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The installation of the 25×20-metre dive pool at Christchurch’s Parakiore Recreation and Sport Centre has been successfully completed, marking a significant milestone in the development of New Zealand’s largest indoor sport and aquatics facility.
The dive pool is the second-to-last of the 11 pools and spas to be installed at Parakiore, underscoring the scale of the 32,000-square-metre complex. It will undergo partial filling for watertightness testing before a full fill later this year, in preparation for final commissioning.
At five metres deep, the dive pool is a key feature of the Parakiore project — which is expected to cost around $500 million upon completion. The pool and dive tower are set to elevate diving standards in New Zealand to international competition levels. The pool will also provide additional space for warm-ups, training, and recreational swimming during other aquatic events.
Diving New Zealand performance director Steve Gladding says the pool will play a crucial role in the sport’s future.
“As soon as we can, we’ll be holding a training camp at Parakiore for some of the country’s top divers. It’ll give the community a chance to see what diving is all about — and even have a go themselves.”
In addition to the dive pool, Parakiore will feature a dry diving space with a foam pit, allowing divers to practise techniques safely. The facility will also include wide platforms to support synchronised diving training — a key component of the sport.
Crown Infrastructure Delivery is overseeing delivery of the Parakiore Recreation and Sport Centre, which will be owned and operated by Christchurch City Council upon its opening in late 2025. CID Project Director, Alistair Young, confirmed that the facility is now 90 per cent complete.
“We’re now seeing many colourful finishing touches being added to Parakiore, such as leaves, branches, and water toys on the massive children’s indoor aquatic play structure.
“The structure’s platform stands about three metres high, with the tallest decorative leaves reaching up to seven metres. It includes 36 different features — from lights and interactive water elements to three fun-filled slides. Surrounding the structure are an additional 28 ground-level water features, creating an engaging play zone for children of all ages.”
On the indoor courts side of the facility, line marking for the three-court Show Court will take place in the coming weeks — the final major milestone for this part of the project.
