Thousands of people have splashed their way around the Kiwi Water Park at Lowburn this summer.

The inflatable water park on Lake Dunstan at Lowburn has attracted 23,000 people so far this season, giving the owners plenty of reason to scope ideas to add "new exciting features" next summer.

Park co-owner Emily Rutherford said they had locals from Cromwell, Alexandra, Wanaka and Queenstown as well as visitors from all over the North Island enjoying the facility over recent months.

“As well as the same kids and families quite regularly, we’ve had people tell us they’ve travelled down the country from places like Palmerston North or Taranaki after seeing us on tik tok."

Cromwell is the best place for the park to be located for many reasons she said.

“Day trippers from Oamaru, Twizel, Tekapo and Dunedin come here as we are so central.

"The lake temperature is also warmer, its 19C currently.”  

Co-owner Emily Rutherford at Kiwi Water Park Summer 2022. PHOTO: Supplied.

Queenstown born Emily grew up around water – she’s got a background in competitive swimming and loves the Central Otago lakes.

“I genuinely enjoy what I’m doing, on hot days I go out on the park and I think of how I can improve things and make it a better experience for next season.

“We will 100% be in this location next summer, and there’ll be new exciting features coming.

“I’m keen on improving the experience for spectators.

"So, I think if I had my grandmother along what would I want for her?

“Some days we might have 100 people on the park and a few hundred watching.”

Emily said a local rest home from Cromwell often comes down to watch.

“I’d like to see picnic tables, toilets and shade to make it a nicer experience for them."

The success of the business is down to the balance of skills between her and her mum.

They each own a 50% share in the park. 

“My parents ran a scenic flight company in Queenstown, so I’ve seen business come and go in this area. 

“Mum brings a lot to the table.

"She has all the experience in the legalities of running a business in this area, including where there is risk.  

“This is combined with my knowledge of new ways of marketing and experience from running large events overseas.

“I really wanted to create a place that would suit local people – that’s why we called it ‘Kiwi’ Water Park.

Groups from sports clubs and schools in Otago and Southland have been enjoying the park in recent days as Covid slows down visitors from the North Island.  

“We’ve had 40 friends here for a 50^th birthday party on Friday,” Emily said. 

 Employees of Kiwi Water Park ready for action. PHOTO: Supplied

At the busiest point of the summer Kiwi Water Park employed 21 staff.

Now there are seven on the team until the season finishes on March 6. 

"The weather is great all week and as the school holiday rush is over now it is the ideal time to come to the water park . . . there is loads of space to socially distance too."

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