Atlantis at QEII, the largest indoor leisure pool in Australasia, reflects the legend of the lost world of Atlantis. The mask statue of Poseidon, the Greek God of the Sea, watches over the complex.

The facility’s central attraction is a 40m-wave pool — the largest in New Zealand. The wave pool’s floor gently slopes from a shallow beachlike entry point to a depth of 1.5m. Every half hour, for 10 minutes, waves crash upon the beach. The height of the waves is variable so that if the swimmers are mainly younger children the waves can be gentle, while being increased in size for older swimmers.

The leisure pool’s other features include a river, where a steady current allows swimmers to ride around the channel of water; vortex pools, which are fastmoving swirl pools; a bubble pool, where swimmers sit back while water swirls around them; spas, sauna and steam room, with a designated spa for families and adults; a children’s learn-to-swim pool and the By The Pool licensed cafe.

Alan Direen, the QEII complex manager, says the leisure pool, “offers something for everyone, no matter what their age”.

Designed by Vic Davies from British Columbia and Ross Maguire from Christchurch, Atlantis at QEII takes visitors on a journey back thousands of years to the lost continent of Atlantis, said to have sunk into the sea. Some of the possible locations suggested for this sinking, which purportedly happened between 900 and 9000 years ago, include the South China Sea and a location off the coast of New Zealand.

Mr Direen believes the true location is actually near Pegasus Bay.

The numerous Atlantis-themed murals which provide a backdrop to the pools include a weeping-mask statue. Other water features include columns and pillars, a partially sunken galleon and a waterfall.

Turning the vision into reality was the task of Christchurchbased company Simtech, and Mainzeal Construction.

The opening of the leisure pool completes the 2½-year, $20 million redevelopment of QEII’s aquatic facilities. This has involved the construction of a modern, 50m international-standard swimming pool, new dive boards, a children’s learn-to-swim pool and the leisure pool.

Christchurch City Council Leisure Manager Alistair Graham says the transformation in Christchurch from the traditional indoor lap pool to a complete leisure and fitness destination is now compete.

“We expect that QEII’s patronage will increase by half again following the opening of the new leisure pool,” he says.

“It’s come a long way since it was first built for the Commonwealth Games in 1974. Twenty-eight years on, it’s developed into a unique multi-sport and leisure complex, catering for family recreation through to elite sport and performance and development. QE11 remains a premier athletic and sporting icon for both Christchurch and New Zealand.”

The redevelopment of QE11 Park follows upgrades of Centennial and Pioneer Leisure Centres in 1999.