Council-controlled organisations

Tauranga’s iconic Mount Hot Pools has made waves on the national stage, winning the coveted Outstanding Pool Award at the Recreation Aotearoa Aquatics Awards.

The accolade recognises excellence in facility design, operations, and the positive impact a venue has on its local community. 

“This is a huge achievement for us and a testament to the dedication of the entire Mount Hot Pools team,” Bay Venues Head of Aquatics Matthew Strange said.  

“From our lifeguards and customer experience staff to aqua instructors and massage therapists, as well as everyone working behind the scenes to make this venue a beloved and reliable community asset – this award belongs to all of them.” 

Mount Hot Pools is a Mount Maunganui institution and a cherished spot for both locals and tourists. Situated at the base of Mauao, it has welcomed generations of visitors for decades since the first pool opened in 1966. 

“Memories made at the Mount Hot Pools are passed down through families; both locals and visitors who enjoyed these unique hot ocean water pools as kids regularly return to relive the fun with their own children and make new memories,” Strange said. 

“We’re passionate about keeping the magic of this place alive and we’re also always looking for new ways to improve the experience for our customers and community. Whether that’s through embracing new technology and innovative operations, looking for sustainable solutions and caring or the environment around us, or bringing our community together through special events and activities for all ages.”

The facility hosts more than 260,000 visits every year and is one of the only hot ocean water pool complexes in the world.  

The accessibility friendly venue has five outdoor pools – a hot relaxation pool, a mild hydrotherapy pool, a children’s pool with a slide, and two outdoor spas – as well as three indoor private sanctuary pools, and an experienced team of on-site massage therapists. 

“Of course, this Outstanding Pool Award also belongs to our customers,” Strange said. 

“Because what is a pool without people in it? Our passionate community of users play such an important role in the success of Mount Hot Pools; they bring so much life and colour to our venue 364 days of the year. Many locals have made a trip here part of their daily or weekly routine and those familiar friendly faces give this facility its special character and charm. The view of Mauao, of course, is not bad either.” 

Mount Hot Pools, which is managed by Bay Venues on behalf of Tauranga City Council, has also been inducted into the TripAdvisor Hall of Fame, is Poolsafe accredited, and holds the Qualmark Gold Sustainable Tourism Business Award. 

The venue sets a benchmark in sustainability by harnessing ocean water, geothermal bore heating, and solar power, making it one of New Zealand’s most energy-efficient aquatic venues. Mount Hot Pools also acknowledges and celebrates the site’s cultural significance and history through bilingual signage, te reo music and artworks such as He Pou Rarama that stands at the entrance, working with local hapū to support community education and enrich the visitor experience.

Meanwhile, Tauranga swim school BaySwim was also recognised at the national Recreation Aotearoa Aquatics Awards last week. 

BaySwim received a Merit Award for Aquatic Innovation – Programmes. 

“Our innovation isn’t built on flashy tech, it’s grounded in something much more powerful: meeting people where they are,” BaySwim Manager Claire Horner said. 

“Our innovative and inclusive approach to programming is all about breaking down barriers for people of all ages and abilities and making sure we can reach members of the community who would otherwise find it difficult to get into a pool and learn to swim,” she said. 

“Each programme BaySwim creates is in response to real community needs and is designed to reflect the diversity of the communities we serve. This national award recognises the power and potential of that human-first approach."