Learn to Swim Programme
Welcome to the Wharenui Learn to Swim programme based in Riccarton, Christchurch. We offer a family friendly approach to swimming lessons in a warm, caring environment that will set your child up for life. Wharenui has been a cornerstone of the community since 1911 and has taught many of Christchurch’s current and ex-residents the important life skill of swimming.
Swimming For All Ages, Skills And Fitness Levels
Water Babies
- Spark your child's (ages 6-36 months) love for water through songs and playful activities!
- Our gentle introduction to water in a safe and welcoming environment helps your little one feel comfortable and confident in and around the pool. Even infants can begin to enjoy the water from birth!
- You play a vital role! As a parent or guardian, your guidance and support are essential during water familiarisation activities. These activities help your child explore the water, develop water safety skills, and build a lifelong love of swimming.
Parents or caregivers in the water
25 min Group Lesson
Saturday & Sunday 9.00 am – 1.00 pm
$18.00 per lesson
Ratio 10:1
Get in Touch
Toddlers - Ducklings
- Make a Splash! Fun & Confidence in the Water for 18-36 Months
- Looking for a way to help your little one love the water and build confidence? Our program for 18-36-month-olds is for those who can independently move through the water.
- Through play and exploration, children will learn to use water toys, feel comfortable with their faces in the water, and develop essential water safety skills.
Parents or caregivers poolside
25 min Group Lesson
Saturday & Sunday 9.00 am – 1.00 pm
$18.00 per lesson
Ratio 4:1
Get in Touch
Pre-school - Seahorses
- Does your child dream of swimming like a fish?
- Our Pre-School Programme helps children aged 3-5 years build confidence in the water through fun and safe activities. They gradually develop their floating and movement skills while supporting and encouraging independence.
Parents or caregivers poolside
25 min Group Lesson
Saturday & Sunday 9.00 am – 1.00 pm
$18.00 per lesson
Ratio 4:1
Get in Touch
Level 1: Kick Off to Great Swimming!
- Float like a Cloud Master front and back floating unassisted.
- Become a Kicking Champion! Build front and back kick with a board (ten meters).
- Develop a Stoke: Learn freestyle and backstroke arms while walking with a board.
- Water Safety First: Obtain essential water safety skills in every lesson.
Parents or caregivers poolside
25 min Group Lesson
Monday – Friday 3.30 pm – 6.00 pm, Saturday & Sunday 9.00 am – 1.00 pm
$18.00 per lesson
Ratio 4:1 (Level 1), 6:1 (Level 2-5)
Get in Touch
Level 2: Build on Your Skills!
Level 2 includes
- Glide Like a Pro: Learn to streamline your body
- Master Strokes: Learn proper techniques for freestyle and backstroke arms.
- Stoke Technique: Swim one length (sixteen meters) confidently using freestyle (standing to breath) and backstroke.
- Dive Deep: Discover the fun of dolphin dives!
- Butterfly for Beginners: Learn the wiggly worm.
Parents or caregivers poolside
25 min Group Lesson
Monday – Friday 3.30 pm – 6.00 pm, Saturday & Sunday 9.00 am – 1.00 pm
$18.00 per lesson
Ratio 4:1 (Level 1), 6:1 (Level 2-5)
Get in Touch
Level 3: Take it to the Next Level!
Level 3 builds on the core skills of
Levels 1 and 2 and includes
- Freestyle Finesse: Achieve bilateral breathing (breathing on both sides) while swimming one length (sixteen meters).
- Build the Backstroke: Swim one length (sixteen meters) backstroke confidently.
- Underwater Adventures: Learn forward rolls for fun and functional skills.
- Breaststroke Kick: Master the breaststroke kick, a fundamental swimming style.
Parents or caregivers poolside
25 min Group Lesson
Monday – Friday 3.30 pm – 6.00 pm, Saturday & Sunday 9.00 am – 1.00 pm
$18.00 per lesson
Ratio 4:1 (Level 1), 6:1 (Level 2-5)
Get in Touch
Level 4: Put it all Together!
- Swim Like a Pro! Conquer three lengths (forty eight meters) in freestyle and backstroke.
- Master the Breaststroke: Develop a proficient breaststroke with correct timing for one length (sixteen meters).
- Underwater Manoeuvres: Learn the exciting skill of tumble turns.
Parents or caregivers poolside
25 min Group Lesson
Monday – Friday 3.30 pm – 6.00 pm, Saturday & Sunday 9.00 am – 1.00 pm
$18.00 per lesson
Ratio 4:1 (Level 1), 6:1 (Level 2-5)
Get in Touch
Level 5: Ready for Mini-Squad!
- Master All Strokes: Develop competency in freestyle, backstroke, and breaststroke in the final learn to swim stage.
- Butterfly Basics: Master the powerful butterfly kick.
- Advanced Turns: Refine freestyle tumble turn technique.
- Learn to Dive: Develop the thrill of diving in a safe environment.
Parents or caregivers poolside
25 min Group Lesson
Monday – Friday 3.30 pm – 6.00 pm, Saturday & Sunday 9.00 am – 1.00 pm
$18.00 per lesson
Ratio 4:1 (Level 1), 6:1 (Level 2-5)
Get in Touch
Holiday Programme: Make a splash this school break!
Our Swim School Holiday Programme is the perfect opportunity for young swimmers to develop essential skills, refine technique, and build confidence in the water in a more concentrated schedule. Lessons range from 25 to 60 minutes, depending on level, and are offered daily for a week. This intensive programme is ideal for swimmers who need a specific skill boost or help with faster progression. Stroke-specific programmes may also be available. Private lessons are an option for more personalised instruction.
Get in Touch