‘Truly unique’ water play centre takes shape in Christchurch

Monday, 30 June 2025

Custom-built sensory water features are being developed in Christchurch for the groundbreaking Parakiore Aquatic Sensory Experience.

Sinks are being sliced, bubble tubes wired up, and custom-built pumps cast in Christchurch as work progresses on a one-of-a-kind aquatic attraction.

The Aquatic Sensory Experience, a purpose-built environment for people with sensory or disability needs, is taking shape inside the 32,000m² Parakiore Recreation and Sport Centre - due to be finished in October and open to the public before the end of the year.

The sensory space is being fitted with hand-crafted features designed to spark curiosity and confidence through interactive water play.

Construction continues at Parakiore, a major Christchurch project designed to offer inclusive sport and recreation for all.

Highlights include a beach-entry pool, bubbling columns, misting sprays, water jets triggered by switches and sensors, and a tactile, Canterbury-themed wall featuring native birds, fish and mountains.

Christchurch-based company Development Engineering is crafting the custom equipment, including a 'How Things Work' wall that lets visitors control water flow through everyday objects like toilet cisterns and pumps.

The company’s director, Graham Christie, said it was a hands-on and inventive process.

The interactive ‘How Things Work’ wall will let visitors control water flow through everyday objects, turning play into learning.

“I design these bespoke features, then comes the even harder job of working out how to actually make them. There’s no manual on how to cleanly cut the front off a porcelain sink.”

While similar equipment has been exported around the world, Christie said what’s being built at Parakiore will be “a truly unique attraction”.

Parakiore Recreation and Sport Centre is set to become New Zealand’s largest indoor sports and aquatics facility.

The Aquatic Sensory Experience builds on the success of the Southern Centre at Pioneer, with Christchurch City Council aiming to help more people feel confident and included in aquatic play.

“While we are creating New Zealand’s largest indoor sports and aquatics facility, our goal is to provide access for as many people as possible,” Crown Infrastructure Delivery project director Alistair Young said.

“The Aquatic Sensory Experience, along with features like the MOVE circo arts studio and dry diving space, plays a crucial role in achieving this.”

The $500 million Parakiore will also have 11 pools and spas, five hydroslides, a fully equipped gym and rows of court space.

It was originally announced in 2013 as part of the city’s rebuild blueprint, expected to cost $217m, but after more than 10 years of price escalations, delays and conflict over the contract, is now “expected to cost around $500m upon completion”, CID chief executive John O'Hagan has said.