Parakiore
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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.
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Rooms for hire -
Sport shop -
Café -
Physiotherapy -
Wifi -
Car parking -
Bicycle stands -
Lockers -
Wheelchair access -
Hearing loop -
Picnic area
Email: recandsport@ccc.govt.nz
Phone: 03 941 8999
Bus numbers 3, 5, 7, 60, 80 and 140
View 3 timetable View 5 timetable View 7 timetable View 60 timetable View 80 timetable View 81 timetable View 84/85 timetable View 86 timetable View 91 timetable View 92 timetable View 140 timetable-
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The story of Parakiore
Matapopore’s Lynne Te Aika retells the story that Parakiore is most famous for.
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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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Pools
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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PricePool membersFreeGym & Pool membersFreeAdult single pool entry *#$7.00Child single pool entry (under 16 years or secondary students) *#$4.00Preschool child single pool entry with parent or caregiver during school hours **FreePreschool child single pool entry with parent or caregiver outside of school hours$4.00Family of 5 single pool entry (2 adults and 3 children or 1 adult and 4 children)$17.80Family of 2 single pool entry (1 adult, 1 child)$9.00Additional child single pool entry (with family)$3.40SpectatorFree
** Preschool child with parent or caregiver (maximum of two preschoolers per parent) during school hours (9am to 3pm on Monday to Friday). Weekends, public holidays and school holidays are excluded.
* A 30% discount is available for Community Services and Super Gold card holders for casual entry and multi-visit passes.
# A 50% discount is available for Hāpai Access card holders for casual entry and multi-visit passes.
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Competition pool -
Hydroslides -
Leisure pools -
Dive pool -
Sensory Aqua Centre
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Hydroslides
Take on the trapdoor slide, the tube slide, and three epic body slides - if you dare!
- Trapdoor slide - it’s you versus gravity! When the trapdoor opens, prepare for an unforgettable vertical freefall.
- Tube slide - hold on tight! This twisting, turning tube slide is packed with thrills whether you’re flying solo or side-by-side with a friend.
- Body slides - three slides, three speeds! Warm up, level up or go full throttle straight to the splash zone.
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PriceParakiore slide park pass adult *# - includes pool entry$18.00Parakiore slide park pass child *# - includes pool entry$13.00Parakiore slide park pass family (2 adults, 3 children or 1 adult, 4 children) - includes pool entry$50.00Parakiore slide park pass family (1 adult, 1 child) - includes pool entry$24.50Parakiore slide park pass - Additional child - includes pool entry$10.50
* A 30% discount is available for Community Services and Super Gold card holders for casual entry and multi-visit passes.
# A 50% discount is available for Hāpai Access card holders for casual entry and multi-visit passes. -
Using the hydroslides
We want everyone to enjoy the hydroslides and be safe.
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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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Learn to swim
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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Sensory Aqua Centre
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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PriceIndividual - 30 minute session *#$12.50Multi-visit pass (x10 visits) #$112.50
# A 50% discount is available for Hāpai Access card holders for casual entry and multi-visit passes.
* A 30% discount is available for Community Services and Super Gold cardholders for casual entry and multi-visit passes.
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Community Courts
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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Show Courts
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 space or host an event
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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Gym
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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PriceGym & Pool membersFreeGym membersFreeAdult single gym entry*>#$19.20Adult gym multi-visit pass (x10 visits) *>#$172.80Fitness assessment for casual users*$40.00
* A 30% discount is available for Community Services and Super Gold card holders for casual entry and multi-visit passes.
> A 30% discount is available for Secondary Student card holders.
# A 50% discount is available for Hāpai Access card holders for casual entry and multi-visit passes.
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Group fitness classes
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Aqua GentleCasual: $6.00A gentle, low-intensity workout in the hydrotherapy pool aimed to gain strength and mobility while improving flexibility and coordination.
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Aqua NatalCasual: $12.50 Multi pass: $112.50A 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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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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Gentle exerciseCasual: $6.00Looking for a low-impact exercise class? Gentle Exercise is the perfect class for people who want to stay active, mobile, and healthy.
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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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Revl SDCasual: $12.50 Multi pass: $112.50Build strength, confidence and power with Revl SD (Strength Development).
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Hydrotherapy Pool
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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PriceHydrotherapy Pool session (half pool) – Community (30 min)$9.70Hydrotherapy Pool session (half pool) – Commercial (30 min)$19.45
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- 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
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
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
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.
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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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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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Accessibility
At Christchurch Recreation and Sport we embrace diversity and believe that everyone deserves equal opportunities and access to recreation, sport and leisure facilities.
Christchurch Recreation and Sport Centres provide key accessibility features to ensure you can enjoy our spaces, including ramps, hoists, water chairs, changing rooms and toilets.
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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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