Tickets to Christchurch's brand new saltwater hot pools have sold out for Queen's Birthday Weekend in just 24 hours.
He Puna Taimoana pools are the latest development in the $19.2 million New Brighton Regeneration project aiming to transform the seaside village which was hit hard by the Christchurch earthquakes.
The pool complex, which cost $11 million, boasts saltwater pools, a plunge pool and a sauna with a view. The hot pools range in temperature from 26C to 39C.
"We've got five main heated pools which are zoned into three areas, so we have a relax and unwind pool," says manager Merryn Skipper.
"We have a fitness pool and a family active area and of course they all host the beautiful seaside views."
The development has been backed by the local council and includes a beachside playground, a revitalised shopping centre, and improvements to transport, car parking and residential development.
City councillor James Daniels told Newshub he was excited to see the pools open.
"Look this is the biggest thing since sliced bread since Couplands came down here. It's going to be fantastic," he says.
"It'll be a centre-point, it'll be a destination. The rest of the city will come here and see what we are offering over on this side of town."
A decade on from the earthquakes, residents are also happy to see the new development and pools take shape.
"I think it's a long time coming for our kids, I've been here for ten years and I haven't seen a lot change. It'll be good to have facilities like this," one resident told Newshub.
Another said: "I live here in New Brighton so I'm excited to just have a look".
"I think it's great. I've got three children and we love it, we come here all the time and we're looking forward to the pools opening next week," one says.
The pools are gearing up to be the hottest winter attraction this long weekend.
