Removal of old slides
Our old slides were removed on May 8th ready for work to start!
Why are we so excited for the Violet Vortex & Waiau Winder?
Thank you for being a part of Hanmer Springs' history
Our slide project started with a need to replace the two iconic green and beige slides built in 1998. The two old slides served us so well, with an estimated 17 million rides taken on them over the 25 years they stood in our complex.
We're now thrilled to announce the opening of Violet Vortex and Waiau Winder, replacing the two beloved older slides. We know the old slides held cherished memories for many of our visitors and we want you to know that these new slides are nothing short of extraordinary! Get ready to create fresh, unforgettable moments and embrace the thrill of even more exhilarating rides with our state-of-the-art hydroslides.
These two new slides add to the already outstanding offerings we have in our complex.
We were the first in NZ to have a Superbowl ride, we are the only complex to have the Conical Thrill ride – NZ’s biggest waterslide, and now we are the first to have leading-edge technology inside our slides, featuring LED lights, projection images and strip lighting.
Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools & Spa is proud to be the best place in NZ for aquatic rides.
Ready, Get Set … Follow us as we build the future of fun
Take a look back on our incredible slide building story
Digging out for concrete foundations
Concrete pads were dug out and filled to create supports for the new poles and slides.
Slide piece production
Our slide pieces are being made in 4 different factories across New Zealand and are looking exciting! Can you guess what the stripes are for??
Reinforcing steel & concrete
17m of concrete and reinforcing steel is introduced to strengthen the bases of the support poles.
Sealing the concrete for the run out channels
Fiber glass is laid on top of the large concrete pad where new run out channels will be installed. the fiber glass base prevents water from leeching into the concrete pad.
Run out channels
One of our favourite new features are our new run out channels! Our two new slides will have run outs just like Conical Thrill and Superbowl.
Saying goodbye to our old slides
Our old slides have been donated and are getting a new lease on life with the Waipara Adventure Camp.
We're excited to see them in action and continue to be used by generations to come!
First slide pieces arrive on the complex
The first new slide pieces have officially arrived! What do you think of the new colours? We think they scream FUN
Construction of "Mark's Hut"
The old slide tower was stripped and removed. Re-development of the slide tower took place on the ground and "Marks Hut" (as it's now affectionately known), was born!
Support pole installation
Support poles for the slides are installed and fitted into the steel reinforcements and concrete foundations
Lifting of "Mark's Hut"
"Marks Hut" is lifted into position via crane. Cladding will be added once the tower is secured
The first slide piece is installed!
A huge milestone was reached this week! The slide construction team installed the first slide piece. A very exciting day on the Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools & Spa complex!
Conduit was mounted
Conduit was mounted onto the hydroslide parts that require electrical and special effects components
Say hello to the corkscrew!
The purple corkscrew was installed! The corkscrew will mean this slide is for adrenaline seekers, making this the faster of the two slides and a whole lot of FUN
The orange slide is really starting to take shape!
More orange slide pieces are going up... but wait... is the inside of this slide white???? ;)
Frequently Asked Questions - Upgrading our slides!
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When will the new hydroslides open?
We had a great day for the official opening of the Violet Vortex and Waiau Winder on October 11th, joined by Miro class from Lincoln Primary School who took the first official rides.
We celebrated the day with two free entry days for Residents and Ratepayers of Hurunui
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Why did we replace the hydroslides?
Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools & Spa is building the future of fun!
Our two new hydroslides offer a unique experience to New Zealand, with more twists and turns and more fun inside the hydroslides. They are also safer for all our sliders, now including an extended run out at the end of each slide!
Violet Vortex and Waiau Winder add to the already outstanding offerings we have in our complex.
We were the first in NZ to have a Superbowl ride, we are the only complex to have the Conical Thrill ride – NZ’s biggest waterslide, and now we are the first to have leading-edge technology inside our slides, featuring LED lights, projection images and strip lighting.
Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools & Spa is proud to be the best place in NZ for aquatic rides
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Are there age, height or other safety requirements in place to use the new hydroslide?
Visitors must be 5 years or older to ride Waiau Winder and Violet Vortex.
Both new slides contain LED and strip lighting. These lights create a "strobe like" effect as riders speed past. We advise riders speak to our lifeguards if they have concerns or questions around light sensitive conditions.
READY, SET, SLIDE!