Christchurch sports centre Parakiore opening date ‘just around the corner’ - mayor

Tuesday, 18 November 2025

Christchurch Mayor Phil Mauger says the opening on Christchurch’s long-awaited $500 million sport centre, Parakiore, is “just around the corner”.

The Crown handed over the completed facility to the council on October 31 and it is set to host the Special Olympics National Summer Games, starting on December 10.

The council is testing systems, training staff, finalising operating procedures and supporting tenants ahead of the public opening, due this year.

“The official opening date announcement is just around the corner, so stay tuned,” Mauger said in a statement from the council.

Meanwhile, the council has chosen which pupils will be first on the hydroslides after schools were invited to create a video explaining why they should be chosen.

Lyttelton Primary, Oaklands Te Kura o Ōwaka, Christchurch South Karamata Intermediate and St Bernadette's School were selected, with Lyttelton’s video crowned winner.

Mauger said the latter should have “first dibs”.

Parakiore Recreation and Sport Centre features five hydroslides, designed to resemble silver-bellies eels in an eel pot, which can be seen coiling around the St Asaph St entrance to the building.

Located near Christchurch’s city centre, the project has faced repeated delays and budget increases since first being announced as part of the city’s post-quake rebuild.

When it opens Parakiore will be the largest facility of its kind in New Zealand and is projected to bring tens of millions of dollars each year into the city.

Parakiore hydroslides:

Looping Rocket – a trapdoor slide that will have riders reaching up to 40km per hour.

Sphere Slide – up to two riders on a raft spin unpredictably in a large sphere.

Two body slides – varied speeds, twists and turns.

Gentler body slide – for those wanting a more relaxed ride.