AC Baths & Thermal Hot Pools (outdoor)

After a quick 1 km warm up in the indoor pool, I was ready to finish the full 3 km session in the outdoor pool before a dip in the thermal pool.

The outdoor pool is still 25 m but only six lanes. The two far lanes are being used for school lessons, and the other four each have a swimmer. I pick the fastest of the bunch and jump in. My lane companion is working through sets with and without paddles. He doesn't stop but sees me and moves to the side.

Make a start. Planning another straigh 1 km plod, then 4 x 150 m and 4 x 100 m. Always good to have someone to swim alongside. The other guy is doing 200s, but it's not long before I catch him right after a turn. I do love it when you get a competitive lane partner. He kicks up a gear, increasing his stroke rate. He's on a paddles rotation, working hard to get full catch on the water, so I switch down to full stroke, glide, and a massive pull. I shouldn't be putting stress on the shoulder, but can't resist a bit of sport. I'm by no means fast, hitting a rather slow 1:32 on this opening 40 length plod, but I think the statement is made. I finish up the 1 km, then work through the shorter sets.

Swim done, time to head over to the thermal pool for a bit of R&R. I have the entire place to myself and, with perfect timing, the rain starts. I spend 10 minutes floating in the rain.

Time to seek out the hotel. I'm staying at the Hilton Taupo, five minutes up from the lake front. In the low season a huge, empty hotel feels slightly odd. It would be unfair to say it has The Shining vibes, but it does. It also has a nice outdoor pool and spa, but at 18 m it unfortunately doesn't qualify for the list!