Things To Do

Visiting Splash Planet Hastings: Tickets, Hours, and Season Guide

Updated 23 October 2026

When sunny weather hits Hawke's Bay, few destinations draw families quite like Splash Planet. Tucked into Parkvale in Hastings, this extensive water and theme park offers a full day of water slides, pools, mini golf, and dry rides. Because the complex operates on a distinct seasonal calendar with specific ticketing requirements, knowing what to expect before loading up the car makes all the difference for a smooth visit. Here is a clear, practical guide to opening hours, ticket options, and planning tips for your day out.

Seasonal Opening Dates and Operating Hours

Unlike standard urban public pools, Splash Planet does not run its full water attractions year-round. The comprehensive water park—featuring all outdoor slides, pools, and rides—reopens for its summer run starting on 14 November.

During the early phase of the summer season, the schedule varies to accommodate school terms:

14 November to 6 December: Open on weekends only (Saturday and Sunday) from 10:00 am to 5:30 pm. Keep in mind that specific dates can book out entirely in advance; for example, the park is fully booked on Saturday 28 November.
7 December to 11 December (Schools Week): Running Monday through Friday with slightly adjusted hours from 9:30 am to 5:00 pm.
Peak Summer Holiday Period (12 December through 31 January): The park shifts into daily operation, welcoming visitors seven days a week from 10:00 am to 5:30 pm.
February: The park returns to weekend-only operations, opening Saturdays and Sundays from 10:00 am to 5:30 pm through 28 February.

On standard operating days, all rides and water slides close at 5:30 pm. Park operators implement queue management prior to closing time to make sure visitors already waiting get their turn, so aiming for your priority slides earlier in the afternoon is always a sensible plan.

Understanding Ticket Options and Booking Rules

Securing admission requires understanding how entry passes are managed. When planning your trip, consider the following ticketing details:

Advance Online Booking

Tickets can be purchased online in advance or on the day of your visit at the entrance. Because Splash Planet manages capacity limits and can sell out on popular summer days, reserving online beforehand is the best way to secure your entry. Advance tickets can also be bought in person at the on-site Gift Shop during regular open hours, though phone bookings are not accepted. Every ticket is date-specific and non-refundable, so ensure your travel dates are firm before confirming your transaction.

Ticket Types and Pass Options

Admission is split depending on how you wish to experience the facilities:

Full Admission Pass: Provides complete access to the water slides, pools, dry rides, and mini golf, subject to individual attraction height and safety requirements. Splash Planet does not sell tickets solely for pool or slide access; water facilities are bundled within general full admission.
Spectator Pass: Intended for caregivers or family members who prefer to stay dry. A spectator wristband gives access to the swimming pools, mini golf, the park train, and the merry-go-round, but excludes access to the outdoor water slides.
Children Aged 5 and Under: Admission is free for children aged five and under. However, because park capacity is monitored, you must still add a free ticket for each young child when completing an online booking. Their entry covers gentle family attractions like the pirate fortress, playground areas, mini golf, and train rides.
Carer Admission: Splash Planet provides one complimentary carer ticket for eligible guests requiring personal support. The carer receives the equivalent ticket category to the visitor they accompany, which is arranged in person upon arrival or ahead of time directly with guest services.

It is worth noting that Splash Planet does not offer a combined family pass bundle, so admissions are booked individually per person.

Ride Rules and Safety Considerations

To keep all guests safe, height thresholds and supervision guidelines are strictly observed throughout the grounds:

Outdoor Water Slides: Riders must be at least 120 cm tall to use any outdoor water slide. Slides are designed for solo riders, though the Double Dipper raft slide allows pairs where both riders satisfy the minimum height requirements. Water slide users must be aged six or older and be confident swimmers.
Supervision Standards: Children aged 11 and under must always be accompanied on-site by a caregiver aged 16 or older. Independent entry without an adult is only permitted for children aged 12 and above.
In-Pool Ratios: Active pool supervision is strictly enforced. For children aged five and under, an adult caregiver must remain inside the pool within arm's reach at all times, with a maximum ratio of one adult to two children under five. For children aged six to eight, one caregiver can supervise up to four children while remaining actively alert and ready to assist.

Practical Tips for a Family Day Out

Spending the entire day on Grove Road is straightforward with a little advance preparation:

Food and Picnics

Families are welcome to pack their own lunch, as cold food, snacks, and homemade picnics are allowed inside the grounds. However, commercial fast food, glassware, and sharp knives are strictly barred from entry. Visitors may not bring outdoor barbecues or portable cooking appliances into the park, and there are no public barbecue hire facilities on site.

Lockers and Leaving the Park

When you arrive and check in, you will receive an entry wristband. This wristband allows you to exit and re-enter freely through the Gift Shop throughout your scheduled day. If you bring valuables, electronic lockers can be hired on-site for $10 per day, accessed via a digital locker wristband.

Weather Contingencies

Splash Planet remains open through passing rain showers, though some dry attractions—such as the go-karts and bumper boats—may pause temporarily if tracks become slick. In the event of persistent heavy rain or adverse conditions, the complex may close for visitor safety. If the forecast looks unsettled ahead of your date, contact the park via email before arriving to discuss shifting your date-specific booking.

Whether you are local to Hawke's Bay or heading to Hastings from further afield, preparing your date bookings and reviewing height guidelines ensures your time at Splash Planet is filled with easy summer fun.

Cover photo: Splash Planet - Bert Ng

By Alyssa.

Sources and further information

Sources checked: 2026-10-23.