Waterworld Hamilton

Early start this morning, heading down to Lake Taupō on the NZ 1 main artery running through the North Island. Passing through Hamilton and keen for a swim after a couple of days off. I've found a pool called 'Waterworld' (I think there are a few Waterworlds already on the list in different parts of the world!). The pool is listed as 50m but the timetable only shows 25m lane swim sessions - the pool website also shows a maintenance note for several days up to the 12th October (yesterday) that the movable boom needs to be lifted out onto the pool deck for maintenance, but the pool will remain open - really hoping that maintenance has overrun and the pool is set up with 50m lanes!

Unfortunately not! After paying a very reasonable NZD $8.50 entrance fee, and a quick change in the very basic changing rooms, I'm walking through the learner pool towards the 50m competition hall - and can see it's in 25m format. The pool hall is huge, it makes the pool look tiny. I double check with the lifeguard that it is indeed set to 25m!

The pool is quiet, all but a couple of the eight lanes are open for public swim. Jump in a free lane and make a start. Work through a 1.6km swim, then mix up some 100s to complete a 2km swim.

As I'm heading back to the changing rooms, I did contemplate the 20m learner pool which is the width of the main 8 lane pool - so would qualify - but they're running school swim lessons and I'm keen to get down to Taupo. I'm tight on time and want to see a bit of the lake and take a swim in the geothermal hot pools they have down there.

I can also see the outdoor pool through the pool deck windows - unfortunately still closed for the winter season, due to open (weather dependent) in November - I don't know what the issue is with Kiwis and outdoor pools in the winter! Who needs heating!

On the way out a familiar face on the wall caught my eye, the Waterworld history presentation includes photos of Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip reopening the centre (then known as Centennial Pools) in 1981 after some extensive improvements.

Back in the car to continue on south to Taupō - and possibly another pool this afternoon.