Hanmer Springs announces name for new waterslide

A key element of its current $4.5 million development, the Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools and Spa has announced that its new hydroslide/waterslide is to be known as the Conical Thrill - a play on the name of one of the village's most well-known natural attractions, Conical Hill.

The naming follows a public competition that saw more than 2000 people help name the new 13.5-metre ride, with other options including the Hanmer Halfpipe and Cloud Rider.

Set to open in November, Conical Thrill will send riders shooting down a winding hydroslide in two-person tubes, down a steep drop and up a near-vertical wall for a moment of weightlessness before heading back down the slide.

It will attach to the existing hydroslide tower and sit next to the SuperBowl.

Commenting on the naming, Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools and Spa General Manager Graeme Abbot stated “it's a great nod to Conical Hill a landmark we all love with its amazing panoramic views."

Along with the hydroslide/waterslide, five new thermal pools are also under development at the South Island attraction.