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Fully Certified
Parakiore Recreation and Sport Centre
General Information
50 Saint Asaph Street, Christchurch Central City, Christchurch 8011
03 941 8999
Opening Times - Check before visiting as might change
Opening Hours
Monday – Friday: 5:30am – 9:30pm
Saturday – Sunday: 7:00am – 8:00pm
Overview
Parakiore is the largest aquatic, indoor recreation, and leisure facility of its kind in New Zealand, bringing together world-class facilities all under one roof.
From thrilling hydroslides and multiple pool areas, to sports courts, a fully equipped gym, and a wide range of group fitness classes, Parakiore offers something for everyone, no matter your age or ability.
Located in the heart of Ōtautahi Christchurch, Parakiore is a vibrant new hub for health, wellbeing, sport, and community connection.
Whether you’re here to train, relax, play, or compete, Parakiore is designed to inspire movement and bring people together.
Planning an event, sports training, or tournament? Explore flexible space hire options at Christchurch Recreation and Sport Centres and bring your next event to life at Parakiore.
Notes for Cardholders
Hāpai cardholders receive our discounted entry rates such as 50% off casual entry into the pool.
See our website for more information https://recandsport.ccc.govt.nz/parakiore/
You can also look on the Accessibility page on the website for specific information
https://recandsport.ccc.govt.nz/centres/accessibility/
Standing and Queuing
If you have any difficulty with standing or are struggling in the queue, please wave or show your Hāpai Access Card to the staff members, they will ask you to come to the front of the queue or direct you to available seating. Staff will offer you access to one of the wet wheelchairs that are available to use as needed. These are available in the changing room area and poolside.
Level Access
Parakiore is designed with full accessibility in mind, offering step-free and ramped entrances, automatic doors, and a lowered reception counter for ease of access. Inside the facility, lifts and clear signage provide access to all key areas including the gym, group fitness studios, café, and tenant spaces. The pool area is accessible via an automatic entry gate, with staff support available when needed, and a range of wet wheelchairs are provided poolside. Most pools feature ramp access into the water, while the dive pool includes a lift system with staff assistance. Accessible seating is available in both the show courts and pool hall, ensuring comfortable viewing for wheelchair users and their carers. Please note that while steam rooms and saunas are accessible, assistance may be required with doors, and hydroslides are not wheelchair accessible due to stair access.
Distances
There are 26 accessible car parks located close to the two main entrances within the car park. Please ensure the appropriate parking permit is clearly displayed in your vehicle. The first two hours of parking are free, with parking fees applying from 8am to 9:30pm on weekdays and 8am to 8pm on weekends and public holidays. Taxis are permitted to drive into the car park for convenient drop-off near the entrances. Seating is also available throughout the facility for your comfort and convenience.
Urgent Toilet Access
Accessible toilets are located throughout Parakiore, with at least two clearly signposted accessible toilets in each main area of the facility. In the pool area, there are also two fully accessible change rooms located near the Sensory Aqua Centre, equipped with a hoist and adjustable change table, with wet wheelchairs available nearby to support transfers. Please note that guests are required to bring their own hoist slings, as these are not available for hire. In addition, the change village includes five smaller accessible change rooms with toilets, showers, and handrails, as well as 10 family change rooms with showers and baby change tables for added convenience.
Disability Assist Dogs
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.
Essential Companions
Support workers are welcome at our centres. If a support person is required to assist you, they will be granted free entry upon presentation of a Hāpai Access Card with a +1 indicator. Support people attending as spectators while you are in the pool also receive free entry. The role of a support person is to assist with communication and any personal care needs, including helping you move through the centre and supporting your safety in an emergency. If you require assistance in the pool, your support person will need to assist you in the water or actively supervise from the poolside, depending on your individual needs.
Difficulty Accessing Visual Information
Our team can offer assistance and support to read signs and information and guide you to the changing area/pool/gym. They can also introduce you to the surroundings and key locations such as toilets and entry/exit doors, along with any hazards that may present a risk.
Braille is featured on key signage throughout the building, translating both te reo Māori (at the top) and English.
Difficulty Accessing Audible Information
Parakiore has a LOOP system which can be utilised at the facility on request. Staff will endeavour to communicate clearly with you, if necessary moving to a quieter area. Staff will write down information for you to read if the information is becoming difficult to communicate.
Hidden Disabilities
As a new facility, Parakiore is still identifying its quieter times, and we appreciate your patience while this is being refined. Weekends are generally busy throughout the day due to events and sporting activities, although this can vary depending on the season. To see what’s happening during your visit, please check our events page for the latest updates. If you have any specific requirements or need additional support, our staff are always available and happy to assist.
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