Since 1973, Hilton Brown Swimming has been helping New Zealanders learn to swim with confidence. Now, with eight swim schools across the upper North Island, we’re proud to be a Kiwi-owned, family-run business, trusted by generations.
We’ve taught more Kiwis to swim than any other swim school and many of today’s students are the children and grandchildren of those we taught decades ago. That sense of trust, care and continuity is what defines us.
Hilton Brown started the first learn-to-swim programme in Auckland in 1973. A former competitive swimmer who represented New Zealand, Hilton believed that swimming should be taught with clarity, care and consistency. His vision grew from a single programme into a network of purpose-built schools, supported by a passionate team of teachers and lifelong swimmers.
In 2023, Hilton Brown Swimming was awarded the McLeod Outstanding Contribution to Learn to Swim and Water Safety Award by Swim Coaches & teachers New Zealand (NZSCAT), recognising 50 years of coaching and swim teaching in New Zealand.
In recognition of his contribution Hilton Brown was inducted into the Australian Swim School Association Hall of Fame in 2025 as a Pioneer in the field.
Today, Hilton remains involved as a Director, and his legacy continues through a leadership team that includes family members, long-time teachers and former students. We’ve never been just a swim school – we’re part of the fabric of how swimming is taught in New Zealand.
We’ve spent 50 years refining how we teach swimming. Here’s what sets us apart.
Swimmers move up when they’re ready, not just at the end of term.
Many of our team have been with us for years and all are consistent, qualified and deeply experienced.
Every location is designed for learning – warm, clean pools, clear visibility and comfortable surroundings for parents.
We focus on strong technique, making lessons fun and building confidence in every swimmer to support them in and out of the water.
At Hilton Brown Swimming, our values shape every lesson, every interaction, and every achievement in the pool.
Led by swimmers, trusted by families.
Our leadership and coaching teams include competitive swimmers, career instructors, and passionate educators. Many of our team members have grown up at Hilton Brown, starting as students or casual teachers and building lifelong careers here.
Their experience matters, but it’s their energy, care and connection with swimmers that families remember most.
Celebrating progress, every step of the way – at Hilton Brown Swimming, we believe every achievement deserves recognition.
Progress isn’t just about passing levels — it’s about building confidence, celebrating milestones, and inspiring swimmers to keep going.
Every year, Hilton Brown Swimming gives away more than $450,000 worth of free swimming lessons – making water confidence more accessible for families across New Zealand. From baby swim classes to school partnerships and inclusive community programmes, giving back is at the heart of what we do. We’re proud to be part of how New Zealand learns to swim, not just in the pool, but also in the wider conversation around water safety, wellbeing and confidence.
