Innovative twist to QEII Centre hydroslide

Users will experience thrilling twists and turns down an enclosed flume and climb the walls at up to 90-degree angles when the QEII Centre hydroslide opens next year.

One of the biggest attractions at QEII Park is already sliding into prime pool place, with the new water feature set to create a massive splash in the city’s east.

The new hydroslide is lifted into place.

The bright blue hydroslide landmark on the north-west corner of the $38.6 million QEII Sport and Recreation Centre is being installed, signalling the pool site via Travis Road.

Christchurch City Council Operations Manager, Western Area Recreation, Nigel Cox says the flumes have been bolted into place as the pool area takes shape.

“The 130-metre-long WhiteWater AquaSphere raft slide is expected to be fully installed by Christmas and operational when the new QEII Centre opens in the middle of next year,” Mr Cox says.

“Members of the public were invited to vote on the hydroslide colour, resulting in the blue tube. It is suitable for individual or two-person raft rides, adding to the thrill.

“The innovative flume design will help draw thousands to the QEII site, which will also feature a water adventure playground, leisure pools and a spa and sauna – thanks, in part, to a generous $7.47 million grant from the Christchurch Earthquake Appeal Trust towards the water attractions.”

The original earthquake-damaged QEII Centre, which was built to host the 1974 Commonwealth Games, was demolished in 2012.

Workers install the original QEII Park hydroslide.