Forty Years ago, a journey began that would eventually become The Lost Spring.
This past week, the news was published online by global companies by SpaSeekers.com and ‘Travel + Leisure’ and in the New Zealand Herald that The Lost Spring has been named, “The Most Beautiful Spa in the World”.
The Informer located Alan Hopping, the founder and creator of The Lost Spring, to speak with him about this amazing achievement and recognition.
“I am both humbled and incredibly grateful to share that The Lost Spring has been awarded this recognition for its visual beauty, geothermal pools and unique natural surroundings – The Most beautiful Spa in the World – Wow!
“My dream was always simple yet ambitious: to create New Zealand’s number one geothermal day spa,“ says Alan. Never in my lifetime did I expect that journey would one day lead to being recognised as the World’s Number One Geothermal Day Spa and Resort. To see a project that started with a simple idea receive global recognition is truly overwhelming.”
The story began in 1987 when a test well was drilled to a depth of 325 metres. Two years later, in 1989, geothermal water was discovered in a second well. So the whole town celebrated and we made a pool with a blue plastic tarpaulin as the base. Everyone jumped in. The spring was originally known as Champagne Hot Springs, named for its natural sparkling effervescence.
During the early 1990’s, the Thames Coromandel District Council commissioned a $100,000 study by the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA), an internationally respected tourism organisation. The study sought to answer a critical question:
Could The Coromandel Become A Year-Round International Tourism Destination?
“Pata’s findings were clear, says Alan. “ While the Coromandel possessed some of new Zealand’s most beautiful beaches, so too did many other regions. Unlike other destinations, the Coromandel lacked ski fields and year-round attractions that could consistently draw visitors throughout all seasons.
“However, PATA identified a significant opportunity. Around the world, geothermal spa destinations were experiencing remarkable growth and attracting both domestic and international visitors. The report suggested that geothermal spa developments could become a cornerstone of the Coromandel’s tourism future.
“Inspired by that vison, The Lost Spring was developed with two goals in mind:
1. To restore and showcase the area’s unique natural environment and native wildlife.
2. To create New Zealand’s leading geothermal day spa and pool experience.
“Today, looking back over four decades those goals have been achieved beyond anything we could have imagined. This recognition we have now received comes 38 years after the original drilling and 18 years after opening our doors to guests.
“This recognition is not mine alone. It belongs to every person who has contributed to this dream over the past four decades – our dedicated team, loyal guests and particularly a supportive community have, along the way, contributed to this success. Volunteers helped plant Nikau palms and Pohutukawa trees. Friends and family spent weekends weeding, landscaping, delivering food, donating plants, and offering encouragement when challenges seemed overwhelming.
“There were difficult periods, including a five-year loss of our geo-thermal water source. During that time, the support, kindness and belief shown by people from all walks of life; all provided enormous strength and motivation to continue.“
Peter and Ros Johnson, local Kaumātua, came and located the boundary pegs and gave a blessing over the entire property.
“Today, the future envisioned by that PATA report is becoming a reality. Planned hotel developments and improvements to regional aviation infrastructure have the potential to bring greater tourism opportunities to the Coromandel.
“When these developments are complete, it will represent the fulfilment of a vision first identified more than 30 years ago – a vision that recognised the Coromandel as a unique destination capable of attracting visitors from around the world all year round.
For The Lost Spring, this international recognition is not simply an award. It is the culmination of four decades of perseverance, community support and belief in a dream that began with one man – Alan Hopping, a single well and a vision for what the Coromandel could become.
Contact The Lost Spring
Phone:07 866 0456, Email: magic@thelostspring.co.nz, Website: www.thelostspring.co.nz
