Ghosts, witches, goblins and creatures of fright descended on Spooky Planet for a Friday night of Halloween scares.
Tom Page, Hastings District Council manager of aquatics, sports and recreation, said the celebration at Splash Planet showed the venue can draw crowds for events outside of the summer season.
“The 2000 tickets to Spooky Planet sold out 10 days before and we were inundated with people trying to get tickets right up until opening,” Page said.
Not even a spell could magic up more tickets.
The 1900 people who turned up to the event had a great time enjoying all kinds of surprises and delights, he said.
“All the dry rides were themed for Halloween– Jungle Jeepers Creepers, the Graveyard Sandpit, Wonderland Mini-Golf with Queen of Hearts and Mad Hatter actors and the Splash Planet train became the Ghostland Express with zombie actors scaring passengers."
Other areas of the park housed a glow-in-the-dark disco, Spooky Hollow scare hall, and a trick-or-treat trail with 12 stations offering games and sweet treats.
“It was great to see the amazing fancy dress efforts from the community,” Page said.
“Splash Planet is a fabulous asset for Hawke’s Bay and the success of Spooky Planet shows the potential for it to engage and provide for the community outside of the summer season.
“One initiative beginning in March 2026, is the destination playground, which will see Tiny Town, Jungle Adventures Playground, Scented Garden, Fantasyland Express, Merry-Go-Round, Jungle Jeeps, and Wonderland Mini Golf opening beyond summer.”
He thanked staff and volunteers who made Spooky Planet such a success.