Parakiore
Opening 17 December!
With heaps of hydroslides and pools, sports courts, world-class gym and group classes, and so much more all in one place, Parakiore is the largest aquatic and indoor recreation and leisure venue of its kind in New Zealand, accessible to people of all ages and abilities.
Located in the heart of Ōtautahi Christchurch, it’s an exciting new addition to our city’s network of recreation and sport facilities.
Want to host an event, sports training or tournament? Find out more about space hire at Christchurch Recreation and Sport Centres.
Parakiore opening hours
Toddlers’ pool and water adventure playground
Shallow leisure pool
Deep leisure pool
Competition pool
Dive pool - public dive sessions
Hydrotherapy pool
Aqua jogging
Learn to Swim pool
Hydroslides
Family spa
Adults' spas
Saunas
Steam rooms
Gym
Community Courts
Show Courts
Aquarius Café
Active Health
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Rooms for hire -
Sport shop -
Café -
Physiotherapy -
Wifi -
Car parking -
Bicycle stands -
Lockers -
Wheelchair access -
Hearing loop -
Picnic area
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The centre is named after the youngest son of Tūrākautahi, the Ngāi Tahu rangitira (chief ) who built Kaiapoi Pā.
Known for strength and speed, legend tells of Parakiore and his wife being chased along Moeraki Beach after losing a battle. As the enemy approached, Parakiore called on the pepehā (proverb):
“Kia whati te tai, kia pao te tōrea, kia ina te harakeke a Hine-Kakai
When the tide recedes the tōrea (oyster-catcher) strikes, the flax of Hine-Kakai burns.”Then, lifting his wife onto his back, Parakiore outran his pursuers.
In the pepehā, he boasts of his speed and his likeness to the tōrea (oyster catcher), which needs to feed quickly, while the tide is out.
The name Parakiore exemplifies the endurance and agility of athletes and honours an important battle in Ngāi Tahu history, evoking the power and self-assertion of a warrior in battle.
The centre’s narrative recalls the heroism and achievements of Ngāi Tahu tūpuna (ancestors) and these are reflected in its design.
This is a place of meaning, cultural identity and inspiration. Here we promote sporting excellence and physical wellness, and celebrate the relationship between people and the environment, vital for health and wellbeing.
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Parakiore's pools and facilities operate year-round and include:
- Competition pool - 10 lane 50m FINA compliant competition pool which can convert to two 10 lane 25m pools, plus spectator seating for over 1,000 people
- Dive pool - 20m by 25.5m (5m deep)
- Hydroslides featuring the trapdoor slide, tube slide and three body slides
- Deep leisure pool (2.2m)
- Shallow leisure pool (0.9m)
- Toddlers' pool (0.3m)
- Splash deck and water adventure playground
- Family spa pool
- Adults spa pool, two saunas and two steam rooms (ages 16+)
- Hydrotherapy pool (ages 16+)
- Learn to Swim pool
- Sensory Aqua Centre
Plan your visit. View lane availability for typical peak times in our pools.
Information about pool temperatures can be found on the Accessibility page.
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Competition pool -
Hydroslides -
Leisure pools -
Dive pool -
Sensory Aqua Centre
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Take on the trapdoor slide, the tube slide, and three epic body slides - if you dare!
Book your 1-hour Parakiore hydroslide session today.
- Trapdoor slide - It’s you versus gravity! Step into the launch capsule and wait for the countdown - a trapdoor drops you into a lightning-fast loop for the ultimate thrill.
- Tube slide - Hold on tight! This twisting tube slide is packed with thrills through swirling curves and wide-open turns, whether you’re riding the tube solo or side-by-side with a friend.
- Body slides - Three fully-enclosed slides, three speeds! Warm up, level up or go full throttle straight to the splash zone. Race through drops, curves, and tunnels through total darkness and lighting effects.
We want everyone to enjoy the hydroslides and be safe.
- All hydroslides contain flashing lights.
- Sliders must be aged 5 years or older.
- Children aged 5–7 years must be actively supervised by a responsible caregiver aged 16 years or older.
- Swimwear with enclosed zippers, buckles or other metals are not allowed.
- No stopping in the hydroslides.
