at Richmond Aquatic Centre soon!
Fantastic experience: $8 for adult, good for kids
Fantastic experience: Great place to relax in the spa and suna
Thanks for the review Kory, see you back at the pools soon!
Fantastic experience: Beautiful pool clear and clean .Love the classes !
Fantastic experience: Great pool complex. Hot pools, wave pool, lap pool, lazy river, cafe, family changing rooms. All you could want in a pool!
Fantastic experience: The spa and sauna are great for easing those aches and pains and friendly staff always happy
Positive experience: Good experience for the kids niece and her friends loved it!
Fantastic experience: We love it! Great waves, hiring equipments, great swimming teachers too.
Negative experience: After paying we are told we had to wait 2 hours before waves begin. Then they closed the baby pool .. not impressed
Fantastic experience: Initial experience not so good because of a particular staff... But since then have visited twice and it has been Good
Positive experience: Lovely staff great adult clean spa cheap fees
Negative experience: The water is the coldest of any south island leisure pools ( been to them all with my kids) , its dark and a bit gloomy and it's very expensive, so much so it prices our family out and so my kids don't get the swimming practice they need. The area is in dire need of another pool.
Positive experience: Good place to take your children had a good lunch there as well
Fantastic experience: BEST POOLS BY FAR. RELAXING, HEAPS OF PARKING, NICE STAFF, LOVE THE INFERED SAUNA, YOU CAN ULTER YOUR BODY HEAT WITH DIFFERENT POOLS AND SPA AND POOL.
Fantastic experience: I go aquajogging and appreciate having lanes allocated for this. Pity about the odd few who continually swim in these lanes. They make it difficult for the pool attendants.
Fantastic experience: My kids love the wave pool they spend HOURS in there. The little cafe has great coffee and food.
Positive experience: Such a brilliant place for children but way too hot inside. It needs windows or doors that open to a court yard!!!
Negative experience: Disappointing experience at Cafe on Thursday. No coffee as machine being cleaned. Come on guys bad service, clean when cafe is closed that's just smart business
Hi there! We apologise for the inconvenience caused by the temporary closure of the coffee machine for cleaning. The system needed to be cleaned out to solve a blocked drain. We understand how important a good cup of coffee is to keep you day going. Our team is committed to maintaining a clean and hygienic environment for everyone's enjoyment. The coffee machine was back up and running shortly after, delivering the delicious brews you love. We appreciate your understanding and patience. We will have a free coffee waiting for you on your next visit – just let Karyn know when you get here!
Fantastic experience: Great swimming pool at a reasonable entry price. Lanes were busy at 10am but multiple lanes for each speed so easy enough to slot in
Positive experience: Great place to go for a swim for recreation or exercise. Well run and good facilities. Slightly high price wise and the water was a little murky but that might be their disinfectant method.
Positive experience: Ok facilities. Getting a bit rundown. Staff are friendly and nice. Just watch the front desk staff they do have a tendency to accidentally Overcharge.
Negative experience: Would like a bit more of an exciting toddlers pool. Think it's a bit unfair to have to pay when there isn't much to do in the pool. Other facilities around the country offer free entry and have a lot more for the toddlers to do in the pool. Overall disappointed! Also unsure why we were charged a fee (adults swimming + toddler) while our toddler has to be accompanied by us at all times? Means we were charged $11 for a toddler to swim
Hi NatashaThank you for the feedback. We will investigate ways to improve our experience of Toddlers and already have some great ideas brewing.Thank you again
Fantastic experience: Great
Positive experience: Great entertainment for the kids
Positive experience: Enjoy taking my daughter here, teaching her water safety and swimming.
Fantastic experience: Lots of family fun. Children loved the wave pool.
Fantastic experience: Love going to Aqua Relief which helps my joints and back and the staff are great.
Thank you Donna for your review and for recommending Aqua Relief!
Positive experience: Wonderfull swimming pool(s), different bassins, different temperatures. Lots of space, lots of fun.
Positive experience: It's become a weekly spa event for me... tho I choose a quieter time to visit now!
Positive experience: Really good facilicity, good staff,toilets lovely and clean,reasonably priced for a swim too.
Fantastic experience: Best kept secret in Richmond Don't tell anyone, otherwise will fill up... Excellent customer service Jamie, thankQ. Kx
Positive experience: Great fun for the kids
Hi Lorrie, thank you for the lovely review. We're glad you enjoyed our facility and we hope to see you again!
