Located at the renowned Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools & Spa, these waterslides are the first in New Zealand with a range of cool LED effects and over the first in the world with augmented reality in a waterslide. Using the latest in special effects software, these waterslides have achieved something we believe to be a world first: a hologram-like experience that lets riders feel as though they’re passing through an entirely different realm.
Our waterslide utilizes state-of-the-art technology to project augmented reality, creating an illusion of riding through an enchanting underwater world. The technology could be used for any scene that can digitized in 3D. We are currently working with the client to develop alternative 3D worlds.
The patented design of Augmented reality inside a slide, which addresses the safety issues that using full 3D goggles creates:
- It means riders can still see the ride surface
- It removes the danger of riders losing sight due to fogging or glasses coming down
- And eradicates the motion sickness that often occurs with goggles.
This innovation requires the ability to determine the rider’s speed and location by analysis.We can then create an augmented reality scene on the inside of the slide that appears like a real 3D world. And it enables our clients to involve their communities in creating the content, so that they feel an involvement in the designs and thus a connection to the facility.
The designs include many new developments, that utilize the very latest in visual effects software, to not only create the scene, but to then program the projection system to display what your eye needs to see at any point in time.
The 3D scene and image is spread across the various projectors and the design uses the talent of one of the world’s best AV creators. There are many innovative new designs that ensure that the many sensitive pieces of electronic equipment are kept cool in summer and warm and dry in cold winter months, and the system can be tailored to any climate
This project was completed one year ago, and client has exceptional response from the public. Client has also submitted these waterslides for a local innovation award. The AV system have now been working flawlessly for a year now without any issues. Client also confirmed that these waterslides has significantly increased the revenue of the facility.
Partners
Perceptual Engineering
Experienced in Visual Effects and the Installation of special effects. They are a Company with a demonstrated history of working in the entertainment industry. Skilled in Film Production, Visual Arts, Television, Feature Films, and Museums, they helped deliver the 2011 World Cup Rugby special effects in New Zealand. They have also helped Les Mills to create a very unique special effects experience for their gyms all over the world. They have also delivered Wētā Workshop’s special effects packed Christmas experience (Wētā FX as a world leader in AV and special effects, having won numerous Grammy Awards). Perceptual Engineering has over 20 years’ experience in special effects, production, theming and visualisation. The company has built a reputation for delivering special effects projects on time and on budget, raising the bar in both the advertising industry as well as in large public settings, such as airports and museums. Drawing on a talented team of creative technicians, Perceptual have proven their ability time and again to be able to reliably deliver dynamic and interactive effects that will blow your mind. They have worked closely with Maori artists and Iwi on a number of successful projects, bringing history and cultural narrative to life.
Some notable successes include:
The 2011 Rugby World Cup Opening
BNZ interactive store front
Parliament Building Projections
Perceptual Engineering and New Wave are keen to collaborate with and Ngāi Tahu or other local Iwi to design a stylish, contemporary attraction with a unique local flavour for their aquatic facilities.
Perceptual Engineering helped New Wave Aquatics with developing the 3D world and projecting it onto the slides. New Wave Aquatics did all of the rider analysis, detailed physical system designs, which have enabled Perceptual Engineering to “deliver the magic”.
The Light Site
The Light Site is Christchurch based local company who provide a full range of services from small hire through to large scale design and production packages for corporate, conference, theatre and concert markets. Their expertise is in LED and light systems.
New Wave Aquatics closely worked with the Light Site to design an integrated control system for both slides and the electric element of LED lights in both the Waiau Winder and Violet Vortex waterslides.