- Please exit the splash area as quickly and safely as possible.
- Health authorities warn that it’s unsafe to use a hydroslide if you are pregnant, have a back or neck problem, or have a heart condition.
- Management and staff can refuse entry.
Trapdoor slide
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High intensity, sudden sounds, and rapid motion – best for confident riders.
- Sliders must be at least 140cm tall and weigh 35–120kgs. For safety, sliders may be weighed.
- Lean back and slide with your arms crossed on your chest to prevent contact with the tube, and legs crossed at your ankles.
- Please follow staff instructions at all times.
- Sitting up or changing position at any time in the slide is not allowed.
Tube slide
- Lower sensory load – a good option for riders wanting a slightly gentler experience.
- Sliders must be at least 120cm tall.
- Maximum weight for one person is 120kg.
- Maximum weight for two people 180kg.
- A tube must be used.
- Only one person on a single tube and maximum of two people on a double tube.
- Only one tube on the slide at a time.
Body slides
- Can be loud and disorienting – great for adrenaline seekers.
- Sliders must be at least 120cm tall and weigh 120kgs or less.
- Only one person on the slide at a time.
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Swimsmart learn to swim lessons teach children and adults essential water safety skills and confidence in the water.
Lessons for children are taught during the school terms, with the option to also enrol in the school holiday programme.
Adult lessons are free for Pool and Gym & Pool members.
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These sprung timber courts are for hire by clubs, groups or individuals. From leagues and tournaments, trainings or social sport, the Community Courts are available for everyone to enjoy.
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5,025 square meters of sprung timber floor
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Six basketball, netball and badminton courts
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Three futsal, handball, korfball or floorball courts
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12 volleyball courts
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Courtside multipurpose rooms available to hire
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Courtside spectator seating
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Dividing nets for separation
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The show courts provide a venue for hosting local, regional, national and international sport events.
When set in event mode, the show courts will have seating for 2,500 spectators and room for corporate tables.
With flexibility to meet many sporting needs, the show courts can be arranged as single courts for basketball, netball, futsal or volleyball. In community use times, the courts can be arranged as three basketball/netball courts, four volleyball courts or one full size futsal court.
- Fully retractable seating for 2500 spectators (in show mode)
- Broadcast platform
- VIP and media suite
- Court control room
- Corporate tables with catering available
- FIBA certified technology
- Gantries for rigging
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Hire a room, pool lane or court on a one-off casual basis, make a recurring booking or host a large scale event.
Spaces are available for:
- Community hui, celebrations and gatherings
- Seminars and workshops
- Aquatic or court events
- Team training or recovery swims
- Competitions or tournaments
- School swimming sports
- Leisure space and hydroslides for fun swims and birthday parties
- Plus a variety of other activities.
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New Zealand’s first fully inclusive aquatic sensory space, designed to foster exploration, confidence, and fun in and around water - giving you the freedom to play, explore, and control your water experience in a safe, predictable environment.
Key features
- Beach-entry pool
- Bubble columns
- Misting sprays
- Interactive water jets
- Tactile Canterbury-themed wall
- "How Things Work" wall with pumps and cisterns
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The gym offers a range of cardio, strength building and functional equipment for you to improve your fitness and wellbeing.
- Treadmills, exercycles, spin bikes, rowing machines, cross trainers and grinders
- Weights - resistance machines and free weights, including benches and squat racks
- Power bags/Swiss balls/Kettlebells
- Functional training frame area
- Stretching area
Our qualified, experienced instructors and personal trainers can guide you to your fitness goals. Speak to our fitness team to find out more.
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Group fitness classes
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Aqua GentleCasual: $6.00 Multi pass: $54.00A gentle, low-intensity workout in the hydrotherapy pool aimed to gain strength and mobility while improving flexibility and coordination.
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Aqua NatalA programme designed for expectant mothers to keep active during their pregnancy journey in a safe and social environment. Aqua Natal is a casual class available once a week.
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Move & Mingle AquaCasual: $6.00 Multi pass: $54.00A water-based recreation programme for those over 60 who want to be active and socialise together.
