4 of the best splashy endings
Get that autumn adrenalin rush in a fun park near you
1 Rainbow’s End
New Zealand’s largest theme park promises all the thrills you can handle, with a host of fun activities and world- class rides. There is something for everyone, the vertical and horizontal spins, including an 18- storey Fear Fall.
The brave may defy gravity on New Zealand’s only corkscrew roller coaster, but the watery chute at the end of the Log Flume is why we keep coming back. And watch out for Kidz Kingdom, undercover fun for the littlies; the grand opening is on April 27.
Open daily from 10am to 5pm. Corner Manukau Station Rd and Great South Rd, Manukau City. Ph ( 09) 262 2030. rainbowsend.co.nz
2 Parakai Springs
Anyone can test their nerve on the two thrilling hydro- slides — and then calm down in an array of large indoor and outdoor pools. Plenty of barbecue and picnic areas, the Springs Cafe and redeveloped site now makes a fun active water recreation spot for the off- season. Open daily 10am to 9pm Sunday to Thursday, closes 10pm Friday, Saturday. 150 Parkhurst Rd, Parakai, freephone 0800 HOT POOLS ( 468 766) parakaisprings.co.nz
3 Waimarino Adventure Park
You’ll want to stay all day at this Bay of Plenty park ( check out their two pass options).
Wet or dry adventures include Italian pedalos, the bouncy blob and New Zealand’s only kayak slide, as well as old water park favourites such as a Tarzan swing, gladiator pole, hydro slide, and diving boards — plus a thermal pool to calm the nerves. Open summer ( Sept- Apr) 10am to 6pm; winter ( May to Aug) 10am-5pm; Jun- Aug Adventure Park closed on weekends, kayak tours available. 36 Taniwha Pl, Bethlehem, Tauranga Ph: ( 07) 576 4233 waimarino.com
4 West Wave Aquatic and Recreational Centre
The council’s pool has added the latest in water recreation and play facilities to the competition dive and regular pools ( plus disability access — we like that). Whizz down the 50m pool hydro or inflatable slides, bob around the wave pool, then warm up in the spa, sauna or steam room. Opening hours Aquatic Centre Mon to Fri 5.45am to 9.30pm; weekends, public holidays 6am- 9.30pm; hydro- slide/ wave pool, Mon to Fri 3.30pm to 8pm; weekends, public holidays 10.30am- 8pm. 20 Alderman Drive, Henderson Ph: ( 09) 838 3706 aucklandcouncil. govt. nz