Take the plunge at the Pooch Pool Party
Christchurch City Council Newsline: 17th March 2026
It’s time to paw-ty once again! The Pooch Pool Party is back for one day only this month at Waltham Pool.
Date: Sunday 29th March 2026.
Time: 9am to 4.30pm.
Location: Waltham Summer Pool (14/30 Waltham Road, Sydenham).
Cost: $4 per dog. One dog per owner please.
Christchurch City Council Head of Recreation, Sports and Events Nigel Cox says the pool parties are always a hit and continue to grow in their popularity year on year.
“These events are a great way to mark the end of summer, and we know it’s a much-loved day out for the whole family.”
“Last year we had a record 700-plus dogs take the plunge, and from the sounds of things, it’s shaping up to be another huge day this year,” Mr Cox says.
The event is sponsored by Pet Central, and the session times depend on your pooch’s size:
- Small dogs (up to 46cm) can jump in between 9 and 10.30am;
- Medium dogs (46 – 64cm) from 11am to 12.30pm;
- Large dogs (over 64cm) from 1 to 2.30pm; and
- An open session with no size limit from 3 to 4.30pm.
Mr Cox says it’s recommended that dogs attend the session best suited to their size.
“There’s a couple of other rules to make sure the weekend runs smoothly. No humans are allowed in the pool and there must only be one pooch per owner.”
Dogs must be vaccinated and well-behaved with other canines.
FREE microchipping will also be offered on site at the event to any Christchurch registered dogs.
This event is run in association with the Christchurch City Council Animal Management Team.
After the events, the pools will be emptied and cleaned for their winter shut down.
Find out more about the 2026 Pooch Pool Party at Waltham Pool.