Holiday alert: Please note that kerbside collections between 25-27 December and 1-3 January will be pushed out a day (even recyclers need a holiday). For more on Rubbish & Recycling in our district, see our dedicated webpage.

Council offices will close at midday Wednesday 24 December 2025 and reopen 8.00am Monday 5 January 2026. For urgent issues, call us on 03 441 0499 (Queenstown) or 03 443 0024 (Wānaka). For non-urgent issues, please us the Snap Send Solve App. We hope you have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

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Sensory Sessions

Sensory Sessions are coming to our pool facilities! Alpine Aqualand and Wānaka Recreation Centre Pool will be dimming the lights, reducing the noise and creating a sensory friendly environment every Friday from 2.15pm to 3.15pm.

Normal entry to the pool remains, but we ask attendees to please be respectful and keep noise to a minimum during this hour.

About Sensory Sessions

Sensory Sessions at our pools will be a sensory friendly environment. During the school term, we will be reducing sensory stimulation by dimming lights, reducing sound, and providing a less stimulating space from 2.15pm to 3.15pm every Friday.

Information for Caregivers

If you're a caregiver then there are a couple of things to be aware of before attending a sensory session:

  • Caregivers can enter for free
  • Tours can be booked to see what's on offer before the sessions
  • There will be less light and sound during the hour
  • Sensory boxes are available at any time to help those with sensory sensitivities

Interested in booking the tour? Fill out the form below to organise a time!

Book a tour

Sensory Box

What's in the Sensory Box?

The sensory box has some helpful tools to assist with communication when using our pool area.  

  • Whiteboard + markers – To write messages. 
  • Signs – To help communicate pool safety rules. 
  • Timer – To help set clean visual timeframes. 
  • Sensory toys - a few sensory based toys to keep the entertainment going!

This box is available in and out of the sensory sessions. If you need it, just speak to customer service and they'll be able to assist!