Vector Wero Whitewater Park: where recreation meets adventure

Auckland, New Zealand

Client: Second Nature Charitable Trust

Sector: Civic, Community and Justice

The vision was to establish a facility that could offer a diverse range of sustainable recreational training, specifically tailored to emergency, school, youth and sports training.

At a glance

The vision of Second Nature Charitable Trust was to establish a facility that could offer a diverse range of sustainable recreational training, specifically tailored to emergency, school, youth and sports training.

The challenge

Second Nature Charitable Trust recognised a unique opportunity to create Aotearoa New Zealand’s first artificial whitewater facility. With a shortage of resources available for recreational activities, sports training, emergency services preparation, school programmes and youth development in New Zealand, the facility was needed to serve as a premier destination for all.

Our response

The Vector Wero facility features two whitewater courses catering to a diverse range of abilities and purposes. The 203-meter Grade 2 recreational course is a popular choice amongst local schools and the community. For those seeking a more challenging experience, the Olympic standard 294-meter Grade 4 course provides an ideal venue for canoe and kayak slalom training, commercial rafting and world-class events. An added 4.5-meter-high artificial waterfall offers a thrilling adrenaline rush for the adventurous.

Water for the courses is sourced from a 22-million litre storage pond, which is fed by an on-site bore and harvested rainwater. This is in line with Vector Wero’s commitment to sustainability and responsible use of natural resources. A simultaneous flow of 16 cubic meters per second is delivered to the Grade 4 course, while 10.5 cubic meters per second is directed to the Grade 2 course.

The courses are made of cement-treated clay and lined with shotcrete, featuring drops and movable obstacles to create challenging rapids.

The impact

The result is a whitewater facility for the local community, visitors and professional athletes alike.