Last updated July 2026
Tōia is Auckland Council’s combined recreation precinct in central Ōtāhuhu, bringing together five indoor pools, an outdoor splash pad, a community library, a volcano-inspired playground, sports courts, a community garden and integrated public artworks.
The name Tōia was gifted to reference the historic Māori portage routes across the narrow Auckland isthmus between the Manukau and Waitematā harbours. The precinct opened in 2015 and functions as a single, park-like community hub designed after extensive local consultation. It replaced and unified previously separate facilities while preserving open space for family use and events.
Practical Information
- Location
- Tōia, Ōtāhuhu Recreation Precinct, Ōtāhuhu, Auckland
- Opened
- 2015 (officially 8 August 2015)
- Aquatic facilities
- Five indoor pools and outdoor splash pad
- Library
- Ōtāhuhu Library (Te Pātaka Kōrero o Ōtāhuhu) on site
- Playground
- Volcano-inspired play craters
- Other facilities
- Outdoor basketball courts with terraced seating, community garden and orchard with covered shelter, picnic and BBQ areas, café, Citizens Advice Bureau
- Artworks
- Eight major integrated artworks
- Cost (playground, splash pad, park areas)
- Free
- Cost (pools)
- Standard Auckland Council pool charges apply
- Operator
- CLM (Ōtāhuhu Pool & Leisure Centre)
About Tōia
Tōia sits on the site of the former Ōtāhuhu Leisure Centre and Fairburn Reserve between Mason Avenue and Nikau Avenue. The project consolidated a library, aquatic centre and recreation facilities into one cohesive precinct while retaining substantial open parkland.
Landscape and architectural design drew on extensive community input to create a destination suitable for full-day family visits rather than short pool trips alone.
The name Tōia honours the area’s role as a historic portage and trading point. Mana Whenua and Pasifika values are expressed through eight major commissioned artworks that explore themes of waka portaging, native flora and fauna, and ancestral landscapes. The precinct remains popular, with thousands of visitors each week.
The Pools and Splash Pad
Five indoor pools provide for lap swimming, recreational use and learn-to-swim programmes. An outdoor splash pad offers informal water play and connects directly to the indoor aquatic area.
Standard council pool entry charges apply for pool access; the splash pad and surrounding outdoor spaces are free. The centre is operated by CLM and offers fitness classes, a gym and sports leagues alongside swimming.
The Volcano-Inspired Playground
The playground features a series of “play craters” whose forms reference the extinct volcanic craters and scoria cones of the Auckland isthmus. Each crater supports different play modes including climbing, jumping, balancing, scrambling, swinging, spinning and sliding.
Features include trampolines, tunnels and surfaces that rock or move. The adjacent splash pad continues the circular crater theme with themed water-play zones. The design suits a wide age range and encourages imaginative, physical play.
Other Spaces and Facilities
Outdoor basketball courts are surrounded by stadium-style terraced seating and can convert into civic event spaces. A shared community garden and orchard includes a covered shelter that doubles as a performance stage.
Picnic and BBQ areas, seating and a fitness track encourage informal use. The Ōtāhuhu Library provides standard library services plus a Justice of the Peace and Citizens Advice Bureau. A café operates on site.
Where to Learn More
CLM Tōia page: current opening hours, pool charges, class schedules and facility details.
Architecture Now article: detailed review of the precinct design, playground concept and integration of artworks and landscape.
OurAuckland council announcement: background on the project vision and facilities included at opening.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Tōia located?
Tōia — Ōtāhuhu Recreation Precinct is in central Ōtāhuhu, Auckland, between Mason Avenue and Nikau Avenue.
What does the name Tōia mean?
The name references historic Māori portage routes across the Auckland isthmus at Ōtāhuhu, where waka were carried between the Manukau and Waitematā harbours.
How many pools are there?
There are five indoor pools plus an outdoor splash pad.
Is the playground free?
Yes, the volcano-inspired playground, splash pad and outdoor park areas are free. Standard charges apply for pool access.
How many artworks are at Tōia?
Eight major artworks are integrated throughout the precinct, developed in consultation with Mana Whenua.
Can the basketball courts be used for events?
Yes, the outdoor courts are ringed with terraced seating and designed to convert into civic event spaces.
Is there a community garden?
Yes, a shared community garden and orchard with a covered shelter is located on the site.
Who operates the pools and leisure centre?
CLM operates the Ōtāhuhu Pool & Leisure Centre on behalf of Auckland Council.
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