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Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools and Spa has today unveiled a New Zealand first with the opening of two state-of-the art hydroslides.

The launch of Violet Vortex and Waiau Winder, named following thousands of public votes, aims to cement the complex’s reputation as home to New Zealand’s best aquatic experiences.

The new Violet Vortex is an adrenaline-fuelled ride full of twists and turns and featuring LED technology.

The slower Waiau Winder features visual projection technology never seen before in New Zealand. It has the ability to display unique imagery inside the slides and today, will give sliders the feeling of an underwater experience.

The slides are replacing the old green and beige slides built in 1998, which had an estimated 17 million rides taken on them, and will complement the Superbowl and Conical Thrill slide experiences, which opened in 2010 and 2019.

Officially opened this morning, the launch ceremony featured year three and four students from Lincoln Primary School’s Class Miro who triumphed in Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools and Spa’s Ultimate Ball Run school competition, earning the privilege of the first public rides.

Teachers were encouraged to incorporate the competition into their existing curriculum, fostering the development of science and maths skills as students designed and built their best ball run.

Explaining that the Lincoln Primary School class was chosen for its remarkable display of teamwork, Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools and Spa General Manager, Graeme Abbot stated “while we received some phenomenal entries, with impressive engineering skills, Lincoln Primary School’s entry stood out for its genuine teamwork, creativity, and storytelling.

"Our team is so excited to welcome Class Miro as the first official sliders on the Waiau Winder and the Violet Vortex. We are sure these slides will take them on a ride like nothing they’ve experienced before.”

Advising that the opening of the new slides is a major milestone for Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools and Spa, Abbot added “today marks a significant celebration, following months of relentless effort and commitment from the entire project team.”

Samara Brown, one of Class Miro’s teachers, said the class was determined to win.

Opening the slides and acknowledging the $3.2 million investment in Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools and Spa, Hurunui Mayor, Marie Black noted “this is going to elevate Hanmer Springs as a destination that will be hard for anyone to miss.

“As the sole owners of Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools and Spa, the Hurunui community sees the benefits of these investments every time. This year, the complex is set to pay $2.4 million in dividends, which is ringfenced for community parks and reserves.”

The slides will opened to the general public at 10am today.

Residents and ratepayers have free entry to the pools on 11th and 12th October, providing they have a current and valid Residents and Ratepayers card.

The slides were manufactured and installed by Christchurch-based New Wave Aquatics NZ.

Images: Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools and Spa's new hydroslides. Credit: Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools and Spa.

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