summer 2012/13

Transcription

summer 2012/13

Rotorua News
Rotorua Canopy
Tours open
NZ’s only native
forest zipline tour
Heli Mountain
Biking offers thrills
in Whirinaki Forest
Croucher
Brewing wins
international beer award
SUMMER 2012/13
kia Ora
IN ESSENCE Summer 12/13
Nga mihi mahana ki a koutou i runga i karanga o te ra! A warm welcome to you all.
The onset of summer is a refreshing and exciting time in Rotorua, especially with new
and exciting companies continuing to diversify and innovate our tourism landscape. With
recent launches such as the likes of Rotorua Canopy Tours, our destination is continuing
to capture the imagination of both the adventurous and eco-conscious visitor.
Consistent with the previous Autumn edition, this publication features a strong focus
on our engagement with the outdoors as we continue to evolve our proposition as one
of best mountain biking destinations in the world. The variety of new mountain bike
trails developed are resulting in a number of industry leading experiences, including
unrivalled trails at Rainbow Mountain, throughout the Whakarewarewa Forest, as well
as an innovative heli-mountain biking and tour offering to support the new Thermal By
Bike (Te Ara Ahi) New Zealand Cycle trail which will open later this year.
When it comes to encouraging visitors to spend more time in Rotorua, yet still see
more of New Zealand, the re-introduction of Boeing 737 jet services linking Rotorua
and Queenstown via Christchurch over summer will be a welcomed boost. From
November to March, the number of new seats coming into Rotorua each week will
increase from approximately 390 to 1,818, so there will be a lot more opportunity for
visitors to make their way to us and other key destinations across New Zealand. This
domestic service increase is also being complimented by increased Sydney to Rotorua
services, which also go to three times per week from December through to February.
Further to the increased flight connectivity, Rotorua has also just launched a significant
three-year domestic marketing campaign focused on enticing Aucklanders to better
understand and enjoy what our destination has to offer just south of the Bombays.
The campaign which has the headline Famously Rotorua showcases the diversity of
Rotorua from its natural assets, unique adventure, diverse cuisine, people and quality
family experiences. Over time, the campaign will also celebrate the region from a live,
work and invest perspective, enticing consumers to look at the destination in new and
exciting ways.
The campaign will initially include billboards, public relations, online digital advertising,
a campaign website and social media, all supported in time by a series of television
commercials - so keep your eye out for this activity.
Here at Destination Rotorua Marketing we are really excited about spreading the word
about what our destination has to offer. We hope you enjoy this edition of In Essence
and that you have a wonderful summer.
Noho ora mai,
Kind regards
Oscar Nathan
General Manager
Destination Rotorua Marketing
feel the
welcome
05
03 Rotorua District Council
04 Rotorua International Airport
05 Rotorua District Council
06 Rotorua Museum
07 Rotorua Visitor Centre & i-SITE
08 Mitai Maori Village
feel
thrilled
09 Multi-Day Adventures
10 DOC Okataina Trail
11 DOC Rainbow Mountain
12 Rotorua MTB Club
13 Zorb
14 Southstar Adventures
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08
20
feel the
wonder
15 Rotorua Canopy Tours
16 Multi-Day Adventures &
Mountain Bike Rotorua
17 Wingspan
18 Cruise & Fish Rotorua
19 Buried Village
feel
inspired
20 Event Impressions
21 Hells Gate Geothermal Park
& Mud Spa
22 Events & Venues Rotorua
23 Railcruising
feel at
home
24 Quest Apartments
25 Sport of Kings / Sudima
26 Hamurama Lodge
Boutique Hotel
feel
26
indulged
27 Skyline Rotorua
28 Croucher Brewing
29 Polynesian Spa
30 Wai Ora Day Spa
31 Harrington House 28
32 News in Brief
34 PS
35 Out & About
37 Trade Resources
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feel the
welcome
rotorua district council
new agreement
Strong ties to
develop stronger
arrivals from China
Rotorua took an important step in ramping up potential
tourism flow out of China with the signing of a Memorandum
of Understanding (MoU) with Asia’s largest carrier recently.
The MoU between Rotorua District Council and China Southern
Airlines, who currently fly a daily service between Auckland and
Guangzhou, took place in Guangzhou on October 28.
Rotorua’s deputy mayor Trevor Maxwell was one of the principal
signatories to the historic document as was China Southern
Airlines executive vice president He Zong Kai.
Mr He Zong Kai acknowledged the opportunity to work
together to grow awareness of Rotorua across southern China
and at the same time to increase the visitor flow, profile and
understanding of China Southern Airlines’ offering in New
Zealand.
Rotorua’s Mr Maxwell commented on the importance of
developing the potential for China’s semi FIT inbound
market and working collaboratively with the likes of Auckland
International Airport and other key regions such as Queenstown
and Auckland to achieve this. The deputy mayor added the
MoU should not only be seen as an opportunity for Rotorua
to offer enhanced tour options and experiences, but also a
chance for regions to work together to offer quality and diversity
in itineraries right across the country.
The Chinese market is highly significant for New Zealand, with
China now the second largest source of market spend after
Australia. Chinese visitor expenditure in New Zealand increased
37% in the 12 months to September 2012.
The agreement is seen as timely for both parties and serves
to highlight a desire to work closely to grow and develop the
important China semi FIT and high end visitor segments to
New Zealand. It also paves the way for Rotorua to work closely
with China Southern Airline’s marketing, PR and foreign affairs
departments and through the China Southern New Zealand
office to begin implementing practical steps.
Destination Rotorua Marketing general manager Oscar Nathan
says working with the likes of China Southern Airlines, and
other principal carriers including Air New Zealand, to grow
inbound value to New Zealand is important for our country’s
inbound tourism.
Key to this is the likes of Auckland International Airport which
is aiming to generate more than 430,000 arrivals from China
and across Asia by 2020. In the 12 months to September 2012
there were 187,000 Chinese visitor arrivals to New Zealand.
Oscar Nathan
Ph: +64 7 351 7101
[email protected]
www.rotoruaNZ.com
IN ESSENCE summer 12/13
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feel the
thrilled
welcome
rotorua international airport
new service
Capacity and speed
enhanced with
summer jet service
Key domestic jet services have returned this summer on the
Rotorua to Queenstown via Christchurch route, increasing
capacity by 1800 seats a week from November 2012 to
March 2013.
Rotorua International Airport chief executive George White said
Air New Zealand’s announcement was the result of months
of hard work by people in the Rotorua tourism industries, the
Airport and Destination Rotorua Marketing.
One of the airline’s three regular daily twin-engine turboprop
short-haul regional airliner (ATR) services on the RotoruaChristchurch-Queenstown route has been replaced by the
Boeing 737 for the summer.
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The high season jet service means a 27% increase in capacity
between Rotorua and Christchurch, and a 14% increase
between Christchurch and Queenstown. In real terms it means
an increase of approximately 390 seats available each way
between Rotorua and Queenstown on a weekly basis.
Air New Zealand group general manager Australasia Bruce
Parton said the jet service would operate daily, excluding
Friday, during this period.
He added that Air New Zealand was pleased to reinstate
a jet service linking two of New Zealand’s most popular tourism
destinations for the peak summer season.
“Customers booking on the jet service between Rotorua and
Queenstown will also enjoy a reduction in the total time of their
journey of approximately half an hour,” he said.
George White
Ph: +64 7 345 8809
Email: [email protected]
www.rotorua-airport.co.nz
feel the
welcome
rotorua district council
new development
World’s largest
floating wetland
to become part
of welcome
What is believed to be the world’s largest man-made floating
wetland is expected to become a Rotorua tourist attraction
as well as an environmental success story once it is in place.
An innovative project designed to improve the water quality of
Rotorua’s largest lake, the wetland also promotes the district by
spelling out the word Rotorua in giant floating letters. The 160m
long, 40m wide structure is made from half a million recycled
plastic soft drink bottles covered by fibre matting into which
more than 20,000 native plants (grown from Rotorua sourced
seeds) have been sown.
Although it’s already complete, the football field-sized floating
wetland is temporarily moored in a sheltered Sulphur Point bay
to allow the plants’ root systems to fully establish before being
towed into place near the airport early in 2013.
A partnership between Rotorua District Council, Bay of Plenty
Regional Council and Te Arawa Lakes Trust, it is estimated that
the environmental initiative will remove significant amounts of
nitrogen and phosphorus from the lake every year.
Bay of Plenty Regional Council chairman John Cronin said
research showed that strategically located floating wetlands
were at least four times more effective at stripping nutrients
like nitrogen and phosphorus from water than conventional
terrestrial wetlands.
