Making an international splash

There's nowhere better to be on a hot Hastings summer day than at Splash Planet.

Hawke's Bay's water park has been recognised on the international stage.
Splash Planet was voted the sixth best water park in the South Pacific, one spot down from their fifth placing in 2014.

The 2015 Tripadvisor travellers' choice awards were announced this week ranking the world's best amusement parks, water parks, zoos and aquariums.

TripAdvisor, the world's largest travel site, honoured 533 attractions in total including the top 25 in the world.

The annual awards are based on the millions of valuable reviews and opinions from TripAdvisor travellers across the globe.

Award winners were determined using an algorithm that took into account the quantity and quality of reviews for amusement parks, water parks, zoos, and aquariums worldwide, gathered over a 12 month period.

Hastings District Council's acting facilities manager Paula Murdoch said she was rapt to receive recognition from the community again this year.

"It makes the effort we put in really worthwhile."

She said the key to the parks success was always putting 'fun for our users' at the front of all decisions they make.

"It's an iconic park for Hastings, and certainly does its bit to draw tourists," Ms Murdoch said.

Hastings mayor Lawrence Yule said it was great to again be in the top bunch of amusement and water parks in the South Pacific.

"This year the category included amusement parks - last year's was limited to water parks - so there were a lot of facilities to beat," Mr Yule said.

Splash Planet was voted fifth best water park in 2014.

"Ours was the top facility in New Zealand, with Auckland's Rainbow's End coming in one place behind Splash Planet."

He said it was quite incredible that a facility that started life in the 1960s continues to rate so highly.

"I think that's a reflection of the investment in time and money that the councils and residents have put in over the years - everything from maintenance to new innovations and complete overhauls."

Splash Planet lost its famous pirate ship earlier this year after an arson attack.
Kynan Andrew Motley, 18, pleaded guilty to his part in torching what was once a major attraction at the water park.

He was one of three teenagers arrested in the wake of the fire, which destroyed the ship early on Easter Sunday.

The ship was insured for $354,000. Council are exploring a number of options for a replacement.

It is hoped the new attraction will be completed in time for the summer season.
Mr Yule said it is a worthwhile investment.

"After more than 55 years people from across New Zealand and further afield continue to bring their families to Hawke's Bay, and in the summer a trip to Splash Planet is always on the to do list.

"It is a fantastic result," Mr Yule said.