Nestled in the heart of Whitianga, The Lost Spring is a lush tropical oasis spanning 1.4 hectares. Complete with thermal pools, a day spa and restaurant, it’s a destination designed for relaxation, indulgence and escape.
But behind the tranquil setting is a story of persistence.
Founder Alan Hopping built The Lost Spring from the ground up, inspired by local tales of hot spots in the nearby Taputapuatea creek. After several unsuccessful attempts to find it, the spring was finally discovered - and what followed was a 23-year journey to bring his vision to life. The Lost Spring officially opened to the public in 2008.
Before the Covid pandemic, The Lost Spring welcomed around 64,000 visitors each year and was tracking towards 100,000. The past few years have brought significant challenges, including a sharp drop in tourism post Covid and the loss of the main road into the Coromandel region. However, visitor numbers are now steadily climbing back towards pre-pandemic levels.
Alan’s daughter, Alanna Kline, previously served as CEO and has recently returned to the business in a governance capacity as Board Liaison, bringing deep institutional knowledge and experience in the family enterprise.
“It’s a busy and exciting time for The Lost Spring,” says Alanna.
“There’s a lot of development work underway. While most of our visitors are domestic tourists, we’re seeing disposable income tighten for many Kiwis and, as a result, we’ve increased our focus on corporate events and hen’s parties.”
These markets are a natural fit. The Lost Spring aspires to burst into the corporate events market and has also been approached by a prestigious US Golf Course to host VIP guests. With Whitianga positioning itself as a hen’s party destination, The Lost Spring is perfectly placed to cater to groups seeking a premium experience.
Recent developments reflect this shift in strategy. The business has opened a purpose-built pedicure room, six deluxe treetop bures for spa treatments, a hireable boardroom and a dedicated communal space designed specifically for group bookings and hen’s parties.
As the business evolves, so too does its governance.
With no prior board experience, Alanna accessed Regional Business Partner funding to strengthen her governance capability. She is currently completing Mayfield Group’s six-month Governance Development Programme, which equips participants with the skills needed to contribute effectively at board level.
“I didn’t have any board experience, so I needed to build my understanding of board expectations - around risk, obligations and overall functionality,” she says.
“For me, it’s a long-term investment in both my family and the business.”
The programme combines in-person workshops, case studies and online learning.
“It’s a great mix - learning alongside others, hearing from incredible guest speakers, and having opportunities for one-on-one conversations,” says Alanna.
“Some of the case studies have been fascinating and really highlight the importance of strong decision-making at board level.”
One of the biggest lessons has been understanding the distinction between governance and management.
“My role as a board member is very different from that of a CEO. It’s about knowing what questions to ask and understanding how board relationships function. I’m much more conscious of risk - including the risk of not speaking up if I disagree with a decision.”
Alanna credits Mayfield Group facilitator Jo for creating a dynamic learning environment.
“She has a real talent for bringing interesting people together and drawing out the best in them.”
Reflecting on the experience, Alanna is clear about its value.
“I’m incredibly grateful for the funding and the support from Soda. The course has been worthwhile, practical and empowering.”
From uncovering a hidden hot spring to strengthening governance for the future, The Lost Spring continues to evolve - built on vision, resilience and a commitment to creating something truly special.
Find out if your business is eligible for Regional Business Partner funding.