Rotorua Mayor Kevin Winters said he expected the floating
wetland to capture worldwide attention as an innovative
environmental improvement measure, and anticipate it will also
become an intriguing addition to the region’s diverse tourism
product since it spells out the word ‘Rotorua’ and can be seen
by those flying into, out of and over the city.
Te Arawa Lakes Trust chairman Toby Curtis said the trust was
right behind the initiative as it will be a significant contributor to
the future sustainability of Lake Rotorua.
A blessing ceremony is currently being planned for the wetland
prior to its final placement.
Clayton Oldham
Ph: +64 7 351 8218
Fax: +64 7 350 0184
[email protected]
www.rdc.govt.nz
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feel the
welcome
Stewart Brown
rotorua museum
new appointments
New director for
award-winning
museum
Hard on the heels of a multi-million dollar expansion,
Rotorua Museum is looking forward to further exciting times
under the leadership of new director Stewart Brown.
Stewart’s appointment in August 2012 followed the departure
of former director Greg McManus. Greg made an exceptional
15-year contribution to developing the Rotorua Museum into
a world-class museum experience including seeing the Bath
House building completed to its original specifications more
than 100 years after construction first began in 1903.
Rotorua Museum is now drawing on the new director’s vast
experience in the local and international tourism sectors,
his passion for Rotorua, and sound knowledge of the local
community and business sectors to cement the Museum’s
position as a leading Rotorua visitor attraction. Stewart is well
acquainted with multi-million dollar projects having successfully
directed a $12m redevelopment at Rainbow Springs in his
previous role as general manager for Ngai Tahu Tourism
so is keen to further develop the Museum into a must-see
international experience.
Other new faces in the Rotorua Museum team are Pamela
Lovis, Karl Chitham and Kathy Nicholls. Deputy director Pamela
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Pam Lovis
Karl Chitham
Kathy Nicholls
Lovis is the Museum’s most recent appointment. Formerly
the senior product development advisor in the Experience
New Zealand division at Te Papa, Pamela joined the Rotorua
Museum team in October. Director Stewart Brown says
Pamela’s extensive technical and museum background will
provide significant leadership for the Museum’s collections,
events and exhibition programmes.
Karl Chitham is the Museum’s first permanent art curator.
Using the Museum’s impressive collection and donated taonga
(treasures), he will develop exhibitions for the community and
visitors alike. Previously art collection curator at the University
of Waikato, Karl views his new role as a “great opportunity to
build on what has already been developed and introduce some
exciting new contemporary art exhibitions.”
Kathy Nicholls joined the team as sales and marketing
coordinator earlier in the year. Formerly with the Rotorua
Convention Bureau, the majority of Kathy’s career has been
conference and incentive focused; something she hopes to
continue within the Museum’s heritage building.
Housed in the iconic Bath House Category I listed heritage
building, Rotorua Museum offers a mix of permanent multi-media
displays, changing exhibitions and events. Under Stewart’s
leadership, the team is keen to take the visitor experience to an
even higher level.
Stewart Brown
Ph: +64 7 350 0561
Fax: +64 7 349 2819
[email protected]
www.rotoruamuseum.co.nz
feel the
welcome
ROTORUA VISITOR CENTRE & i-SITE
new appointment
Visitor centre
enters new era
with new leader
Well known Rotorua identity Graham Brownrigg is the new
face of Rotorua’s busy Visitor Centre and i-SITE since taking
up the manager’s role at the beginning of July. Since then
his key focus has been on improving the overall visitor
experience at the Visitor Centre as well as developing a high
performing sales team.
Formerly in management roles with Sharp Corporation and
NZ Post, Graham is no stranger to developing successful
outcomes; while with NZ Post he led his team to a win in the
Customer Choice category of the Rotorua Business Awards
as well as into the finals of the Post Shop of the Year Awards.
Graham has also been involved in organising retail promotions
and events in Rotorua, including the Farmers Market and the
last of the Summer Wine and Food Festivals.
Announcing the appointment, the Rotorua District Council’s
Economic and Regulatory Services group manager, Mark
Rawson, said Graham’s responsibilities also include adding
value to Rotorua visitor industry products, providing specialised
packaging and innovative new services to get more people
visiting Rotorua, and raising the profile of the services the
centre provides to visitors.
Destination Rotorua Marketing general manager Oscar Nathan
said that it was great to have someone of Graham’s calibre and
local experience on the team “...particularly as we step up to a
new and challenging era in the evolution of our Rotorua Visitor
Centre and i-SITE.”
Graham Brownrigg
Ph: +64 7 351 7333
Fax: +64 7 348 6044
[email protected]
www.rotoruaNZ.com
07
feel the
welcome
mitai maori village
new DEVELOPMENT
Hostesses add
to overall cultural
experience
Mitai Maori Village has expanded on the traditional Maori
concept of manaakitanga – extending a hospitable welcome
to visitors - by adding hostesses to their coach pick up
service.
Since June 2012, the wahine ataahua (hostesses) have
become the first point of contact for visitors keen to
experience Maori hospitality, culture, traditions and food at
Mitai Maori Village.
Passionate about their culture, the hostesses are proving
to be wonderful ambassadors who add a warm welcome
and a memorable first impression thus enhancing the visitor
experience of the nightly show.
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Attired in a traditional Maori kakahu or korowai (cloaks)
and adorned with a facial tattoo (moko), a wahine ataahua
accompanies each coach and driver as they collect guests
from the various accommodation houses and pick up points.
Fluent in the indigenous language of Te Reo, they welcome
visitors in their native tongue. Once coaches arrive at the
village, guests are encouraged to interact, ask questions and
enjoy photo opportunities with the hostesses, who are also
part of the cultural performance later in the evening.
Mitai Maori Village owner and chief executive Wetini Mitai is
“very excited” by the new concept, and believes they are the
first to incorporate it. He adds the overwhelmingly positive
feedback they received following a two week trial gave them the
impetus to introduce the hostesses as an ongoing feature of
Mitai Maori Village’s nightly cultural offering.
Tania Charteris
Ph: +64 7 343 9132
Fax: +64 7 343 9133
[email protected]
www.mitai.co.nz
feel
thrilled
multi-day adventures
new product
Epic climbs
and raging
descents await
experienced riders
With 35km of tough terrain including epic climbs and raging
descents, it’s no wonder mountain bikers consider Whirinaki
Forest’s Moerangi Trail one of the greatest on earth.
Since the 35km Moerangi Trail was unveiled in September
2009, it has been considered the territory of only the most
seasoned and/or hardy mountain bike riders. Rotorua operators
Helipro and Multi-Day Adventures are about to make the trail a
whole lot more accessible for intermediate to advanced riders
when they introduce a fly-in/fly-out option early in the New
Year. It will mean the 90km one-way road trip is replaced by a
30-minute flight and the half-day excursion can focus on what
the majority consider the piece de resistance of the ride - 15km
of pure gut-busting adrenalin-pumping magic . . . up and over
the Moerangi Saddle.
The helicopter flight into the prehistoric Whirinaki Forest deep
within ancestral Tuhoe lands is a special experience in itself.
Riders will delight in expansive views of Rotorua’s amazing
lakes district and fly over the dormant volcano of Mt Tarawera
before heading south-east into the heart of the 1000-year-old
native podocarp forest nestled in the Urewera Ranges.
After landing, an experienced guide will prepare the bikes
then the hard work starts with an approx 5km ascent before
savouring almost 9km of downhill fun. In between the “yahoo”
moments there’s time to drink in the natural beauty of this
stunning place.
Tak Mutu, owner and guide of Multi-Day Adventures, says it’s
an awe-inspiring place - and the reason he got into outdoor
adventure guiding.
“I walked to the edge of a cliff overlooking a valley with a river
running through it; mist hung halfway up the other side of the
valley with mountains peaking out the top. An old withered tree
framed one side of the view and a beautiful native pine the
other. It was then I had an epiphany...that I was meant to bring
people to this place so they could see the natural beauty of
Aotearoa, New Zealand.”
A decade on, Tak says it will be a thrill to finally share his lifechanging vista with others especially since he knows they’re
likely to have a ‘never to be forgotten’ experience too.
Available year-round (weather permitting), the new helibike product will launch in January 2013. With some long
sustained climbs and some tricky downhill sections, the trip
is recommended for riders with advanced or experienced
intermediate skills and a good level of fitness.
Tak Mutu
Tim Barrow
Ph: +64 7 362 4399
Ph: +64 7 357 2512
[email protected]@helipro.co.nz
www.multidayadventures.co.nz www.helipro.co.nz
09
feel
thrilled
doc okataina trail
new developments
One of Rotorua’s
special walkways
now accessible to
mountain bikers
The opportunities for mountain biking action outside of the
famed Whakarewarewa Forest just keep getting better and
better for Rotorua locals and visitors.
