Forget drive-ins. Now you can watch a 2-hour movie in a public hot pool
Thursday, 2 October 2025
In Christchurch this month, you can watch Channing Tatum undress on the big screen while floating in the city’s seaside hot pools.
It’s a new experience being offered by the council-owned He Puna Taimoana during October.
The New Brighton hot pool facility is hosting eight “Starlight Cinema Soaks” during the month, starting with Magic Mike (which has a running time of 1 hour and 50 minutes) starring Tatum as a stripper, The Notebook (2 hours), Shrek, Guardians of the Galaxy (2 hours), Mamma Mia, and Grease.
Customers will be given custom-made floating hammocks and can order popcorn while relaxing in 36–38 degree water.
“The cinema soak has been on our ‘dream board’ since the pools opened,” He Puna Taimoana manager Merryn Skipper said.
“Our team loves to create new experiences, and we’re excited to open our latest addition to the public and let our residents enjoy a relaxing film under the stars.”
The pool also offers sunrise soaks and monthly full moon parties.
Skipper pitched the trio of experiences as ways to enhance one’s wellbeing.
“Enjoy popcorn in the pool and come along to our cinema soak as a hot date or with a group of friends,” she said.
Starlight cinema soak is an adult only experience (16+). Tickets are $45 each, about double the adult entry price of $20 to $25 for a regular daytime 2-hour session.
And if you don’t like the movie, you can look at the stars instead - just try not to get your popcorn wet.
The timetable:
Thursday October 9– Magic Mike
Saturday Oct 11 – The Notebook
Sunday Oct 12 – Shrek
Thursday Oct 16 – Guardians of the Galaxy
Saturday Oct 18 – Mamma Mia
Sunday Oct 19 - The Devil wears Prada
Thursday Oct 23 – Raiders of the Lost Ark
Sunday Oct 26 - Grease