All three hydroslides at Splash Palace will reopen today, Friday 26 November, just in time for summer.

COVID-19 restrictions and maintenance issues forced the hydroslides out of action earlier this year.

The raft slide was closed in July when an issue was identified with a supporting column. When New Zealand entered Alert Level 4 in August the remaining two slides were also closed.

Invercargill City Council Aquatic Services manager Stephen Cook said Splash Palace and Council staff were thrilled to see the slides up and running again in time for the school holidays and warmer weather.

“Everything is safe and ready to go, from the hydroslide itself to our COVID-19 protocols,” he said.

“The support column has been completely replaced on the raft slide and we’re ready to go ahead with another summer full of holiday fun.”

The three new slides, which were officially opened in April this year, include two body slides named Wai Tere/Fast Water and Te Muri Miro/ The Southern Twirl, and a 101-metre long raft slide named Te Tauhohe Karihi/The Reactor.

While there is still restriction on numbers at the pool, including for the hydroslides, that number will be increased from the current 30.

“The leisure pool area now includes the hydroslides and that capacity has been upped to 60,” he said.

Mr Cook said depending on current activity levels customers may need to wait for other swimmers to leave before being let in.

“We understand that it can be frustrating to have to wait during busy times, however, the public have been extremely understanding,” Mr Cook said.

The hydroslides will be open from 4pm – 7pm Monday to Thursday, 4pm – 9pm Fridays and 10am-6pm weekends and school holidays. A swim and slide pass is $11.40 for a child and concession, and $13.30 for an adult.