First published on Newsline on 8 April 2026.

After three months operating in the heart of Christchurch, Parakiore Recreation and Sport Centre has racked up over 360,000 visits.

From spin classes to hydroslide sessions, the largest indoor sport and recreation venue in the country has attracted huge crowds since opening on 17 December.

Christchurch City Council Head of Recreation, Sport and Events Nigel Cox says Parakiore has “achieved a solid first three months”. 

“Our target is 1.4 million visits for our first year of operation. We’re currently sitting about 3.3% above that goal.”

232,024 people have visited the pools, 17,394 have booked a group fitness class, and over 30,000 hydroslide sessions have sold.

“Parakiore has become part of people’s routines, especially those that live and work in the CBD. There are so many ways to get active under one roof, people are coming back time and again,” says Mr Cox.

3,714 people have taken up memberships at Parakiore and 10,185 Swimsmart lessons have been held.

“The Aqua Sensory Experience has been a hit, with around 3,000 sessions booked out so far,” says Mr Cox.

The new venue is also proving popular with event organisers. In recent weeks, Parakiore has hosted a Tactix vs Pulse pre-season netball game, the South Island Secondary School Water Polo tournament, the Ford Futsal SuperLeague Finals Weekend, and several school swimming sport contests.

“Events bring such a buzz to Parakiore. We’re excited to be able to offer top-class facilities to sport codes of all levels,” says Mr Cox.

The Council aims to host around 12 national or international events and 15-20 regional events each year at Parakiore.

Upcoming events include the Canterbury Rams’ first home game, the U16 Footlocker Basketball National Championships and New Zealand Short Course Swimming Championships.

“We’re well on the way to achieving our targets and there are even more exciting additions to come. Arma Reformer Pilates is about to launch, and MOVE is expanding their dance and artistic movement timetable as well,” says Mr Cox.

MOVE is a registered charity operating from three purpose-built studios at Parakiore.

Parakiore Recreation and Sport Centre is located at 50 St Asaph Street in central Christchurch.