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Babies and ToddlersMembership: $11.50Group lessons with caregiver and child in the water. Develop water confidence and safety skills for your child in a fun and interactive way.
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Preschooler lessonsMembership: $14.30Small group lessons for children aged 3 to 5 years, introducing some structure while focusing on growing water confidence and developing water safety skills.
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School age lessonsMembership: $14.30For aged five years and over, children progress through the levels of achievement working towards the end goal of performing five water safety skills continuously.
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Swimsmart school holiday programmeCourse: $30.00School holiday lessons are a great opportunity for school aged children to rapidly improve their swimming skills and burn some serious energy.
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PilatesCasual: $12.50 Multi pass: $112.50Improve your strength, flexibility, and posture with Pilates, a challenging and rewarding class suitable for all fitness levels.
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SpinCasual: $12.50 Multi pass: $112.50For a fun and challenging ride, this spin class is ideal for those who want to test themselves on the bikes and gain a great cardiovascular workout in the process.
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ZumbaCasual: $12.50 Multi pass: $112.50Ditch the workout, join the party. Zumba fuses hypnotic Latin rhythms and easy-to-follow moves.
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YogaCasual: $12.50 Multi pass: $112.50Advance your yoga practice at your own pace. Connect your mind to your body and breath by experiencing a blend of various yoga styles suitable for all levels using standing, seated and lying postures.
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Arma EverestCasual: $12.50 Multi pass: $112.50Take your fitness journey to another level with our newest high-intensity group training class.
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Gentle exerciseCasual: $6.00 Multi pass: $54.00Looking for a low-impact exercise class? Our Gentle Exercise classes are perfect for people who want to stay active, mobile, and healthy.
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Gentle exercise - Pilates and YogaCasual: $6.00 Multi pass: $54.00Looking for a low-impact exercise class? Our Gentle Exercise classes are perfect for people who want to stay active, mobile, and healthy.
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Gentle exercise - Move and GrooveCasual: $6.00 Multi pass: $54.00Move and Groove is a dance-inspired gentle exercise class designed for older adults and beginners who want to keep moving, improve mobility, and enjoy music while exercising.
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Gentle Exercise - Strength and BalanceCasual: $6.00 Multi pass: $54.00Gentle Exercise Strength and Balance, is designed to keep you strong, steady, and sharp.
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Pilates FoundationCasual: $12.50 Multi pass: $112.50Pilates Foundation provides the perfect introduction to the six principles of Pilates: breath, concentration, control, precision, centre, and flow.
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Yoga FoundationCasual: $12.50 Multi pass: $112.50Yoga Foundation is an introduction to the fundamental principles of yoga, including basic postures, alignment, breathing techniques and the language of the practice.
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Arma SDCasual: $12.50 Multi pass: $112.50Build strength, confidence and power with Arma SD (Strength Development).
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Arma AthleticCasual: $12.50 Multi pass: $112.50Blast calories, boost your fitness and feel great with this energising full-body cardio session.
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Arma StrengthCasual: $12.50 Multi pass: $112.50Build strength and resilience with this dynamic resistance-based workout.
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Arma PlayCasual: $12.50 Multi pass: $112.50Get ready to move, challenge yourself, and have fun!
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TimetableIf you are unable to book through the timetable below, please login first by clicking the green 'Log in' button above.
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The hydrotherapy pool at Parakiore is amazing for relaxation, therapy and supporting your overall wellbeing. The warm water can help your body heal, relieve muscle tension, soothe joint pain and increase flexibility.
Aqua Gentle classes will be held in this pool each week. Bookings are essential to attend these classes, the pool is closed for recreational use during these times. Please book in advance.
Half of the hydrotherapy pool can be booked for 30 minute sessions. Find out more about pool hire.
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Show more
- During Aqua Gentle classes, the hydrotherapy pool is unavailable for general use.
- Main access to the hydrotherapy pool is for people over the age of 16 years. Children under the age of 16 years old may use the hydrotherapy pool provided they are actively engaging in rehabilitation or recovery, not disturbing other customers, and are actively supervised by a responsible caregiver over the age of 16.
- Booking a hydrotherapy pool session guarantees your group access to the pool space, and helps with planning and coordinating your participants/clients.
