Holiday makers slip, slop and slide

A woman enjoying the only waterslide of its kind in the world - now operating in Napier. PHOTO / PAUL TAYLOR

Hawke's Bay people, as well as an endless stream of visitors who spot it while driving past, have been squealing, yelling and splashing their way down a giant slippery slope which was designed by Napier entrepreneur Rick Kirkland and which is the largest free-standing water slide in the world.

"One of a kind," Mr Kirkland said. He has been in the entertainment game for more than 20 years, having introduced crazes like bar stool racing and inflatable-suit sumo wrestling in the early days.

"We know a bit about inflatables," he said, adding that he always wanted to create something very special as summer entertainment for all ages.

"I wanted a mobile attraction and I wanted water."

The result, which is called The SuperFly, was first rolled out just over a year ago and has been in hot demand doing the rounds of festivals and events all over the country.

Its appearance in Napier was not planned, but at the 11th hour a booking fell through and Mr Kirkland said, "Okay, let's put it up here in Napier then".

He approached Big Save director Tim McKimm and asked if he could grab a large slice of the new store and cafe's big carpark off Pandora Rd.

"They said go for it - they are so pro-Napier and like to see things like this come to town."

It took three days to prepare the site and put up the giant slide, which is actually three slides, and it opened on Boxing Day.

"So it's Napier's win to get it really and we'll keep it here until February 2, but then maybe do some weekends until the end of February."

The SuperFly had drawn thousands of rides a day, with people able to take three, eight or an unlimited number of rides.

"We've had little kids and we've had some old people - it's all ages - it's multi-generational and that's what we wanted to create, it's all about a real treat for the whole family."

Several sliders were seen using waterproof cellphones to film themselves taking the big ride.

Mr Kirkland said his company, Ideaology Inc, which is based in Ahuriri, was now looking to take the SuperFly brand forward and he wanted to see more of them emerge.

He said he also had what he called "some winter ideas" for the present space off Pandora Rd.

"An experience you can't get anywhere else ... watch this space," he said with a smile.