Overview
The South Island's Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools and Spa has unveiled two new water slides just in time for New Zealanders to slip and splash into summer. The Violet Vortex and Waiau Winder were officially opened on Wednesday, October 11, with the two names picked by the Hanmer Spring community after thousands of public votes.
Cost the Springs $3.2 million, the pair of state-of-the-art slides provide two different sliding experiences: one for adrenaline junkies and the other for riders who may want to take in their surroundings. Violet Vortex is a fast-paced ride, with the slider unable to predict where each twist and turn might take them. In contrast, the Waiau Winder will make you feel like you're cruising underwater, with visual projections displaying images on the slide's walls.
Hurunui Mayor Marie Black said the significant investment would cement Hanmer Springs as a must-see tourist destination.
"This is going to elevate Hanmer Springs as a destination that will be hard for anyone to miss," she said."As the sole owners of Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools & Spa, the Hurunui community sees the benefits of these investments every time."
The two new slides have replaced Hanmer Springs' green and beige slides, which were part of the aquatic resort for 25 years. Since 1998, the two slides had been ridden a whopping 17 million times.
Hanmer Springs' General Manager Graeme Abbot said this new chapter of slides was a "milestone" for Hanmer Springs, "following months of relentless effort and commitment from the entire project team".
Find Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools and Spa at 42 Amuri Avenue, Hanmer Springs, open 10am–7pm daily.