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MOVE is a community that welcomes everyone and every ability to connect through the joy of artistic movement.
Their purpose is simple: bringing the joy of artistic movement to all corners of our community.
MOVE’s purpose-built studios at Parakiore are an accessible space that anyone can enjoy. Whether you are already involved in the dance, circus and movement community in Ōtautahi or ready to try something new, MOVE has a place for you.
From public classes and partnership programmes with community groups and schools, to showcase events and opportunities for professional movement artists, MOVE caters for individuals of all abilities.
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Aquarius Café offers a range of healthy foods and great coffee at Parakiore Recreation and Sport Centre.
Grab a quick coffee after your workout, a cold smoothie after your swim, or catch up with friends after your group fitness class.
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Active Health is a multidisciplinary health and wellness clinic where they treat the whole person – not just the injury. Their collaborative team takes a holistic approach with you to achieve your goals and the best possible outcomes for your health and wellbeing.
At Parakiore, their team offers dedicated, experienced care across a range of services, including:
- Physiotherapy
- Pelvic health (female, male, children)
- Sports podiatry
- Respiratory physiotherapist
- Osteopath
- Sports physicians (in partnership with Pinnacle)
- Orthopaedic surgeon (in partnership with Andrew Powell)
- Return to work support
- ACC funded rehabilitation programmes
Whether you're recovering from injury, returning to exercise, enhancing sports performance, or managing overall wellbeing, we’re here to help. Not sure which specialist you need? Get in touch – we'll connect you with the right person for your needs.
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Plan your visitMake your visit easy with everything you need to know before your arrive. From how to get here to what to expect at the centre, this section covers transport options and accessibility.Travel by bike
Parakiore is well connected to the city’s network of cycleways. The Quarryman’s Trail cycleway passes Parakiore on Antigua St. There are over 150 cycle parks provided for our customers. These are located near each of the entrances. Check out your best route on the online cycle map.
We have lockers on site available for our customers who choose to cycle. Please bring your own lock to secure your bike
More information about cycling can be found here.
Travel by e-scooterPlease park in the bike stands provided and bring a lock to secure your e-scooter. We do not allow e-scooters to be bought inside the building.
When parking a shared e-scooter, make sure it is upright and close to the kerb edge where lampposts, signs and rubbish bins are usually placed. This means they won't block the path of people using footpaths.
Avoid parking on narrow footpaths and across entranceways, or in busy areas where there isn't enough room for people to pass.
Travel by busParakiore is located within a 5-minute walk to bus stops on Moorhouse Ave, Saint Asaph St, Hagley Ave and Tuam Street outside Christchurch Hospital.
Twelve bus routes use these stops:
- Bus Route 3 (Airport – Sumner)
- Bus Route 5 (New Brighton – Rolleston)
- Bus Route 7 (Halswell - Queenspark)
- Bus Route 60 (Hillmorton – Southshore)
- Bus Route 80 (Lincoln – Parklands)
- Bus Route 140 (Russley – Mt Pleasant)
Limited services during peak-hours
Travel by carThere are 550 carparks available for customer use. We provide two hours of complimentary car parking for customers, then parking fees apply. Please enter your number plate into one of the parking machines or Scan 2 Pay QR codes located inside Parakiore on arrival to claim your complimentary parking.
Parking fees apply between 8am to close Monday to Sunday. These are as follows:
· First 2 hours free (this is applied after entering your number plate into a parking machine or scanning the Scan 2 Pay QR code)
· $5 per hour up to a maximum of $30 per day.
Payment can be made via the parking machines or the Scan2Pay QR codes located inside Parakiore.
Terms and conditions apply within the carpark. Failure to comply may result in a breach notice. Parakiore carpark is managed by Stellar.
Drop-off / pick-up zones
There are two pick up/drop off zones located at the west and south entrances to the building. Please do not wait in these spaces. If you require more time, please use the main carpark.
Off-site parking options
There are multiple off-site parking options within a 15-minute walk of Parakiore.