At the end of September the Department of Conservation
(DOC) began a trial which allows mountain bikers’ access
to the famed Western Okataina Walkway for a two year
period. It is a part of efforts by DOC to provide more fantastic
recreational opportunities, increasing the amount of users
on existing trails and working with the wider community in
growing the region.
Offering a 16km (one way) ride, the two-way Okataina track
will retain dual usage so riders need to take a ‘share with
care’ approach. The old forestry track’s wide, firm passing
options and good sight lines should provide a safe option
for all users.
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The track has three entry points - the Okataina Education
Camp and Waipungapunga carpark (both on Okataina Road)
and off Millar Road, Lake Okareka. There is comprehensive
signage at all entry points explaining trail conditions as well as
maps showing each particular area.
DOC ranger - and mountain biker - Simon Alefosio-Tuck has
ridden the walkway in both directions. His top pick for a oneway ride is Millar Road to the Education Camp. It’s a mostly
undulating 11.5km ride to the Whakapoungakau Trig track
junction. He reckons although there’s a solid uphill nearing the
junction, from there it’s an exciting 4.8km downhill to the end.
“It’s a great endurance track,” says Simon. “Mainly grade 2-3,
but the climbs are solid in length and gradient. If riding from
Millar Road end the final descent in the Education Camp is
steep and sustained ”
A fun 18km option is Millar Road to The Clearing and return.
The Clearing is an old forestry skid site that has a beautiful
grassy area. Simon says it’s similar to the clearing on Tuhoto
Ariki (in Whaka Forest) only 10 times bigger.
The Lake Okataina Scenic Reserve Board has approved
the two-year trial period. Throughout that time DOC and the
Reserve Board will regularly monitor the track.
Rob Griffiths
Ph: +64 7 349 8226
Fax: +64 7 349 7401
[email protected]
www.doc.govt.nz/rotorua
feel
thrilled
doc rainbow mountain
new developments
New trail takes riders
to greater heights
An amazing geothermal setting and one of the best
panoramic views of the region are key features of Rotorua’s
newest mountain bike trail. Taking riders to the top of
Rainbow Mountain, the new trail is a result of a collaborative
effort by the Department of Conservation (DOC), Ngati Tahu /
Ngati Whaoa and Rotorua District Council.
Known affectionately as Rainbow Mountain, the 743m (2437ft)
dome’s Maori name is Maungakakaramea - mountain of the red
ochre. Part of the Rainbow Mountain Scenic Reserve located 25km
south of Rotorua on SH 5, the mountain is easily identified by
its ‘painted’ slopes, continuous ribbons of steam and curiously
shaped summit, known as Te Tihi o Ruru - the owl’s perch.
Recent track upgrades and new developments undertaken
by DOC resulted in the opening of the new mountain bike trail
called Te Ranga, in May 2012. Beginning at the summit, the
new trail descends to Te Ranga, a popular thermal swimming
spot more commonly known as Kerosene Creek. To get there
riders take the uphill Te Tihi o Ruru trail (from the carpark on the
SH5 side). The challenging, steep ascent to the top has several
viewing platforms worth stopping at to drink in the views - and
catch a breath. One of the first platforms to be encountered
offers ‘other-worldly’ views of a coloured crater lake framed by
orange and red steaming cliffs.
With its 360° panoramic views north to Rotorua and south to
Taupo, the summit provides an amazing spot to enjoy a snack,
picnic or some camera action. Afterwards it’s time to tackle the
Te Ranga trail.
Local mountain biker Nick Lambert says the grade 4 advanced
trail has a “challenging descent.”
“There are also some great views plus distinctive geothermal
features that provide an intriguing trail splashed with reds, pinks
and white. Even the moss is impressive!”
Nick says the trail shows its nature straight off the road;
twisty, rocky and slippery with stretches of distinctive white
clay surface. The top third is the most technical and was
hand-built to minimise the impact on the sensitive geothermal
environment. The lower two-thirds, machine-built to provide
for more riding features and fantastic flow, is smooth, flowing
single track through native bush. The perfect finish brings
riders to a thermal stream at Te Ranga (Kerosene Creek)
where swimmers have created small bathing pools beside
a hot waterfall. Set in lush native bush, it’s a thermal bathing
experience like no other.
Designed to link up with Te Ara Ahi, a new part of the national
cycleway scheduled to open in November 2012, Te Ranga is a
welcome addition to Rotorua’s mountain biking options.
Rob Griffiths
Ph: +64 7 349 8226
Fax: +64 7 349 7401
[email protected]
www.doc.govt.nz/rotorua
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feel
thrilled
rotorua MTB club
new developments
Harvest produces
exciting changes to
MTB trails
Some of Rotorua’s famed Whakarewarewa Forest mountain
biking trails have a new lease of life following major tree
harvesting projects undertaken within the working forest
last summer.
relationship with Timberlands, the club was able to get trackbuilding crews into the affected areas as soon as harvesting
was completed in March and tracks reinstated before
replanting recommenced.
Local iwi also gave permission to change some trails; the most
obvious change is on Corridor, which now features stunning
panoramic views across Rotorua city and lakes. There’s also a
seat at the start of this trail, so riders can take a few moments
to enjoy the view before hurtling down the Grade 3 run with
Grade 4 options laced with a mixture of fast-flowing sections
with potential for plenty of air as well as tight technical track
providing one of the most well-balanced and exciting trails
Whakarewarewa has to offer.
The harvest affected an area of about 30 hectares within the
core mountain biking network but thanks to lots of hard-working
Rotorua Mountain Bike Club members – and tens of thousands
of dollars – several kilometres of highly favoured trails now
feature exciting new lines, deviations and views over Rotorua.
The forest, together with its extensive mountain bike trail
network, is free to access but riders can help support track
development and maintenance by joining the local mountain
bike club for just $30.
A club spokesperson says that visitors who haven’t ridden
since last summer will barely recognise trails like Corridor,
Gunna Gotta, Be Rude Not 2, Tickler, Dipper, Tahi, Creek,
Lion Trail and Challenge. He added that thanks to a good
Mike Gray
[email protected]
www.rotorua.mtbclub.org.nz
12
feel
thrilled
zorb
new product
Drop a ‘heart in
mouth’ experience
The world’s original globe-riding operation, ZORB, is still
only a short jump and wiggle away from visitors looking
for fun and excitement in Rotorua. Now the numerous ride
options - wet, dry, zig-zag, straight, individual and multiple
(up to three) - have been joined by ‘The Drop’.
Built to allow riders a steeper, longer and more thrilling
experience, The Drop’s forest route adds an intriguing element
to the experience. The new ride begins with a leisurely roll to the
edge of a hill then comes a drop-off over what seems like an
almost vertical 25 metre path with trees to the side. The ZORB
globe then picks up speed before emerging out into the same
catching area as the other two ZORB tracks.
Although the track has three deep switch-back corners built into
it to provide visitors with thrills they won’t experience anywhere
else, it has also been designed with safety in mind which makes
it suitable for participants as young as six. A single rider option,
The Drop has a weight restriction of 130kg.
The desire to create a completely new and exciting experience
– something that could truly be called ‘unique’ - was the
inspiration behind the new The Drop track. Launched at the
start of 2012, the new adventure ride is something “we are
extremely proud of,” says new general manager Kyle Kydd,
who considers “there’s nothing else out there quite like it.”
Kyle Kydd
Ph: +64 7 357 5100
Fax: +64 7 357 5102
[email protected]
www.zorb.com/zorb/locations/zorb-rotorua-nz/
“we are extremely
proud - there’s nothing
else quite like it”
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feel
thrilled
southstar adventures
new product
Big bus enhances
uphill capacity on
MTB shuttle
Squeezing every last minute of enjoyment from
Whakarewarewa’s famed forest trails is the goal of just about
every mountain biker who gets a chance to ride there.
By uplifting mountain bikers and their bikes to the top of
Whakarewarewa Forest, Southstar Shuttles help make that
objective easier to achieve. Now this progressive young
company has wound their customer service up another notch
by adding a 44-seater bus to the mix.
last lift leaves at 5:30pm on Saturday and 3:30pm on Sunday
during daylight saving (ending on April 7, 2013). An evening
option runs on Tuesday and Thursday from 5.30pm.
Getting mountain bikers to the top of the forest faster and
minimising shuttle waiting times allows enthusiasts to take
best advantage of some of New Zealand’s best downhill trails.
There are more than 30km of trail options available from the
drop off point that can be mixed and matched from cruisy
green trails like Corners through to black diamond options like
the Taniwha National Downhill.
Women will be pleased to hear that Southstar have relaunched
their Ladies Night option over summer with woman only shuttles
operating every Wednesday night from 5:30pm. These nights
are a great way to get out, sample yummy home baking, and
enjoy time in the forest with a bunch of like-minded riders.
