The UK travel booking website “SpaSeekers” has compiled a list of the top 10 global relaxation destinations for 2023, and Hanmer Springs in Canterbury has successfully made it to the seventh spot!
This hot spring in New Zealand has been popular for quite some time. It won the New Zealand Tourism Awards for three consecutive years (2004, 2005, and 2006) and was honoured with the ASPA Award for “Best Natural Bathing Area” in 2008.
Starting from October 11, 2023, two new water slides have been launched, costing a whopping $3.2 million NZD—quite a substantial investment! Just thinking about it, they must be a lot of fun!
Two New Water Slides – Violet Vortex and Waiau Winder
The purple one is called Violet Vortex, a 360-degree rotating slide that looks quite thrilling!
The orange one is called Waiau Winder, with less spiral rotation but a long span!
In addition to the water slides, there are various activities such as disc golf, markets, cycling, and more. If you only soak in the hot springs without participating in these diverse activities, you’re missing out! These varied activities are the key to truly relaxing both body and mind.
Hanmer Springs’ New Slides – Interview with Shane
Dive into the excitement as we sit down with Shane, the Sales and Marketing Manager at Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools & Spa, to get an insider’s perspective on the recently introduced Violet Vortex and Waiau Winder water slides.
Unique features of the new slides
Violet Vortex and Waiau Winder feature state-of-the-art LED technology never used in New Zealand before. Waiau Winder also features visual projections, currently displaying an underwater scene. The investment has been a huge hit with visitors already and is expected to help numbers surpass pre-COVID figures.
The inspiration of the new slides
Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools & Spa is proud to be the best place in New Zealand for aquatic rides, which is why we made the decision to invest in brand new, state-of-the art hydroslides. We already have the biggest slide in New Zealand, Conical Thrill, and we’re one of very few places to have our own SuperBowl.Â
The visual projection technology inside the new Waiau Winder is currently programmed to display an underwater scene, a surprise for many when whizzing through the slide! The LED lighting in both our new slides offers a unique experience, the only one of its kind in Aotearoa. The new slides are a $3.2 million investment and, because we are owned by the council, all profits help with the upkeep of local parks and reserves. Â
Can kids enjoy these new slides?Â
Absolutely! They’ve been a huge hit since they’ve opened, both for the young and young at heart. We have also had many school groups visit us. The new slides offer fun for the whole family to enjoy, with children aged five and over able to ride them. For the little ones we have our Activity Pool and AquaPlay area which includes various slides and fresh water play options. Â
History of the old iconic green and beige slides
The iconic green and beige slides were built in 1998 and have served us well, with an estimated 17 million rides taken on them over the 25 years they stood in our complex. In May 2023, the hydro slides were removed and donated to the Waipara Adventure Camp. We’re pleased to have been able to give them a new lease on life and look forward to seeing them back in use.Â
The development of these new slides
The design and architecture process has taken more than two years for Waiau Winder and Violet Vortex. Once we got to a point where we could dismantle the old slides, it was all hands on deck as we readied for our October 2023 opening. We managed to complete the project ahead of time, something we were very happy with! The official opening on 11th October was a great day to celebrate the hard work done by our staff and contractors, and to acknowledge the support of our local community. With our new hydroslides as well as Conical Thrill, SuperBowl and our 22 pools, there is plenty to keep the whole family entertained this summer. Â