A never-ending river, a water-fuelled pirate fortress and a tangle of twisting slides can all be found at New Zealand’s only water theme park.
Splash Planet in Hastings is a popular spot in the hot Hawke’s Bay summers, with bountiful opportunities to get wet.
The park’s first incarnation was as Fantasyland back in 1968, but the sprawling 6.5-hectare site has been recently refurbished and re-imagined as a mecca of watery fun.
Shoot down the hydro slides and water rides; splash on the bumper boats and relax on the lazy river.
There’s plenty to do if you’d rather keep dry too, with go-karts, mini golf, kayaks and kid-friendly jeeps to drive.
Pack a picnic, book a barbecue spot and stay for the day.
