Kate Harris
North Island ▷ Auckland Region ▷ Auckland ▷
5.0/5
We hired a starRV Polaris 6 Nova for a long weekend in Auckland.
We had an amazing time, the campervan was clean and easy to drive. On arrival at the depot, staff showed us through the campervan and explained clearly how to use everything.
We freedom camped for 3 nights out of the 4 and the camper was well equipped for this, so nice to have a warm shower after our winter beach swims!
Extra shout out the the shuttle driver who raced my husband back to the depot to collect the portacot I had left behind and managed to get him back to the airport in time go catch our flight!
North Island ▷ Auckland Region ▷ Auckland ▷
1.5/5
I am deeply disappointed to share a concerning experience at Snowplanet, which has significantly deteriorated from its former standards.
The management’s approach and the conduct of their staff, particularly one of the snowboarding coaches named Juliette, have led to a series of distressing incidents and general mismanagement that mar the facility’s reputation.
The behaviour of the staff, especially Juliette, towards children and parents has been far from professional. Juliette was often rude, raised her voice unnecessarily, and showed outright disrespect towards us as parents. This type of behaviour is unacceptable and creates a hostile and negative environment that detracts from the learning and recreational experience Snowplanet should offer.
The management’s strict policies prevent parents from teaching their own children the basics of snowboarding, insisting that only paid instructors can provide such guidance. This policy is restrictive and discourages family participation and learning, effectively dampening the spirit of what could be a joyful family activity. The management actively monitors and issues warnings to those who attempt to guide their own children, which feels both overbearing and unnecessary.
The internal politics and power dynamics at Snowstar Group have led to a decline in the quality and atmosphere at Snowplanet. With direct control, Snowstar must urgently address and rectify these issues. A significant overhaul of management practices is essential to make Snowplanet a welcoming, family-oriented venue again. Snowstar and other stakeholders should take swift action to restore Snowplanet’s standing as a top destination for family recreation and learning.
Due to these combined issues of unprofessional staff behaviour, restrictive policies, and poor management, Snowplanet has unfortunately become a venue I can no longer recommend.