Introduced in late October the new 44-seater bus, together
with a 44-bike trailer, will ensure waiting time is minimised
during the high-demand summer period. If there’s enough
demand the company even plan to run smaller buses
simultaneously which would provide an impressive 80 uplifts
every 15 minutes (when working to capacity).
Southstar is also excited to announce it is an official partner to
the Te Ara Ahi cycleway trail. Southstar will drop off and/or pick
up groups at top visitor attractions like Tamaki Maori Village,
Wai-O-Tapu Wonderland and Waimangu Volcanic Valley that
are among the stop-over options on the ride. Using the shuttle
option will allow time-poor or less fit cyclists to squeeze more
into their Rotorua cycling adventure. The new cycleway is
officially opening on November 29.
The shuttle leaves Waipa carpark, off SH5 five kilometres
south of Rotorua CBD, at 9:30am and 1:00pm on Saturday
and Sunday’s as well as every 15 minutes from the corner of
Hill and Pipeline Roads (marked on forest trail maps). The
Kim McVicker
[email protected]
www.southstaradventures.com
14
feel the
wonder
rotorua canopy tours
new company
Adventurous
eco-tour magical
and uplifting
Some experiences in life are truly magical and unforgettable.
Rotorua Canopy Tours is one of them; it leaves visitors in
awe of New Zealand’s native forest.
Business partners James Fitzgerald and Andrew Blackford
launched Rotorua Canopy Tours, New Zealand’s first zipline
eco-tour through a native tree canopy, in August. When visitors
find themselves perched among 500-year old native trees
above a majestic canopy and stepping off tree platforms to fly
on six thrilling ziplines 22m above the forest floor they quickly
understand how the company got its name.
Construction took five months to complete and like the rest of
the company’s infrastructure and tour, was designed and built to
ensure minimum environmental impact.
The eco-tour offers a chance to explore 1.2km of untouched
native forest through an incredible network of trails, tree
platforms, ziplines and swing bridges. James considers it a
miracle to have found such an untouched, unlogged wilderness
within 15 minutes of Rotorua; hence the strong conservation
messages apparent throughout the eco-tour.
“We looked at other sites in other regions but nowhere else has
such magnificent forest on its doorstep.”
The longest zipline, a massive 220m, combines the thrill of
flying with breathtaking views of unexplored forest valleys. Other
ziplines also weave through changing landscapes soaring
through narrow openings in the forest sub-canopy and weaving
among giant stands of ancient trees.
15
When guests pause for breath between the thrill of the ziplines,
swing bridges and tree platforms, an expert guide has the
opportunity to share their passion and knowledge of local
history, the forest and conservation challenges - thus truly
bringing the forest environment alive. Visitors will learn about the
survival of New Zealand’s special native species, eco-systems,
conservation lands and birds under threat from introduced
animal pests. It’s also a chance to savour the birdsong
resounding through the forest and to endeavour to spot native
inhabitants like kereru, tui, North Island robin, fantail and bellbird
among the rich birdlife in the dense sub-canopy.
Whilst aspiring to eventually reintroduce native birds such as
kokako and North Island kaka to the area, James believes they
achieve a far greater outcome when customers leave with a
sense of wonder and appreciation for New Zealand’s native
forests and their inhabitants.
“New Zealand forest evolved in complete isolation for over 80
million years so more than 80% of the 2500 species found in it
can’t be found anywhere else in the world,” he says.
The company operates regular scheduled tours with a maximum
of 10 guests accompanied by two experienced guides. Visitors
meet at Rotorua Canopy Tours city headquarters, 173 Old Taupo
Road, for an introduction, harness fitting and safety briefing
before a short shuttle ride to the forest. Appealing to all ages, no
experience is required.
A portion from every ticket sale contributes directly to the
company’s conservation programme which aims to remove
possums, ship rats, Norway rats, stoats, mice and feral cats from
the Dansey Road Scenic Reserve Forest.
Group inquiries are welcome, and night tours are planned for
some time in summer.
James Fitzgerald
Ph: +64 7 343 1001
Fax: +64 7 343 1001
[email protected]
www.canopy tours.co.nz
feel the
wonder
MULTI-DAY ADVENTURES
& MOUNTAIN BIKE ROTORUA
new product
Gentle introduction
to new Te Ara Ahi
national cycleway
Rotorua enjoys a high profile for its mountain biking and
cycling options. Now one company, keen to ensure riding
is an “inclusive” option, has come up with an easy familystyle ride.
With the finishing touches being made to Rotorua’s newest
cycling attraction, the 72km Te Ara Ahi – Thermal By Bike
cycleway, Multi-Day Adventures / Mountain Bike Rotorua felt
it was an opportune time to launch a new guided product. It’s
specifically aimed at beginners, families or older folk who may
find the entire ‘Thermal by Bike’ cycleway, one of 18 Great Rides
within the New Zealand Cycle Trail network, beyond them in
terms of distance, available time or having children to consider.
Spread over a half day and covering an achievable 8km,
the easy grade family/beginner level scenic guided tour
is a great way to see some of the city, its attractions and
geothermal activity at a relaxed pace. Plenty of stopping off
and sightseeing time has been built into the tour enriched by
knowledgeable guides sharing some of Rotorua’s rarely heard
stories and histories.
Each group (one to 30) is customised so participants meet at
the company’s Waipa headquarters, 5km south of the CBD,
at a time that suits. Once riders are matched with helmets
and bikes (from the brand new fleet of 2013 model mountain
bikes) and any youngsters are set up with a trailer bike or kids
mountain bike options, the group are transferred to the start of
the ride at Prince’s Gate, just 100m from the Rotorua i-SITE.
The beginning of the trail is a gentle meander through
picturesque Government Gardens, home to the magnificent
Rotorua Museum. A stop here offers a chance to take an
interactive look at the region’s rich history - including the
arrival and subsequent influence of Rotorua’s own Te Arawa
tribe - before continuing on past the historic Blue Baths and
Polynesian Spa. The group then join a trail bordering Lake
Rotorua and ride through a moonscape of geothermal activity
before entering pine forest and gum plantations on the edge
of the city.
Further opportunities for cultural and geothermal experiences
come at Whakarewarewa Valley and Te Puia. Those who choose
to explore Te Puia are likely to see world-famous Pohutu Geyser
erupting up to 30m high, plus mud pools, New Zealand’s
native kiwi, Maori cultural performances and traditional weaving
and carving at the NZ Maori Arts and Crafts Institute. From
Whakarewarewa the tour passes through the beautiful Hemo
Gorge with its cascading Puarenga rapids and historic sites like
Te Whakawhitinga -o-Hatupatu (The Crossing of Hatupatu).
Eventually the tour arrives back at the cycling hub of New
Zealand, Waipa, at the end of an enriching and fun half-day
experience.
With the new tour off the ground, the company has plans to
introduce longer ride options plus natural geothermal hot pool
soaks, multi-day excursions and combos that include rafting,
lake or river kayaking, heli-sightseeing and forest mountain
biking trails.
Tak Mutu
Ph: +64 7 362 4399
[email protected]
www.multidayadventures.co.nz
www.mtbrotorua.co.nz
16
feel the
wonder
wingspan
NEW DEVELOPMENT & MILESTONE
Two decades of
conservation action
rewarded
Marking more than 20 years of success in New Zealand
falcon conservation efforts earlier this year, Wingspan
Birds of Prey Trust aren’t resting on their laurels. A
highly interactive new website and a plan to purchase 50
hectares of land were both launched in August to mark a
milestone in the Trust’s evolution.
A dinner and auction was held to celebrate both the 20th
anniversary of becoming a charitable trust in 1992 and to
recognise the ongoing work being done by the Trust to ensure
the survival of native birds of prey - falcons, owls and hawks particularly the threatened native New Zealand falcon, karearea.
This spectacular falcon is found nowhere else in the World and
can fly at 230km/hr. There are less than 4,000 pairs of Karearea
falcons remaining in New Zealand (compared to around 80,000
Kiwi birds). The auction kicked off a major fundraising venture
with the ultimate goal to enable the Wingspan Birds of Prey
Trust to buy land (rather than continue to rent); ideally 50ha in
the Rotorua district to allow for expansion and to support their
conservation programme in perpetuity.
Wingspan was founded by falconer Debbie Stewart in the 1980s.
Debbie and her small band of supportive volunteers believed
their grassroots efforts would not only get results directly through
breeding, and rehabilitating injured New Zealand raptors, but
also by educating people about the plight of these birds.
17
Allowing the birds to breed in the wild plays just as an important
part as rescue, says Debbie. “Deliberate shooting remains a
huge problem, however through education people are much
more aware today.”
