AC Baths & Taupo Aquatic Centre
Dive into warmth at AC Baths & Taupo Aquatic Centre! Heated pools, thrilling hydroslides, and family fun await, perfect for any weather.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Warm water against cool air
AC Baths & Taupo Aquatic Centre
Best Time
Warm water against cool air
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Dive into warmth at AC Baths & Taupo Aquatic Centre! Heated pools, thrilling hydroslides, and family fun await, perfect for any weather.
"Best pools I’ve ever been to! Swimming in warm water when the air temp is nearly zero is amazing."
Warm Up on Rainy Days
Perfect escape from chilly weather! Water is a cozy 37°C. :smiley:
Hydroslide Value
Consider the extra cost for hydroslides; they're spectacular and often have no wait! :star2:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Heated Outdoor Pools
Outdoor Aquatic Area
Immerse yourself in warm waters (37°C) while enjoying the crisp air. Pure bliss!
Hydroslides Adventure
Hydroslide Area
Experience thrilling slides with minimal wait times – spectacular fun for all ages!
Bombing Area & Rope Swing
Recreational Pool
Unleash your inner daredevil with a jump or swing into the refreshing water.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Chill, Embrace the Warmth
Family Fun & Value
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Warm Up on Rainy Days
Perfect escape from chilly weather! Water is a cozy 37°C. :smiley:
Hydroslide Value
Consider the extra cost for hydroslides; they're spectacular and often have no wait! :star2:
The Taupo/Rotorua hot pools are not as hot as I remember
Family Friendly Pricing
Around $40 for a family of four, offering good value for a day of aquatic fun. :moneybag:
Summer Extended Hours
Enjoy swimming until 8 PM on weekdays during summer for extra fun! :sunriseovermountains:
Tips
from all over the internet
Warm Up on Rainy Days
Perfect escape from chilly weather! Water is a cozy 37°C. :smiley:
Hydroslide Value
Consider the extra cost for hydroslides; they're spectacular and often have no wait! :star2:
Family Friendly Pricing
Around $40 for a family of four, offering good value for a day of aquatic fun. :moneybag:
Summer Extended Hours
Enjoy swimming until 8 PM on weekdays during summer for extra fun! :sunriseovermountains:
Cafe Delights
The cafe offers prompt service, great coffee, and delicious curly fries. :coffee:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the AC Baths & Taupo Aquatic Centre as a perfect escape, especially on cooler days, with consistently warm waters and fun activities like hydroslides. The family-friendly pricing and convenient cafe add to the positive experience, though some note the weight room could be cleaner.
"Best solution for bad weather!!! We were here in July 2025. 12 degrees outside and rain, rain, rain… water temperature 37!degrees. NICE 👌"
Harald Kinnisch
"CAFE REVIEW ONLY. We were visiting a friend at the pools and went in for the cafe only. Fast prompt service, first coffee was made before I even finished paying. Was a quiet time, lunch time on a Monday, the curly fries were fabulous, crispy, and tasty and finally a place that gives a decent amount of sauce to begin with! The coffee was great as well. Thank you. Would have given 5 stars but can't rate properly due to us visiting the cafe only and not the pools themselves."
Shay H
"Around $40 entry to the pools for family of four plus you gest going on the slides
The pools are warm, not overly chlorinated
Variety of depths to suit different ages and abilities
Some fun things to do, a bomb area and rope swing"
Jay Dick
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The AC Baths and Taupo Aquatic Centre are conveniently located in Taupō. Ample parking is available on-site, making it easy to drive there. Public transport options might be limited, so driving or a taxi/rideshare service is often the most straightforward approach for visitors.
Yes, there is plenty of parking available at the AC Baths and Taupo Aquatic Centre, which is a significant plus for visitors arriving by car. This makes accessing the facility hassle-free.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry fees can vary, but reviews suggest around $40 for a family of four for general pool access. Additional charges may apply for hydroslides. It's always best to check their official website for the most current pricing.
