Throwback

Crocodiles at Taupo DeBretts?

As we were looking to further grow the business, owner Barry Kirkland saw an idea in Australia that could be a great must-see attraction for the holiday park, and for Taupo. His idea was to introduce live man-eating crocodiles into our warm thermal environment.

In the words of Fergus Brown,

“Taupo DeBretts Spa Resort provides me with very special memories, initially as a guest and later as the Chief Executive of the Holiday Parks Association.

As kids growing up in Wellington, we loved the opportunity to travel north for school holidays and to stay at holiday parks; especially those that featured hot pools. It was great fun and a wonderful way to make new friends.

My first professional dealing with Barry Kirkland was when I was working in the Minister of Tourism’s office, back in the late 1980’s. Barry had made a comprehensive application to import crocodiles into New Zealand and to use the waste hot water from his pools to keep them alive. Always innovative is our Barry! You can imagine how the Beehive reacted to his novel suggestion. He had assured us that he would only import males and that they wouldn’t escape and devour the trout stock of Lake Taupo. Funnily enough his application was turned down, but not for any lack of perseverance on Barry’s part. This setback didn’t hold Barry back and was certainly not the only bit of innovation Barry, Carol and the team at Taupo DeBretts have turned their hands to. Over the past years, Taupo DeBretts Spa Resort has featured regularly on our Holiday Park Awards, with great marketing ideas and innovative park developments. It is rated a 5 Star holiday park with outstanding environmental practices, providing an outstanding visitor experience. This only happens when the operation is well led and has a culture of excellence. Congratulations, but please – no crocodiles! “