In the ensuing years Wingspan has successfully cared for and
returned 600 native falcons to the wild. Wingspan has six of only
eight falconers in all of New Zealand and they work daily with the
birds. Falconry, with a 4000 year history around the World, has
been recently recognised by UNESCO as an ‘Intangible Cultural
Heritage of Humanity’. Age old methods are used at Wingspan
to train falcons for fitness and hunting skills before releasing
them into the wild.
Through research and advocacy, Wingspan also supports longterm sustainable conservation by identifying the reasons for the
decline in wild populations and promoting actions to reverse this.
The sanctuary’s multi-pronged approach is working, with wild
numbers slowly increasing.
The aim of Wingspan’s website revamp was a more user-friendly
site offering up-to-date information about the birds in the Trust’s
care and the staff who work with them. Animated ambassadors,
Zoe the morepork and Charlotte the falcon, take viewers to
pages offering information on different aspects of raptor life.
Browsers can also find out about the heritage of the birds which
dates back 4000 years.
Visit Wingspan at 2pm daily for during interactive flying displays
that showcase the spectacular birds.
Debbie Stewart
Ph: +64 7 357 4469
[email protected]
www.wingspan.co.nz
feel the
wonder
cruise & fish rotorua
new product
New boat, new
divisions expand
lake fishing options
Cruise and Fish Rotorua expanded its options to utilise
two of Rotorua’s most scenic, trout-rich lakes on October 1,
2012. Cruise and Fish Lake Tarawera, featuring Nimue,
focuses on Lake Tarawera while Cruise and Fish Rotoiti,
featuring Elusive, focuses on Lake Rotoiti.
The 10m (33ft) Nimue is a Kelsall Power Cat surveyed for 20
people and it was launched on Lake Tarawera on June 6, 2012.
The catamaran’s generous 5 metre beam provides guests with
a spacious, stable and comfortable environment. It also makes
it the perfect party or fishing platform from which to take in Lake
Tarawera’s splendour. Featuring an array of comforts, the new
boat has enclosed clear roll-down blinds in the cockpit area
to provide shelter from the weather and loads of comfortable
seating. A bow net between the hulls is a fun place to sit and
relax in summer.
A trip aboard Nimue offers access to world-class trout fishing
(jigging, trolling, harling or fly fishing), impressive scenery,
thermal soaking in natural hot water at Te Rata Bay as well as
barbecue, picnic and cruising options. Nimue can be launched
from any of Lake Tarawera’s many boat ramps at anytime to
suit clients, with overnight options also available.
Formerly plying the waters of Lake Tarawera, the 8.5 metre (28ft)
Orca-built Roger Hill catamaran Elusive is a specialist fishing
option on picturesque Lake Rotoiti. Elusive is a well-appointed,
stable vessel set up for six to eight anglers who can trout fish
using jigging, trolling, down-rigging or harling methods.
Elusive is surveyed to carry up to 15 passengers as a water taxi
or cruising option. Fishing trips can be combined with a soak
in the natural outdoor thermal pools at Manupirua Hot Springs
that are only accessible by boat.
Shared trips on either lake/boat offer excellent value-for-money
as hires are based on fully guided hourly boat rates. To enjoy
the experience to the fullest, the recommended minimum is a
three-hour trip. Fishing licenses are additional.
Apart from Rotorua lakes fishing with the Tarawera and Rotoiti
divisions, Cruise and Fish Rotorua (incorporating Hamill
Guiding) also specialises in back country fly fishing options
throughout the central North Island.
John Hamill
Mob: +64 7 21 951 959
[email protected]
www.cruiseandfish.co.nz
18
feel the
wonder
buried village
new product
Mozivision - an
innovative way
to take a tour
Since the Buried Village offers such strong past-to-present
linkage, it seems particularly apt that it has begun using
modern technology to perform a traditional task – telling
great stories.
The attraction has partnered with creative-tech start-up company
Mozivision to utilise cutting-edge technology to enrich the village
experience. A new mobile video guide allows visitors to wander
through the heritage site at their own pace whilst enjoying a
personal guided tour anytime.
Specifically created for Apple iPod touch devices, the video
guides are loaded with maps, pictures and a series of short, sitespecific video chapters about the people, places and events that
make the historic Buried Village special. The video chapters are
fun, informative and offer visitors a sense of being on a private,
behind-the-scenes tour of the village. It also means tours can be
taken anytime rather than at scheduled tour times.
The storyteller in the video is Thomas McGrath whose great
grandparents, grandparents and parents have lived, worked
and excavated the site over the past 80 years. It is fitting that this
fourth generation Smith family member was chosen to share the
19
village’s unique stories - from rare stone carvings on an ancient
Maori storehouse to the army barracks that became the village’s
first museum – via the video chapters.
Current Buried Village general manager Pam McGrath believes
their new mobile video guides have set a new benchmark for
heritage tourism in New Zealand.
Karlene Zlahtic
Ph: +64 7 362 8287
Fax: +64 7 362 8287
[email protected]
www.buriedvillage.co.nz
feel
inspired
event impressions
new product & milestone
Lady in Red fitting
way to celebrate
decade in business
“It’s all in the detail” sums up the maxim husband and wife
team Jeff and Jacqui Alexander have employed in their
business over the past decade.
The pair created and launched their Rotorua-based company
Event Impressions in January 2002. They are justifiably proud
of the fact that in the ensuing decade it’s grown into one of
New Zealand’s leading event décor and design companies
servicing clients nationwide. With a permanent team of 14, two
full warehouses and thousands of events under their belt in
every part of the country, the Event Impressions team have every
reason to celebrate 10 years in business.
They cemented their continued growth and development
by creating a business development manager position and
appointing Sandra Blackledge to the role in April. The couple say
Sandra’s arrival has enabled work to begin on bringing some
of their many innovative and inspiring ideas to further develop
products and events to fruition.
Among the winning ideas the Event Impression team have put
together for clients in the past year was ‘The Lady in Red’ theme
created for the welcome function at MEETINGS 2012 hosted at
the Hilton Auckland on June 12.
Tradeshow delegates and exhibitors had their breath taken away
by the sight and sound of Rotorua soprano Evelyn Falconer
positioned at the top of a two-tier staircase. Set off by a huge
gold frame and masses of red roses, The Lady in Red wore a
stunning red satin gown featuring a 30m train which cascaded
down the full length of the stairs to create a spectacular waterfall
effect. The train and staircase were further enhanced with
masses of candles and lots of single red roses.
To complement the dramatic welcome, Event Impressions made
sure guests were treated to romantically elegant surroundings
in the function room including massed displays of more than
600 red roses and internally lit perspex leaners. A new addition
to Event Impressions ever-expanding inventory, perspex leaners
can have graphics added on request.
Jacqui says, “As anticipated, The Lady in Red provided a
talking point among MEETINGS delegates and exhibitors, as
did the hundreds of red roses in the room. We look forward to
the opportunity of presenting The Lady in Red to more clients
and guests in the future.”
Jeff and Jacqui Alexander
Ph: +64 7 348 4045
Fax: +64 7 348 4046
[email protected]
www.eventimpressions.co.nz
20
feel
inspired
HELLS GATE GEOTHERMAL PARK & MUD SPA
new pRODUCT
Educational
activities join forces
to provide ‘living
classroom’
A group of Rotorua operators, lead by Hells Gate
Geothermal Park and Mud Spa chief executive Bryan
Hughes, is part of a new Fire and Ice active education
offering targeting Australian schools.
Marketed through well known Australian IBO Group Events,
the Fire and Ice education packages offer a nationwide pick ‘n’
mix of chemistry, biology, physics, environmental geography,
ecology and conservation options as well as the Rotorua
region’s science and earth forces component.
To provide an in-depth regional overview of the Rotorua
Volcanic Plateau’s geological history and the physical and
economic affects of geothermal activity, Hells Gate joined
forces with other educational activity providers in the region
including its own Mokoia Island Experiences, Waimangu
Volcanic Valley, Wai-O-Tapu Wonderland, Whakarewarewa
Thermal Village, Rotorua Duck, Rotorua Museum, Mt Tarawera,
Taupo’s Geological and Nuclear Sciences Centre and
Whakatane’s White Island Tours.
Bryan Hughes, coordinator of the package’s Rotorua section,
believes from an educational perspective Rotorua’s naturally
plentiful earth forces and violent volcanic history offer a great
way to bring science alive for students.
21
“We identified the need for more technical knowledge within
the subjects, and believe this coordinated effort will help tell the
Rotorua story,” said Bryan. “Curriculum-based, the package
aims to educate students on Rotorua as a whole and how the
region’s geothermal systems are interconnected.”
