Point Erin Pools (also known as Te Oka) is an outdoor saltwater swimming complex on Shelly Beach Road in Herne Bay, one of Auckland’s closest suburbs to the CBD. The facility includes a competition pool, hydroslides, a spa pool, a dive pool, a toddlers’ pool, and a basketball court — all set in a pleasantly green setting near the waterfront. It opens during summer and is managed by CLM on behalf of Auckland Council. For a supervised outdoor swim close to central Auckland, it is one of the most complete options in the region.
Practical Information
| Location | 94 Shelly Beach Road, Herne Bay, Auckland |
| Season | Summer only — typically October/November to March/April (dates vary) |
| Pools | Competition pool, dive pool, hydroslides, spa pool, toddlers’ pool |
| Other facilities | Basketball court, playground on site |
| Lifeguards | Yes — supervised facility |
| Phone | 09 376 6863 |
| Water | Saltwater |
| Entry | Paid — see clmnz.co.nz/pt-erin-pool for current rates |
About Point Erin Pools
The pools sit at the edge of Point Erin Park, a green reserve on the Herne Bay waterfront with views across the Waitematā Harbour. The complex has been in operation for well over a century in various forms, making it one of Auckland’s oldest public swimming facilities. The current facility retains a pleasantly informal, community-pool character despite its central location.
The saltwater is the main draw for regulars — the pool fills with seawater rather than freshwater, giving it the buoyant feel of an ocean swim without the hazards. The hydroslides make it popular with families, and the toddlers’ pool and supervised environment make it a reliable choice for younger children. For lap swimmers, the competition pool is a solid outdoor option during the summer months.
Getting There
Point Erin Pools is accessible from central Auckland by car (limited street parking on Shelly Beach Road and surrounding streets) and by public transport — several bus routes serve the Herne Bay and Ponsonby areas nearby. The facility is about 10 minutes drive from the city centre, or around 30 minutes by bus. Check Auckland Transport journey planner for current routes.
What Visitors Say
“Point Erin is a proper old-school outdoor pool — unpretentious, well-maintained and genuinely fun. The saltwater pool is the best thing about it. The hydroslides and toddlers’ pool mean the kids are happy while adults can actually do some laps. For a hot Auckland summer day it’s hard to beat given how central it is.” — TripAdvisor visitor review
Where to Learn More
- Point Erin Pool — Official CLM Website: Current season dates, opening hours, pricing and facilities information.
- Auckland Leisure — Point Erin Pool: Auckland Leisure facility page with additional visitor information.
- TripAdvisor — Point Erin Pool: Visitor reviews and recent photos.
FAQ
When is Point Erin Pool open?
It is a summer-only facility, typically open from October or November through to March or April. Exact dates change each season — check the CLM website or call 09 376 6863 before visiting.
Is the pool saltwater or freshwater?
Saltwater. The pools use seawater, which is part of the appeal for regular swimmers.
Are there lifeguards at Point Erin Pools?
Yes — the facility is lifeguard-supervised during all opening hours.
What pools are at Point Erin?
The complex includes a competition pool, dive pool, hydroslides, a spa pool and a toddlers’ pool, plus a basketball court and playground area.
How do I get to Point Erin Pools?
The pool is at 94 Shelly Beach Road, Herne Bay — about 10 minutes from central Auckland by car. There is limited street parking nearby. Bus routes serving Herne Bay and Ponsonby are the easiest public transport option.
Point Erin Pools is the most central option for a summer outdoor swim in Auckland — for another outdoor saltwater pool, Parnell Baths is across the harbour in Parnell. See the full guide to swimming in Auckland for more options.