‘The Big Splash’ Taking Shape at Rainbow Springs

News Release

‘The Big Splash’ Taking Shape at Rainbow Springs

Rainbow Springs’ multi-million dollar ‘Project Big Splash’ is well underway with about 140 metres of the ride’s track now in place.

A symbolic ‘breaking of the ground’ was held onsite at the Rotorua Park in June which signaled the official start of the project. Since then there has been significant construction and design progress, including the laying of the first sections of the flume and work on the two lift structures which will elevate riders in two sections of the 431 metre long ride.

The multi-million dollar water ride will take boats of up to 8 people on a fun and educational journey through the ecological evolution of New Zealand. The high-tech ride will feature a running commentary, animation and an adrenalin boosting drop at the end.

Rainbow Springs’ Project Director Stewart Brown says “After many months of planning, it is fantastic to see the ride start to take shape. It is a massive undertaking and we are looking forward to the day we can open it to the public.”

In order to reduce environmental impact, Rainbow Springs has replanted most of the trees which have had to be removed for construction, including large totara trees and other natives. A tree planting scheme during the recent school holidays saw the team plant an additional 433 trees.

The creative design team has also been busy and has released a series of images that visualise some of the highlights of the ride, including an animatronics haast eagle attacking a moa, a traditional Maori Pa site, and an early European settlement.

The ride is expected to be a major draw-card for Rotorua, giving international and local visitors an exciting insight into New Zealand history and culture.

The project also includes construction of an outdoor 384-seat, free-flight bird show auditorium, an interactive children’s playground and a new reptile enclosure. The development is the largest single investment made in the park since it opened in 1932.

The $10 million plus project is scheduled to open in early 2012.

Rainbow Springs Kiwi Wildlife Park is an icon of New Zealand tourism and has been open since 1932. Spread over 22 acres of Rotorua parkland, Rainbow Springs is a conservation and breeding haven for endangered New Zealand species such as Kiwi and tuatara. The park offers a unique wildlife experience for visitors, who can see animals in their natural environment, both during the day and night. Features of the award winning tourist attraction include New Zealand’s first ‘open to view’ Kiwi hatchery, and a range of wildlife including trout, tuatara and native birds.

Rainbow Springs, Fairy Springs Road, Rotorua.
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