Together with Group Events, Hells Gate will be attending the
Australian Geography Teachers’ Association conference in
Perth in January to promote the package directly to Australian
teachers. Joy Cicchini, a member of Western Australia’s School
Curriculum and Standards Authority, has already praised Hells
Gate’s suitability for inclusion in the science and earth forces
programme.
“Hells Gate staff with a science background are able to discuss
various topics of a scientific nature – the pH of the boiling
pools; the land corals that grow around some pools; the
effect of the sulphur gas and the unusual thixotrophic clay that
becomes more viscous when shaken.”
Bryan Hughes
Ph: +64 7 345 4117
Fax: +64 7 345 9117
[email protected]
www.hellsgate.co.nz or
www.groupevents.com.au
feel
inspired
Events & Venues Rotorua
new product
Bold step enables
clients to take
centre stage
An exciting new option arrived on the conference and
incentive scene in Rotorua in July – The Stage dinners
at Rotorua’s Civic Theatre.
The Civic Theatre’s refurbishment, completed in September
2010, included a 23m high stagehouse, an enhanced flying
system and a deeper stage with wider wings in addition to
many technical enhancements. It was these state-of-the-art
facilities that inspired the Events & Venues (E&V) team to
think about offering stagehouse dinners to the conference
and incentive (C&I) market.
The backdrops and large scale imagery also means it’s a
simple process for organisers to create any theme/scene
- whether it’s a cowshed, an operating theatre or a desert
oasis. In addition E&V will also work with local company
Event Impressions to assist those who want to generate
even more atmosphere with props like smoke machines and
laser lights, dancers and aerial silk acrobats, table settings or
complementary furniture.
Brett Jeffery
Ph: +64 7 350 1741
Mob: +64 27 249 8677
[email protected]
www.eventsandvenues.co.nz
E&V sales and marketing manager Brett Jeffery said the
new concept (with a capacity of up to 150 guests) is already
creating excitement within the New Zealand corporate sector
market. He added that utilising the extended and refurbished
Civic Theatre stage in this manner effectively provides Rotorua
with a new C&I venue.
The new option means that organisers are able to create
dramatic, scene-setting backdrops; anything from an Amazon
jungle scene to a stylish Parisian street café. They are also able
to utilise large format imagery to simulate options like dining at
the top of Mt Tarawera or deep in the Whakarewarewa Forest.
22
feel
inspired
railcruising
AWARD & OPENING
Confidence builds
with awards,
opening and
bookings
Rotorua’s own RailCruising venture, featuring the world’s
first fully automated petrol-electric hybrid railway vehicles,
was officially opened by the Prime Minister and Minister of
Tourism John Key on July 4.
Accompanied by local MP Todd McClay, Mr Key made the
10km rail journey from Tarukenga to Mamaku Railway Station,
part of the old Rotorua branch line, by RailCruiser for the official
opening. Like the steady stream of domestic and international
visitors who have already sampled the product since its soft
opening on December 26, 2011, the Prime Minister was
impressed despite telling co-owner and inventor Neil Oppatt
he probably would have sent Neil to a psychiatric hospital if he
had come to him with the idea, but added “ ...Good on you for
going ahead with it.” He went on to say he had really enjoyed
a great ride on a great product, which would no doubt attract a
lot of tourists.
23
Neil and his wife Jane own and run Rail Riders Ltd, the
company behind the new tourist activity of RailCruising based
on the RailCruiser V3000.
Sir Richard Taylor is another luminary who has praised the
innovation shown in developing a unique form of tourism
activity based on railway lines. The owner of Weta Workshop,
Sir Richard commended Rail Riders on the innovation shown
in developing a unique form of tourism activity, which is able to
bring life to once abandoned railways. He honoured them with
a Weta Workshop Award for creativity and imagination for the
design of the world’s first powered self-drive RailCruiser railway
vehicle. The award was announced at the Federation of Railway
Organisations of New Zealand (FRONZ) annual conference
held in Rotorua in June.
After a few months in operation it’s already clear the markets
hooked on RailCruising are ‘matures’ and ‘families’. The Oppatts
say demand from the industry for their new soft adventure activity
has exceeded their expectations with good numbers booked
from coach tour and cruise ship companies this summer.
The forward bookings give Neil the confidence to state that
RailCruising is on its way to becoming an iconic New Zealand
soft adventure product, something he says attracts 70-yearolds in the same way 18-year-olds are drawn to bungy jumping.
Neil Oppatt
Ph: +64 800 724 574
[email protected]
www.railcruising.com
feel at
home
quest apartments
new company
Request new innercity Quest option
Rotorua will have a brand new accommodation option when
the Quest Rotorua Central opens its new inner-city complex.
Developed by Ray Cook of R & B Consultants Ltd, who also
completed the city’s Novotel and Ibis hotels, the purpose-built
36-room Quest Rotorua Central is due to open in November,
2012. The complex boasts a range of apartments from studio
and one and two bedroom interconnecting apartments through
to executive studio and one bedroom apartments with their own
private balcony and spa pool. Other on-site amenities include a
pantry shopping service, restaurant charge, valet dry cleaning,
babysitting service, meeting room and car park.
Along with appealing to Quest’s traditional corporate and
government travellers, Quest Rotorua Central’s Hinemoa
Street location and in-apartment spas means it will also be
an attractive option for leisure visitors. The 14th purposebuilt property amongst Quest’s 32-strong New Zealand
accommodation chain, Quest Rotorua Central is within easy
walking distance of the Convention Centre, local restaurants,
shopping precinct, museum, Government Gardens and the
Lakefront.
Colin and Lisa MacPhee
Mob: +64 21 021 911 78
Freephone: 0800 944 400
[email protected]
www.questrotoruacentral.co.nz
The newest Quest franchisees, Lisa and Colin MacPhee, are
former Qualmark assessors. Stephen Mansfield, chief executive
of Quest Serviced Apartments in New Zealand, says after
grading a significant portion of accommodation providers in
New Zealand, including many Quest properties, the McPhee’s
assessed a Quest franchise as a “quality decision” and are
looking forward to their involvement with Quest Rotorua Central.
24
feel at
home
sport of kings
development
sudima hotel
award
Home comforts help Rotorua hotel
motel find itself back boasts receptionist
to winning ways
of the year
When Ian and Jyl Morrison purchased Rotorua’s Sport of
Kings Motel as an investment 15 years ago it had just won
the AA Host Accommodation Award. In the ensuing years,
the motel has had a number of lessees resulting in the
once superior property sinking into the bottom third of local
accommodation options. The insolvency of the last lessee in
November 2009 convinced the couple to take over the reins
and return the motel to its winning ways.
“We wanted it to truly be a home away from home providing
comfort and luxury,” says Jyl, the creative inspiration behind the
transformation.
Ian says they understand businesses can’t afford to rest on
their laurels. “Just doing repairs and maintenance alone won’t
cut it; buildings need to be refurbished and the ongoing
replacement of plants and chattels is a must.”
So the couple set about a makeover for the motel with a vision
to provide guests with more than the typical functional but
largely characterless motel/hotel environment.
An accomplished bird artist, Jyl’s work graces the walls of the
apartments whilst the new reception has become something
of an art gallery. Her work complements new La-Z-Boy recliner
chairs, new beds and bedding, and new dishwashers and full
sized fridge/freezers (in the family apartments).
The couple believe that along with a new yard surface, geothermal
system and water filtration plant for 10 spas and year-round
heated pool, the interior makeover gained them a Trip Advisor
Travellers’ Choice Award. The award ranks Sport of Kings 16th
among the top 25 accommodation providers in the South Pacific
for bargain hotels based on value-for-money.
Ian and Jyl Morrison
Ph: +64 7 348 2135
Fax: +64 7 347 1819
[email protected]
www.sportofkingsmotel.co.nz
25
Sudima Hotel Lake Rotorua general manager Gert Taljaard is
delighted to have the ‘2012 New Zealand Hotel Receptionist
of the Year’ Paula Roberts on his front-line staff.
“I think it’s amazing for our city and for the Sudima,” said Gert.
“We’re exceptionally proud that Paula has won the award, she
is a fantastic team player and one of the most professional
young people I have ever met,” he says.
Paula took out the prestigious Hotel Receptionist of the Year
title in Christchurch on September 22 following her win in the
Central North Island regionals in Taupo on August 10. As part of
her prize, Paula will fly to Italy to represent New Zealand at the
AICR ‘International Receptionist of the Year’ competition being
held in Rome in January 2013.
“Growing up in hospitality I knew I wanted to make it my career
and I am so thankful for all the amazing support I have received
from friends, family and most of all my work colleagues, it’s a
truly remarkable feeling that I will never forget,” she said.
