From today, young swimmers visiting QEII are in for a real treat as the new AquaPlay(tm) water structure opens to the public. Poseidon's Lair replaces the ancient Greek sailing ship which was removed back in June of this year. In its place now sits a new state-of-the art water structure that has been produced by WhiteWater West, a worldwide manufacturer and designer of water parks.

The Canadian company are the largest and most experienced builder of water parks and aquatic attractions in the world, says Michael Aitken, General Manager Community Services.

"The main focal point of this new structure is Poseidon himself, the God of the sea. The whole water structure is like nothing else found in New Zealand - it's incredible. With three slides, tipping buckets, showers and water canons, water spouts and eye-catching graphics, Poseidon's Lair is an aquatic jungle gym for children" Michael says.

The new facility sits in the Children's Lagoon area of the leisure pool. While Poseidon's Lair will appeal mainly to young children, adults and older children can also enjoy the many other aquatic facilities at QEII.

"With wave pools, a lazy river, bubbles pools, dive boards and towers, water jets, waterslides and water falls, not to mention the 25 and 50 metre swimming pools and sauna, steam and spa, it's no surprise that we are Australasia's largest aquatic facility," Michael says.

* Poseidon's Lair opens to the public today, Thursday 12 November. Children aged 5 - 8 must be accompanied by an adult. Opening hours are Monday - Friday 6:00am - 9:00pm, Weekends & Public Holidays 7.00am - 8.00pm.