Positive experience: We always enjoy our time at Richmond Aquatic, however one visit resulted in someone attempting to take my handbag.
Positive experience: Its an iconic place but if you're wondering if to go here or a lake then definitely go to a lake no doubt. It definitely could be cleaner
Hi Finominon, we are so sorry to hear the facilities were not up to standard when you visited. Please feel free to inform our team at any time if something isn't right and we can ensure we correct it soon as possible. We hope to see you again soon.
Fantastic experience: Need to have directions to your parking a lot clearer, for people that don't know the area the gps directions are absolutely useless, especially if you have a motorhome.
Hi Graeme, thanks we are working to get this sorted as soon as possible.
Positive experience: Great complex for kids - the wave pool is fun and was well-staffed on the day we visited. Changing rooms were clean.
Negative experience: Completely overpriced. Paid $8 and was quite shocked but thought for all the pools it would be worth it, maybe they would have the fun blow up course for the weekend? . WRONG!! Wave pool closed+ lazy river! In the lane pool we were moved from a side where no people were swimming and told we had to swim in the other side where there were a few groups . Only 4 people in the spa so we waited for a while and kept checking for people going out . Waited over an hour to be able to go in. Saw 2 couples leave in frustration. Finally they opened the wave pool (still no waves) and we're having a good time till...... FECAL MATTER IN THE POOL! very disappointed would recommend of you want to be ripped off!!
Hi Jewel, thank you for visiting our facility, we are sorry to hear that you did not have a pleasant experience. Unfortunately under level 2 we are operating under a number of restrictions to be able to ensure our visitors can maintain the 2m physical distancing rules that are required for us to follow, and to allow us to operate safely and remain open under alert level 2. As our aquatics team are required to put safety first and supervise the pools we do require visitors to stick to the time rules and 30min maximum spa times, our staff can help facilitate this if they are made aware people are taking longer than the 30min wait. Unfortunately fecals and pool closures out of our control do happen from time to time, and to ensure the safety of our customers and water quality this does mean we have to close the pool to allow for testing, cleaning, filtration and retesting before it can be opened again. We are happy to offer back a free pass for your next swim, if you would prefer to not wait and return swim at another time.
Fantastic experience: My grandsons have such fun anytime at the pool. As soon as the hooter goes for the wave pool they're off to join in the fun. Pleasant staff at reception, poolside and the cafe.
Positive experience: Good place for a quick spa but must add, they have an AMAZING Sauna! Make sure you bring two towels if you want to use the sauna as you need one to sit on while in there...second towel would be for the shower afterwords :-)
Fantastic experience: Nice place to come withvthe kids or if you just wana go for a swim. The wave pool is great
Fantastic experience: Great to have Aqua fit , Aqua boost. Great way to introduce fitness.
Fantastic experience: Nice pool the children enjoyed their time plus a snack in the café
Fantastic experience: Great place to take children, very relaxing, nice coffee, with bites to eat, I would recommend this place to enjoy your day
Thanks Janice, we’re so pleased you enjoyed your visit
Fantastic experience: Kids and I love going. Looking forward to the next time. Rave waves are great for the whole family
Fantastic experience: Clean, warm and not too crowded. Pools with a range of temps. Children enjoy the lazy river and wave pool.
Fantastic experience: Great 1st time experience here today taking my baby to a trial baby swim lesson. Nice and clean and super friendly helpful staff.
Fantastic experience: Richmond aquatic Centre is fantastic. I attend hydro therapy aqua classes really great. Sometimes too many people in the classes for the size of the hydro pool. Please be careful when walking on any tiles when wet. I slipped a few weeks ago and have really damaged my shoulder.
Thank you for your feedback, Janet. We are really pleased to hear that you enjoy our popular hydro classes. As our classes have recently increased in numbers we have added additional classes to the timetable for Aqua Relief and Hydro Aqua, please see our website or one of our staff for the most up to date timetable. We are very sorry to hear you had a slip at the facility, we now have new non slip flooring around most of our pools and all of our change areas. We do hope you are feeling better and if you have an concerns we encourage you to get in touch with our friendly team who will be happy to assist you.
Fantastic experience: So good. Kids loved it
Fantastic experience: Great fun for the kids
Positive experience: Great indoor pool complex. Love the warmer hydro pool and enjoyed the legends aqua class in the laps pool
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