Splash Planet

Fantasyland first opened in Easter of 1967.^[4] It contained several attractions, including a miniature railway, mini-golf, a steamboat ride, play structures, and a few flat rides. By the 1990s, the park was beginning to show its age, and the Hastings District Council proposed that it be redeveloped into a waterpark. At the time of its conception the council had decided that the park would be a money spinner and was certain that it would supplement the taxes that local residents paid. The park was also hoped to attract people from outside the region to visit the region and spend money not only at the park but also at local business within the city.

Construction of the new waterpark facilities was done by Alexander Construction, a local company who has worked on many other large attractions within Hawke's Bay. Work began in July 1998, and finished before the new year, taking only 4.5 months to complete. This was done at a cost of $4,700,000.^[5]

Before Splash Planet left the drawing board, the Hastings District Council put the decision on whether or not Splash Planet would be built to public referendum. The referendum outlined a number of policies in an attempt to gain the locals' confidence. These policies included the fact that Splash Planet would be self-sustaining and would not cost the taxpayers any money.

Despite being sold to ratepayers as a money-making venture, Splash Planet is projected to require a ratepayer subsidy of NZ$1.7 million for the 2024–25 season (budgeted at NZ$1.42 million).^[6] As of the end of January 2025, visitor numbers were down by 15,000 compared to the previous season, and revenue was NZ$558,000 unfavourable to budget, partially offset by NZ$232,000 in cost savings.^[7] Splash Planet closed five weeks earlier than scheduled in March 2025 due to poor weather and staffing shortages, further exacerbating the shortfall.^[8]