Ice slide to unite with rink

Palmerston North will again be home to a portable ice rink this winter, with the addition of a 25 metre slide.

It'll be bumps and bruises again for those brave enough to take to the ice this winter, with the return of the outdoor ice rink.

This year's winter wonderland will also include the ice fun slide, a 25 metre attraction where users ride a toboggan.

Palmerston North has been home to two ice rinks since 2012 and its popularity ensured its return.

Ice World New Zealand director Craig Douglas said they were pleased to be returning to The Square and expected the slide to draw in a large crowd.

The slide, which will be set up in New Zealand for the first time, has been used at winter festivals around the world.

Destination Manawatu chief executive Lance Bickford said their partnership with Ice World ensured locals had attractions through what was usually a quiet period.

"Previously the ice rink has added a real sense of excitement. This is a great way to further expand that vibrancy again for both locals and our many visitors."

The ice rink will be complete with fairy lights, mood lighting and snow machines.

More than 40,000 people used the attraction when it featured in The Square in 2012 and 2013.

The ice rink and slide will run over four weeks from June 19-July 19, and will be open daily from 9am to 9pm. Prices start at $15 for children and $20 for adults. For more information, visit www.ice-worldnewzealand.co.nz or follow the NZ Ice Skating tour on Facebook.