- The Antigua St Carpark – 1-minute walk
- Tū Waka-Waipapa – 4-minute walk
- West End Car Park – 10-minute walk
- Lichfield St Carpark – 13-minute walk
- The Crossing Carpark – 15-minute walk
- The Terrace Carpark – 15-minute walk
There are also a limited number of on-street metered, on-street free and private carparks around the surrounding streets. Please visit the Car and Motorcycle Parking Map for more information.
Wheelchair accessThe Moorhouse Avenue entrance is flat. The other two entrances have a low-gradient ramp. The main doors have sensors and open automatically
Reception has a lowered desk area.
Poolside
Pool access is through an automatic entrance gate with the scanner at desk height. Please ask staff to help you if you need assistance.
Wet wheelchairs – there are a range of wheelchairs poolside – tilting, wide-seat and standard. You can find these at convenient locations around the pool and near the Sensory Aqua Centre.
All pools have ramps into the water except for the dive pool. The dive pool uses a platform that lowers the wet wheelchair into the water. Staff can assist if required.
The steam rooms and saunas are accessible, however assistance may be needed with the doors.
The hydroslides have stairs with railings but are not wheelchair accessible.
Gym
The gym is located on level one. You can use the elevators opposite reception or the stairs to the left of reception. The gym is well sign-posted.
Entry to the gym has gym gates, with the scanner near the gates at desk height. The gates open automatically when you tap your card.
Please ask fitness instructors on the gym floor if you need assistance.
Group fitness
Group fitness classes are located on level one. You can use the elevators opposite reception or the stairs to the left of reception. The studios are well sign-posted.
There are inward facing doors to the Group Fitness, Mind Body and Spin studios, with the card scanners near the doors at desk height.
Please ask staff if you require assistance with the doors.
Move, Sport House, High Performance Sport, Active Health and the Café
Directions to these tenants in Parakiore are well sign-posted from reception.
Show courts and pool hall wheelchair accessible seating
Show courts – Wheelchair spaces are on the first row of the tiered seating.
Pool hall – Take the elevator to level one. Near the stairwell is the entrance to the pool hall and the accessible seating. There are eight spaces available with seating for carers.
Accessible changing roomsPoolside
There are two fully accessible change rooms in the pool changing area. These have a hoist and adjustable change table. They are located towards the Sensory Aqua Centre. Wet wheelchairs will be located nearby to transfer to.
Please bring your own slings for the hoist, they are not available to hire.
In the change village there are five smaller accessible change rooms with toilets, showers and handrails and 10 family change rooms with showers and baby change tables.Sports hall and level one changing rooms
There are accessible changing rooms, next to or in, all of the change facilities with a shower and toilet.
Accessible toiletsToilets can be found throughout the building and at least two accessible toilets in each area that are well sign-posted.
Accessible carparksThere are 26 accessible carparks, all near the two main entrances within the carpark. Please display the appropriate parking permit in your car.
The first two hours of parking is free. Parking fees apply from 8am to 9.30pm weekdays and 8am to 8pm on weekends and public holidays. More information on fees and parking.
Taxis can drive into the carpark and drop you off near the entrances.
Hearing loopParakiore has a hearing loop.
Hāpai Access CardYou can use the the Hāpai Access Card to get discount entry to our Centres.
Visit the Hāpai Access Card website to see responses to access barriers and a walk-through video of the centre.
Information for carersSupport workers are welcome in our centres.
- If a support person is required to assist you, they will be granted free entry on presentation of a Hāpai Access Card with a +1 highlighted.
- Support people that come in as spectators when you are in the pool, get free entry.
- The role of the support person is to help you with communication and any personal care needed. This includes assistance through the centre and ensuring your safety during an emergency.
- If you need help in the pool, your support person will need to assist you in the pool or actively monitor from the poolside, depending on your need.
Special requirementsIf you have special requirements, please speak to a staff member for additional assistance.
Braille is featured on key signage throughout the building, translating both te reo Māori (at the top) and English.
Mobility Equipment can be left poolside as long as it is not blocking a walkway or emergency exit. Lifeguards can help you to find a suitable location if needed and can bring your equipment to you when you are ready to leave the pool.
Assistance dogs are welcome and can wait beside the pool. Speak to a lifeguard if you have any questions or you need help. There are no grass areas on site, however Hagley Park is a five minute walk away.