Organised by the Association of Rooms Division Executives of
New Zealand (ARDENZ), the competition features five regional
finals. Candidates from hotels (holding a 3.5 star rating and
above) undergo a panel interview to test their knowledge
on costs, profits, revenue, yield management, staffing level,
structure and promotional ideas. They were also required to
demonstrate an ability to think on their feet through role play;
identifying guest’s needs and matching them with the highest
standard of customer care and professionalism.
Kylie Burness, a receptionist at the Novotel Lakeside Rotorua,
also contested the regional finals held in Taupo. ARDENZ
president Terry Johnston, one of judges of the central heat,
commented that the standard was very high. “The Central North
Island should be proud of the talent that represented them.”
Gert Taljaard
Ph: +64 7 348 1174
Fax: +64 7 346 0238
[email protected]
www.sudimahotels.com
feel at
home
HAMURANA LODGE BOUTIQUE HOTEL
new development
Making a
beeline towards
sustainability
Hotel director Fred Novella says that honey bees
played a part in Hamurana Lodge Boutique Hotel
gaining Qualmark Enviro Gold in July.
Qualmark’s ultimate recognition for meeting the highest
levels of environmental and social responsibility, the Enviro
Gold recognises new initiatives the boutique property has
undertaken – including introducing beehives – as well as
progress made since the boutique property first gained Enviro
Award Silver status in 2010.
Fred says that in keeping with their holistic approach to
business, the Hamurana team incorporate sustainable
practices wherever possible so that every aspect of the
operation has a sustainability component.
One project that Hamurana Lodge Boutique Hotel is particularly
proud of – and guests are enjoying - is the introduction of
beehives to the estate.
“In keeping with our commitment to sustainable hotel
management we opted to welcome honeybees onto our land
and, in doing so, believe we have created a win-win situation
through the symbiotic relationship of the hives and our organic
garden,” says Fred.
“The bees have a safe environment together with a good food
source, which means we have bees galore pollinating the
vegetables, flowers, fruit and herbs on the property.”
Their across-the-board philosophy includes an organic
kitchen garden, recycling food waste (through composting
and supplementary feed for on-site animals), energy efficient
heating, minimising water usage both inside the lodge
and out on the estate, and encouraging guests to use the
complimentary bicycles.
The lodge also aims to get guests to connect with nature
during their stay.
“We hope the sustainable examples we set motivate our guests
to go home inspired to contribute to the conservation of the
earth through their own efforts,” says Fred.
Qualmark is best known for its star ratings assessments, and
Hamurana Lodge Boutique Hotel has held a Qualmark 5 star
Guest and Hosted Accommodation rating since 2005.
Fred Novella
Ph: +64 7 332 2222
Mob: +64 21 031 2803
[email protected]
www.hamuranalodge.com
26
feel
indulged
skyline rotorua
new product & development
Jolly jumping
jelly beans
Jelly bean heaven is the latest accolade to be claimed by
Skyline Rotorua. The well known gondola, luge and dining
attraction teamed up with the world famous Jelly Belly
gourmet jelly bean company to open a new store and gallery
in July 2012.
With some 100 different scrumptious flavours, pick ‘n’ mix
options and a huge variety of gift packs, the new Jelly Belly
concept store will not only excite those with a sweet tooth but
also provide fun and inspiration for all ages via a Bean Boozled
winning wheel and jelly bean artwork made from thousands
of jelly beans. Guests already rate the large scale artworks,
including Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa, recreated using more
than 17,000 jelly beans, and Vincent van Gogh’s The Starry
Night, boasting more than 11,500 beans, as “incredible” . . .
“amazing” . . . “fantastic”.
Guests entering the store are greeted by Skyline’s own luge
superhero, Captain Gravity. Immortalised using more than
25,000 jelly beans; he proudly stands alongside a jelly bean
encrusted luge cart. Then it’s on to Bean Boozled, a game of
27
chance where players spin a wheel and get a jelly bean to try.
The catch is that half the 16 flavour options are yummy whilst
the other half aren’t. Every slot on the wheel has a good and
bad option - and players must take a chance on choosing the
right option. Yummy flavours include chocolate pudding and
peach whilst the nasty include dog food and rotten egg.
Skyline Rotorua general manager Bruce Thomasen said they
wanted to provide another unique, all weather, world-class
experience to complement the array of activities already on
offer. The result is that Skyline Rotorua is the only place in New
Zealand that has the range of jelly bean artworks and the sheer
amount of jelly beans all in one place. A gondola cabin partially
covered in jelly beans also provides a spectacle moving up and
down Mt Ngongotaha.
“We researched what a world-class candy store might look like
for our customers and are proud of how it has turned out. It has
massive appeal for visitors of all ages,” said Bruce. “In future
we will be adding birthday party and conference and incentive
products.”
David Blackmore
Ph: +64 7 347 0027
Fax: +64 7 348 2163
[email protected]
www.skyline.co.nz/rotorua/jelly-bean-store/
feel
indulged
croucher brewing
award & development
Another international
award, more
experimentation
for craft beer
Rotorua’s Croucher Brewing has been busy concocting,
developing and fermenting a range of handmade craft beers
for the past seven years. In that time they have not only
developed a range of fine brews, but have gained a huge
loyal fan base and critical acclaim via some impressive
national and international beer competitions.
The latest international award, for Croucher Pilsner, was collected
at the Australian International Beer Awards, the world’s largest
annual beer competition. They won a gold medal and the
Spieglau Trophy for the best pilsner in May 2012.
Paul Croucher says the award provides additional marketing
impetus required to generate significant exports to Australia,
Asia and North America.
He says craft beer is the beverage industry’s growth segment,
with converts often adopting an almost religious fervour when it
comes to learning about, sharing and drinking craft beer – and
Croucher Brewing is at the forefront of this movement. Their
staples like Pale Ale and Pilsner have been joined by ‘out of
ordinary’ bottled beers like Patriot, a Black IPA, and Galaxy, a
super hoppy Australian IPA. For the uninitiated an IPA (India
Pale Ale) style beer offers a refreshingly bitter hops-driven taste.
Enthusiasts can also sample an array of Croucher seasonals
on tap including Cherry Bock, strong Belgian Wit’s, and
Mamaku Blueberry Porter. Some of the beers have such limited
runs that the company’s own craft beer pub, Brew in Rotorua,
is only place aficionados can be guaranteed to try them.
Opened in Rotorua in 2011, Brew incorporates Croucher
craft beers in every dish of its pub menu. Try Croucher Patriot
braised shanks, Pilsner-marinated plum ribs or maybe Pale Ale
apricot chicken drumsticks with hops followed by Ethiopian
espresso stout and chocolate brownie or a trio of beer sorbets.
In their quest to provide authentically different food
experiences, the Brew team have commissioned a local bakery
to produce a specialty bread incorporating Pale Ale whilst a
local butcher is working on developing a Patriot sausage.
Paul Croucher
Ph + 64 7 348 5888
[email protected]
www.croucherbrewing.co.nz
or www.brewpub.co.nz
28
feel
indulged
polynesian spa
new development
Upgrade adds to
award-winning spa
therapy experience
Polynesian Spa completed a stylish upgrade of their deluxe
spa therapy wing in July 2012, continuing an ongoing
tradition of constant improvement and redevelopment in
both product and customer service.
A key offering of New Zealand’s leading international spa
complex, the Lake Spa Retreat’s setting and sumptuous
spa therapies have been recognised as world-class by both
domestic and international visitors since opening in 2000.
The recent top-to-toe refurbishment has added even more
ambience to the Retreat’s five spa therapy rooms and two
relaxation lounges. Deep, soft carpeting, marble showers
and vanities plus new lounging furniture complement the
understated earth-toned colour scheme and murals of local
volcanic and bush scenes and further enhance the feeling of
indulgent relaxation.
Managing director Martin Lobb believes they have succeeded
in their aim of creating an even more luxurious feel to the retreat
where clients can experience a few hours of blissful peace
whilst world-class spa therapy pampering.
Overlooking the panorama of Sulphur Bay, all Lake Spa Retreat
options include the added bonus of a relaxing soak in one of
the Lake Spa hot mineral pools prior to a therapy.
29
The spa complex also achieved its second Qualmark Enviro
Gold Award this year. To gain New Zealand tourism’s official
environmental award, the company had to show effectiveness
in energy efficiency, waste management, and water
conservation. Community activities and conservation initiatives
are also considered under Qualmark’s environmental criteria.
Martin believes “doing the right thing” and ensuring clients
go away happy is crucial to Polynesian’s Spa longevity and
ongoing success.
Marking its 40th birthday in April 2012, Polynesian Spa has
again been named as one of the top 10 mineral spring spas in
the world by the prestigious Conde Nast Traveller magazine,
the sixth time in the past decade.
