Nine fabulous swimming pools in Hawke's Bay

Splash Planet is just one of the many pools in Hawke's Bay to enjoy over the summer holidays.

A range of public pools are used every day throughout the region. They are a great way for children to learn how to swim and for older people to improve their fitness or simply have fun. Astrid Austin looks at nine public swimming pools in Hawke's Bay.

1. Ocean Spa
Ocean Spa, Napier provides open-air heated pools including a 25m lap pool, two leisure pools, indoor and outdoor spas and a toddlers' pool. Lifeguards patrol all swimming areas, making it a safe environment for people of all ages. Located on Marine Parade in Napier, it is perfect for the whole family.
Visit: Ocean Spa or call (06) 835 8553.

2. Napier Aquatic Centre
The complex features three heated pools; Old Pool, Ivan Wilson Pool and the Learners' Pool. However the Ivan Wilson complex is closed for maintenance. There are also two heated hydroslides, a new Spray Park and two spa pools, and an outdoor area. Situated on Maadi Rd, Onekawa, Napier, the Napier Aquatic Centre is open from 6am to 3pm and 7pm to 9pm, Monday to Friday. During the weekend, the complex is open from 11am to 6pm.
Visit: Napier Aquatic Centre or call (06) 834 4150.

3. Splash Planet:
Head on over to Splash Planet for some fun. The theme park is open today from 10am to 5.30pm on Grove Rd, Hastings.
Visit: Splash Planet or phone (06) 873 8033.

4. Swim Heretaunga Pool. Situated on Swansea Rd, Flaxmere, the complex features a 25m training pool and 15m learn to swim pool. During the school holidays, giant inflatables are available for the kids to play on. It is open from 11.30am to 3.30pm, Monday to Thursday and 10am each Friday.
Visit: Swim Heretaunga or call (06) 879 7676.

5. Frimley Pool
Frimley Pool features a 50m pool with adjacent grandstand, as well as a learner and toddler pool. The complex is open seven days a week, from 10am to 6pm and is situated at Frimley Park, Frimley Rd, Hastings. Dedicated lanes for lap swimming are available. Visit: Frimley Pool or call (06) 876 8338.

6. Village Pools, Havelock North: Situated on the Havelock North Domain, Te Mata Rd, the venue has five pools including toddlers' pool, learners' pool, 2m deep pool and a 33m main pool with two lanes allocated for lap swimming. Open Mon 10am-6pm and Tue-Sun 10am-7pm. Village Pools or call (06) 877 5544.

7. A W Parsons Indoor Heated Pool, Stadium & Fitness Centre
Situated in Waipukurau, the AW Parsons Heated Pool Complex is a purpose-built facility catering for a wide variety of sporting and social activities. The pool complex has a heated 25m lap pool, a learners' pool and a beach area, and is at 10 River Terrace, Waipukurau Central.
Visit: A W Parsons Indoor Heated Pool or call (06) 8588972

8. Wai Splash is situated at 35 York St, Dannevirke and has a 25m pool, as well as a learners' pool. They are open daily but will be closed on New Year's Day.
Visit: Wai Splash or call (06) 374 7772.

9. Wairoa Community Centre
Wairoa Community Centre has a 25m heated indoor pool. Situated on 33 Marine Parade, Wairoa, it is open from 8am to 5pm, Monday to Friday. In summer, it is open from 10am to 5pm on the weekend.
Visit: Wairoa Community Centre or call (06) 838 3086.