Sensory Aqua CentreThe multi-sensory environment uses a range of lighting effects. These effects are unlikely to bring on seizures.
If you struggle with the busy nature of Parakiore, you are welcome to use the Moorhouse Avenue entrance and use the Reset Space to the left of the entrance. This low-arousal entry point allows customers to reset and / or alert Customer Experience at reception or the Sensory Aqua Centre staff of their arrival either by phone or by pre-arrangement. You can then be supported through the building either by staff through staff access points or unsupported once you have had an opportunity to reset and continue. This may be useful for customers wishing to use the Sensory Aqua Centre.
There is a sliding door to the centre which can only be opened by staff, so you may need to wait outside for your appointment.
Visit the Sensory Aqua Centre page to find out more.
Quiet timesIf you would like to visit Parakiore when it is quiet, we recommend coming before 9am or between 10am and 2.30pm on weekdays. However it can be dependent on events in the centre, so can’t be guaranteed.
Weekends are usually busy all day with events and sports however this does change depending on the season.
Visit the events page to find out what's on at Parakiore.
Baby change tablesThere are baby change tables located throughout the facility in the main toilets and in the accessible toilet/change areas.
Pool temperatures- Leisure pool - temperatures range from 30 to 32 degrees
- Lane pool - temperatures range from 26.5 to 27.5 degrees
- Dive well - temperatures range from 26.5 to 27.5 degrees
- Spa pool - temperatures range from 38 to 40 degrees
- Teach pool - temperatures range from 31 to 33 degrees
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Keep our pools safe
We want everyone to be able to enjoy the pools and have a safe and enjoyable experience.
It’s important that caregivers take extra care when accompanying a child to the pool.
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Supervision of children in the pool
- Children under five years old must be within arm’s reach and under constant supervision by a responsible caregiver aged 16 years or older in the pool at all times, who is wearing an orange wristband.
- Children between the ages of five and seven (inclusive) must be wearing a purple wristband and actively supervised by a responsible caregiver aged 16 years or older, who is to be within the pool area at all times and able to provide immediate assistance.
- Children aged 8 to 11 years (inclusive) must have a responsible caregiver 16 years or older on site unless they are in a supervised programme, such as swimming lessons. If they are swimming before or after their programme, their caregiver must be onsite.
Maximum adult to child ratiosHow many children can you bring to our pools?
- One adult to two children under 5 years old
- One adult to one child under 5 and two 5-7 year olds
- One adult to four 5-7 year olds
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News and events
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25 November 2025Date set for Parakiore Recreation and Sport Centre openingWhizz 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.
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17 November 2025Lyttelton Primary School wins first dibs on Parakiore hydroslidesLyttelton Primary will be the first school to take on the hydroslides at Parakiore.
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10 November 2025It’s party time – again!Christchurch City Council is kickstarting the summer season this weekend with the opening of its five outdoor summer pools and eight paddling pools.
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07 November 2025Manu competitionGet amongst the fun and join our manu competition this summer to win prizes and become the Christchurch City Council manu champion!
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07 November 2025Summer pool partiesGrab your friends and whānau, and pack your togs, towel and sunscreen - our summer pool parties are back, and you're in for a treat!
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02 November 2025Crown hands over Parakiore as Council takes the reinsConstruction of New Zealand’s largest indoor sport and recreation centre is complete.
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19 October 2025Browse, book and pay for Council venues onlineWeddings, kids’ birthdays, meetings, sports practices – Christchurch City Council’s 272 bookable spaces and places can host them all, and booking is now easier than ever.
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10 October 2025Linwood pool to close in January for maintenanceTe Poe Toetoe Linwood Pool will close in early January for four weeks to enable scheduled maintenance and improvement work to be carried out.
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06 October 2025Parakiore attracts national champs for 2026With the doors of New Zealand’s largest indoor sport and recreation venue set to open before the end of the year, the 2026 calendar is already filling up with national competitions and events.
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22 September 2025Parakiore’s spectacular water adventure playground comes to lifeA key part of Parakiore Recreation and Sport Centre’s leisure water area has come to life with water flowing through the huge water adventure playground for the first time.
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