Wanaka Recreation Centre increases swim prices in line with Queenstown's Alpine Aqualand

Prices for swimming at the Wanaka Recreation Centre are increasing from 1st July 2019 bringing them in line with current prices at Alpine Aqualand, Queenstown Lakes District Council’s other main aquatic facility.

The change aims to future-proofing these key community services during a period of rapid population growth and follows the Council approving changes to a range of community services fees and charges in December 2018 following a review of its Community Facilities Funding Policy (CFFP).

This was the first such review since 2011 which covered venue hire and aquatic facilities.

The same price increases were introduced at Alpine Aqualand on 1st March 2019 but QLDC deferred changes at WRC given that prices there were adjusted when the new, three-pool aquatic facility opened in June 2018 to replace the old Wanaka Community Pool.

Advising that the new pricing was focused on some increases to adult casual prices with minimal changes for children, seniors and beneficiaries, Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) Sport and Recreation Manager, Simon Battrick explained "there will be no increases to children’s casual swim prices or memberships, only the ten-visit concession card for children which will still offer more than a 10% discount on casual entry.

“Wānaka’s new pools have been hugely popular since opening nearly a year ago with currently around 10,000 visits each month. This compares to around 5,000 visits a month at the old pool. While we appreciate that any price increase will be felt by our customers, it’s important that pricing reflects the quality of our facilities, their operating costs and entry to other similar facilities around the district.

“All swim memberships and concessions at WRC will continue to be valid at other council-managed pools at Alpine Aqualand and Arrowtown Memorial Pool so people can enjoy swimming there at no extra cost.

“We’re confirming these changes today to allow for the two-month notice period in our members’ contracts and also to give everyone in the community the opportunity to save on their swimming by extending or buying memberships at the current, lower rate in good time before 1st July."

As highlighted in December last year following the CFFP review, QLDC Swim School pricing at the Wanaka Recreation Centre  will increase from $10.50 to $11.50 per lesson from Term 3, 2019 (the first term to begin after 1st July).

Alpine Aqualand is located at the Queenstown Events Centre.