Yes, while general pool access is available, there are often separate charges for specific attractions like the hydroslides. Families might find package deals or options that cater to different needs.
While not explicitly mentioned in all sources, booking online is often recommended for popular attractions to secure your spot, especially during peak seasons. Check the official AC Baths website for online booking availability.
Opening hours can vary seasonally. During summer, they offer extended weekday hours, sometimes until 8 PM. It's advisable to check their official website for the most up-to-date opening and closing times.
🎫 🏊 Onsite Experience
AC Baths offers a variety of activities including heated outdoor pools, hydroslides, a bomb area, and a rope swing. There's also a lane swimming area and a weight room, catering to both leisure and fitness enthusiasts.
Absolutely! The pools have varying depths to suit different ages and abilities. Features like the bomb area and rope swing are particularly popular with younger visitors, making it a great family destination.
Crowds can vary. Weekday mornings tend to be less crowded, while afternoons and weekends, especially during cooler weather or summer evenings, can be busier. Extended summer hours might also attract more visitors.
Reviews indicate that the pools are warm and not overly chlorinated, suggesting a pleasant swimming experience without strong chemical odors.
The centre provides clean and spacious changing rooms and bathrooms. There's also a small cafe on-site for snacks and refreshments.
🍽️ ☕ Food & Dining
Yes, there is a small cafe located at the AC Baths that offers essential snacks and refreshments. Reviews praise its fast service, good coffee, and tasty curly fries.
The cafe serves items like coffee and snacks. Curly fries have been specifically mentioned as being fabulous, crispy, and tasty. It's a convenient spot for a quick bite while visiting the pools.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the joy of swimming in the heated outdoor pools, especially with the contrast of cooler air. The hydroslides offer dynamic shots, and the bomb area/rope swing provide action-packed photo opportunities.
Yes, visitors are generally encouraged to take photos to capture their memories. Be mindful of other patrons' privacy and avoid intrusive photography.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While general entry is reasonably priced for a family of four, consider the extra cost for the hydroslides – they're often described as spectacular and worth the splurge for added excitement. The on-site cafe is also a convenient spot for grabbing snacks to keep little ones fueled throughout the day.
☀️ Summer Visitors
While summer can bring more visitors, the extended hours and various pool areas help to spread out the crowds. The hydroslides are a great way to add some thrill to your summer visit, and the bomb area provides classic water fun. Remember to check their website for any specific summer promotions or events.
☁️ Bad Weather Escape
Forget shivering outdoors; here, you can comfortably swim, play, and relax in the water. The indoor facilities, including changing rooms, are well-maintained, ensuring a pleasant experience regardless of what's happening outside. It's a reliable option for guaranteed enjoyment when outdoor activities are off the table.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Embracing the Warmth: The AC Baths Experience
Beyond the general swimming pools, the hydroslides are a major draw, offering thrilling rides with minimal wait times, a significant plus for maximizing fun. For the more adventurous, the bomb area and rope swing provide opportunities for exhilarating jumps and splashes. These features contribute to the centre's reputation as a fantastic destination for both relaxation and active enjoyment. The clean facilities, including changing rooms and bathrooms, further enhance the overall visitor experience.
While primarily known for its recreational pools, the centre also caters to fitness enthusiasts with a lane swimming area and a weight room. However, some reviews suggest the weight room could benefit from better cleanliness. The on-site cafe is a convenient addition, offering prompt service and tasty treats like curly fries and good coffee, rounding out a comprehensive offering for a day out.
Navigating Taupō's Aquatic Offerings
For those considering a visit, especially families, the pricing structure is a key consideration. Reviews indicate that a family of four can expect to pay around $40 for entry, with additional costs for extras like hydroslides. This offers a good benchmark for budgeting your day. The availability of ample parking is a significant convenience, removing a common travel stressor.
Seasonal variations in opening hours are also important to note. The summer extended hours, where weekdays can see swimming available until 8 PM, offer a fantastic opportunity to enjoy the facilities for longer.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit