Children and young people under the age of 17 will be able to swim for free at the Mount Albert Aquatic Centre starting now. The change came in on 1 April 2025, as part of a series of price changes approved by the Albert-Eden Local Board.
The new pricing initiative includes a significant reduction in the cost for supervising adults swimming with children under five years, dropping from $8.60 to just $2. The changes are part of Auckland Council’s wider commitment to promoting community wellbeing and providing region-wide free swimming access for children and youth.
Local Board Chair Kendyl Smith welcomed the move, saying the changes would make the aquatic centre more accessible for families.
“The local board has advocated for some time around easier access and less financial restrictions to the Mount Albert Aquatic Centre, and with water safety such a high priority living in Auckland, it’s going to remove barriers for our children, youth and young families to enjoy the facility and improve on water confidence,” Smith said.
While general entry for under-17s will be free, a $5.30 fee will apply to use the hydroslide, which was previously included in the old pool entry cost.
Adult swimming fees are also being adjusted, with the price reduced to $8 per visit. However, a separate charge is being introduced for access to the sauna, steam room and spa pool, aligning with pricing structures at other council-run aquatic centres.
The changes are designed to encourage more residents, especially families, to make use of the centre’s facilities while promoting water safety and confidence among young Aucklanders.
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