First published on Newsline on 26 November 2025.

Whizz down a hydroslide, shoot some hoops or relax in the sauna – from 5.30am on Wednesday 17 December, people will be able to do it all (and more) at New Zealand’s largest indoor sport and recreation venue. 

Christchurch Mayor Phil Mauger has today announced the official public opening date of Parakiore Recreation and Sports Centre. 

“It’s certainly been a long road, but I know the whole team is thrilled to be preparing for the first event, and then opening the doors to the public,” says Mayor Mauger. 

Located on Moorhouse Avenue in central Christchurch, Parakiore was officially handed over to Christchurch City Council on 31 October.  

The Council’s fit-out, testing and commissioning process has been underway ever since.

A formal ceremony will take place on 9 December, from 8am – 10.30am, ahead of the Special Olympics National Summer Games being held 10 – 14 December. 

“It’s fitting that such a fantastic event will be first to make use of the new world-class facility,” says Mayor Mauger. 

The Special Olympics National Summer Games are the pinnacle event for athletes with an intellectual disability in New Zealand. Held every four years, the Games will provide Athletes from across the country the opportunity to come together to compete in a range of sports, showcasing their skills, hard work, and athletic achievement.  

Events will be held at a number of sporting facilities across the city, with swimming, basketball competitions held at Parakiore. 

Parakiore will then open to the public from 5.30am on Wednesday 17 December.  
“Once we’ve packed up the Special Olympics and made sure everything is shipshape, the gym, pools, hydroslides and community courts will all be open for public use,” says Mayor Mauger.

“We also have some have-a-go sessions hosted by the Council team and local sports groups, and self-guided tours of Parakiore in the works.” 

At 32,000 square metres, Parakiore is New Zealand’s largest indoor sport and aquatics facility. It includes a 50m competition pool, dive pool, five hydroslides, a large aquatic leisure zone and a Sensory Aqua Centre designed for inclusive participation. 

There are nine indoor courts, including a threecourt Show Court with retractable grandstands for spectators, fitness and movement studios, and a High Performance Sport New Zealand training base. 

Parakiore was built by Crown Infrastructure Delivery and is now owned and operated by the Council. 

Learn more about what’s on offer at Parakiore.