Attraction a drawcard this summer

With Kiwis staying at home for the summer holidays, Foxton’s Off the Loop’s newest attraction the OTI Aqua Park is proving very popular with locals and families from all over the North Island.

The inflatable playground measuring 25m by 20m provides a dual race track, with the current record to complete being just 33 seconds. The course consists of a trampoline, archway/bridge, balance beam, climbing slides, jumping platform, tower with steep climbing ladder, a super 4m high slide and jumping pillow beneath.

Families and friends are flocking to the inflatable attraction, keen to reenact their own version of the hit UK television programme Total Wipeout, where contestants propel themselves off inflatable slides and bellyflop off obstacles.

Before the holidays, the park was booked out by schools and business groups having end of year outings. Now it is full of families and friends meeting up to enjoy a fun, wet day in the sun.

As well as the aqua park, visitors can have rides on the biscuit and try out cable wakeboarding. Off the Loop also offers kayak and stand-up paddle board hire and tuition, both sited on the Foxton River Loop.

Managing director Glen Butcher says the significant investment in the aqua park was reasonable.

Taking a week to inflate and set up, and a similar time to clean up and pack down, he admits it is a commitment but one he and his business partners are confident will prove worthwhile.

A team of four to five staff supervise each day including two lifeguards for the aqua park.

Future plans for more fun activities at Off the Loop include a laser tag course and possibly a high ropes course.

As the loop regeneration project progresses, it is hoped direct access from the park to the river will be possible.

Off the Loop aqua park is open 10am to 7pm every day of the school holidays, then it will be open evenings and weekends. Winter opening is by appointment only. i

Find out more from the Off the Loop website: http://www. offtheloop.nz