Visitor numbers steady at Hawke's Bay Splash Planet

Poor summer weather in Hawke's Bay failed to deter visitation to the Splash Planet waterpark, with attraction recording improved visitor figures on numbers coming through the gate three years ago.

Following its operation from November to April the waterpark's end of season report has been presented to its owner, the Hastings District Council.

98,303 people visited Splash Planet during the 2011/12 season, 3,139 fewer than the previous season but slightly better than the 96,000 visitors in 2009/10.

Numbers peaked in January, at 49,199 visitors and then dropped to 8,512 in February when the park went to weekend only opening hours, coupled with poor weather and the end of public holidays.

The best day recorded was on 5th January, when 3,205 customers visited the park.

In the report Splash Planet Manager Peran Hutchings, stated that notwithstanding the Hawke's Bay's poor summer, the attraction's results were "satisfying".

Hutchings stated "marketing through television and other out of town options have kept visitors coming to Hawke's Bay and visiting Splash Planet.

"The gift shop along with the food and beverage outlets has performed well given the decrease in attendance. This is an area where Splash Planet has continued to work on, especially along with the increased general admission attendance we have seen."

The park's expenditure for the year to April 2012 was $1.5 million against its year to date budget of $1.5 million. Its operating revenue for the same period was $1.2 million against the year end budget of $1.1 million. During the summer season, Splash Planet employed about 60 people, ranging through full time, part time and casual staff.

The park's best season was the 1999/2000 summer, a year after it opened after being transformed from the former Fantasyland attraction.

From a peak year of 170,000 visitors, the park recorded a downward trend every season until 2007/08, when the council embarked on major managerial changes.

Brisbane-based consultants Atomiq Design Group completed a four-month study on why Splash Planet had failed to live up to expectations and how it could be improved.

Since then visitor numbers had begun to increase each season.

Splash Planet is due to reopen on 12th November 2012.

For more information go to www.splashplanet.co.nz/

24th November 2008 - LIFEGUARDS BASHED AT HASTINGS SPLASH PLANET