Summer 2024/2025 will see a new swimming spot open up for the city centre, with plans to open the Karanga Plaza Tidal Steps, in the Viaduct Basin by the end of this calendar year!
Works began in August 2024 at the popular swimming spot with an Eke Panuku water’s edge health and safety review taking place as part of the Mayor’s vision to open up the waterfront. Improvements to the area are being implemented around recreation and safety including a free harbour pool and bespoke jumping platform which creates a multi-purpose swimming area, and pontoons enclosing the harbour pool, to protect and contain swimmers and provide a visual and physical barrier for boats operating in the viaduct channel.
Operating as a pilot project for real-time testing, this project’s results will inform a longer-term plan for a more permanent saltwater lap pool on the waterfront. This location is on the Swim Safe Website and water quality is regularly monitored and tested and the facilities will be free to use and open during daylight hours.
Improvements we will see in the area include a larger area for swimmers enclosed by floating pontoons, approximately four 33m long swimming lanes, with lane ropes and ladders for access, a dedicated jumping platform with balustrades and a grab rail, changing sheds, and a shower (toilets are provided) in Karanga Plaza and a broad range of safety improvements across the area by December 2024.
