Splash Planet prices ‘good value’ compared to other top attractions, council says

Hastings District Council says Splash Planet’s cost compares well with other similar tourist drawcards in New Zealand.

The council last week said miserable weather was to blame for 12,000 fewer people entering Splash Planet this summer season so far, compared to the same time last year, prompting criticism from readers who said its prices were what had put them off.

Entry this summer is $45 for an adult (14 years and over), $35 for a child (6 to 13 years), $32 for senior citizens, $15 for spectators and children up to 5 years old are free.

Hastings District Council says a visit to Splash Planet is good value for money for a full day's entertainment. Photo / Hastings District Council

Group manager of community wellbeing and services Rebekah Dinwoodie said the park was unique because it combined wet and dry attractions, so it was difficult to compare it to other facilities in New Zealand.

But the pricing remained reasonable for a theme park attraction, she said.

“Some examples of destinations we use to try to benchmark where we set our pricing are below, these facilities are similar but not the same,” Dinwoodie said.

Hanmer Springs – a single adult ticket that lets you in and out of the facility for the day (same as Splash) $48

Rainbow’s End – $75.90 adult ticket

Nelson Fun Park – $57.50 for a fun pass

Rotorua Skyline (Gondola + 3 luge rides) – $78 adult

Adrenaline Adventure Park – full day on water park and slides – $64

“In comparison, Splash Planet is good value for money for a full day of varied entertainment,” she said.

While visitors can take picnics into the park, no takeaway food is allowed.

Dinwoodie said the barbecue facilities were removed because health and safety requirements meant the hire service was not feasible.

The park has a full capacity of 3000 visitors. The council says the cool summer is the main reason entry numbers are down.

“On opening day Monday, November 18, there were 74 visitors. This low number was unsurprising as it was a cold day and children were still at school.”

Aquatics manager Tom Page said last week they were hoping for some real summer weather, “so we can all get out and enjoy the water, at whichever facility we prefer”. At that time, park numbers were down on the previous summer by 12,000 and revenue was down by $320,000 (excluding GST).

Numbers were still down over the past week.

Dinwoodie said in the last week they had averaged 1165 per day versus 1329 for the same period last year.

“The whole season’s average is 824 visitors a day compared to 1124 for same period last year.”

To save money when the park is quiet, it is run with fewer staff.

“There is lower use of power and fuel, and consumption of items such as pool chemicals, cleaning materials, and toiletries are down.”

Splash Planet closes for the season on March 30.

LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.