Martin Lobb
Ph: +64 7 348 1328
Fax: +64 7 348 9486
[email protected]
www.polynesianspa.co.nz
feel
indulged
wai ora day spa
award
Global recognition
in luxury spa awards
Rotorua’s Wai Ora Day Spa made it two in a row by winning
several categories in the New Zealand awards of the 2012
World Luxury Spa Awards announced in April.
Part of Wai Ora Lakeside Spa Resort, the day spa achieved a
first placing in three categories of the World Luxury Spa Awards
New Zealand categories: Best Luxury Spa Destination, Best
Luxury Spa Group and Best Luxury Mineral Springs Spa. They
were also runners-up within the Best Luxury Day Spa and Best
Luxury Spa Resort categories.
Marinique de Wet, executive manager for World Luxury Spa
Awards, says that the calibre of nominations received this
year was of an exceptionally high standard, and the winners
represent the “absolute best” spas who are delivering a true
luxury spa experience and developing in line with global trends.
Wai Ora Day Spa owners Bryan and Lisa Hughes are
delighted with the accolades especially since they follow on
from successes achieved in last year’s World Luxury Spa
Awards. Involved in the spa industry for over 20 years, the
couple opened Wai Ora Day Spa in 2008. Their vision was to
provide a contemporary day spa experience emphasising local
ingredients whilst incorporating traditional regional cultural
elements.
“We are thrilled with the result,” says Bryan. “Not only do the
awards acknowledge the hard work that’s already been done,
but they also motivate us to continue expanding our spa
offerings both in Rotorua and internationally.”
He added the awards showed that the standard of their day
spa facilities and services are internationally competitive. “We
see Rotorua as being the spa centre for the South Pacific, and
will continue to work to turn this vision into a reality.”
Located within the Wai Ora Lakeside Spa Resort on the edge
of Lake Rotorua, Wai Ora Day Spa’s beauty and wellness
therapies are available between 9am and 9pm daily.
Bryan Hughes
Ph: + 64 7 343 5100
Fax: +64 7 345 9117
[email protected]
www.waioraspa.co.nz
30
feel
indulged
harrington house
new company
English tavern
hitting the spot
with patrons.
One of Rotorua’s mere handful of three-storey heritage
homes was transformed into an English tavern, Harrington
House, in April thanks to new owner/operators Tina and Ben
Westwood.
Built by an architect as a home for his wife in the 1920s, the
dwelling has been home to several successful restaurant/bars
over the years yet still manages to retain its original homely feel
in it’s latest reincarnation - an unashamedly English-style tavern
serving up genuine English hospitality and hearty but exciting
English fare.
Tucked away in inner-city Hinemoa Street, Harrington House
has several distinctly different rooms spread over its three
floors where patrons can enjoy a pint of British beer, a glass of
wine and a traditional home cooked meal.
The ground floor houses the main bar where a refined yet rustic
décor of an English pub offers a comfortable ‘at home’ feel.
Serving predominantly British beers, the options are changed
regularly so customers can enjoy sampling the range of
excellent beers being made these days. It’s also a great place
to enjoy tasty, hearty English food ranging from chip butty and
Welsh Rarebit snacks through to steak, mushroom and ale pies
and Tongue in Cheek Roly-Poly.
31
The Boudoir, Study and Playroom can be found up the winding
staircase whilst the basement is home to the Psychedelic
Lounge. The Boudoir takes its inspiration from a 1920s ladies
bedroom, The Study offers relaxation on leather couches in
front of a cosy fire, and The Playroom is a dining/recreation
area for both adults and kids. The 60s inspired Psychedelic
Lounge is an over 18 bar with its own beer garden and
entrance; making it the perfect spot for private functions and
parties (minus a room hire fee)
Tina and Ben Westwood
Ph: +64 7 348 2591
Mob: +64 29 771 5050
[email protected]
www.harringtonhouse1282.com
news in brief
Taste wines
and sample
views
A unique wine experience
is to be added to Rotorua’s
food and wine line-up with
the pairing of a winery with
iconic tourism attraction
Skyline Rotorua. Initially the
new partnership with Volcanic
Hills Wines means Skyline
Restaurant diners can opt to
match a meal with Volcanic
Hills wines. This option will be followed by the opening of a
tasting room in December 2012. It is hoped that the final stage
of the project, an on-site winery, will produce its first vintage in
March 2013. Once the winery is complete, visitors will be able
to see how the wine is made, before taking a gondola ride to
a tasting room and sampling the Volcanic Hills range of pinot
gris, chardonnay, sauvignon blanc and pinot noir wines whilst
enjoying panoramic views across the Rotorua district. Skyline
Rotorua general manager Bruce Thomasen thinks that once
again they have come up with something special. “Nowhere
else in New Zealand – or perhaps the world – can visitors
take a gondola to a wine tasting experience with stunning 180
degree views.” www.skyline.co.nz
new theme for blue Baths
The Blue Baths’ brand new corporate theme, Everlasting Love,
skilfully mixes the pomp and ceremony of a real wedding
with a healthy helping of comedy, drama and entertainment.
Delegates are sent themed invitations to a wedding, which
begins with a ceremony gone awry in the chapel-style Tearoom
followed by photographs on the venue’s iconic front steps.
Champagne corks pop and hors d’oeuvres circulate in the
Foyer Bar before guests are ushered through to a glittering
Lido Lounge reception. EMERGE, the Blue Baths’ in-house
entertainment troupe of actors, singers, musicians and
dancers, provide ongoing wedding-themed amusements
throughout. If Everlasting Love’s nuptial focus isn’t exactly right,
event organisers can select from other Blue Baths wedding
themes including 30s Gangster, Trashtastic 80s or the very
topical Big Fat Gypsy theme. www.bluebaths.co.nz
Enhancing streat with
music, atmosphere and
$10 Sunday lunch
Eat Streat has been a feature of the lake-end of Tutanekai
Street for many years, however it came into its own when the
Rotorua District Council (RDC) trialled what would become a
permanent pedestrian-only zone allowing expansive alfresco
dining in 2008. Now featuring coordinated outdoor furniture,
sun umbrellas, trees and colourful planter boxes, the area’s
alfresco atmosphere is likely to be further enhanced by RDC’s
plan to introduce a retractable roof and thermal heating. In
early 2012 nine of the Streat’s 13 restaurants and bars also
began a more coordinated approach to ensure Eat Streat was
‘the’ vibrant eating and drinking destination. With the help of
Mediaworks, the group launched a year-long radio campaign
focused on a $10 Sunday lunch menu (10am-2pm) plus feature
a DJ on ‘The Sound on Sunday’ from noon to 4pm on the last
Sunday of the month. ‘The Sound on Sunday’ is in association
with Mediaworks newest station, The Sound.
www.thesound.co.nz
Paddle board on
legendary lake
Not content to rest on the their laurels, internationally acclaimed
paddlers Denise Martin and Bernd Sommer of Rotorua Paddle
Tours have added a new Lake Tarawera option to the line
up. Launched in mid-September, the new tour gives visitors
the opportunity to do some stand up paddle boarding on
legendary, yet secluded Lake Tarawera. Offering breathtaking
views, pristine native bush , geo-thermally heated waters and a
rich Maori history, Tarawera is the perfect area to showcase one
of Rotorua’s - and New Zealand’s - most spectacular lakes.
Denise says “This is what Rotorua is all about!” In addition to
the paddle board component, the trip includes a boat ride,
bush walk, a soak at remote Hot Water Beach and the chance
to hear about the rich history of the local Maori tribes.
www.rotoruapaddletours.co.nz
32
news in brief
Proud to
be part of
historic
cultural
legacy
Kiri Atkinson-Crean took up a
new role as general manager
sales and marketing with Te
Puia | New Zealand Maori
Arts and Crafts Institute - in
late May 2012. Kiri’s strong
background in Rotorua tourism, including 15 years in
destination marketing, branding and communications roles as
well as senior roles in sales, marketing, strategy, operations
and management for tourism companies made her a great fit
for the role. She heads an experienced and passionate team
of marketing professionals responsible for specific markets,
product development, tours and education. Kiri says guiding
visitors through Te Whakarewarewa Valley is a proud legacy,
and has been for more than a century. “I feel honoured to be
a part of the Te Puia commitment to protect and perpetuate
the traditions, values, belief systems and arts of our ancestors
through the New Zealand Maori Arts and Crafts Institute.”
www.tepuia.com
New addition
to modern fleet
Rotorua-based Xquizit Limousines and Tours have recently
added a new Ford G6 Executive sedan to their modern
fleet of luxury transport and tour services to corporate,
tourism and wedding clients. The line up now includes two
11-seater Mercedes Sprinter luxury vans and two stretch
limousines (seating six passengers in the back) in addition
to the new executive sedan. All vehicles come with a reliable,
knowledgeable, and discreet chauffeur service. Fully licensed,
insured and complete with Qualmark Endorsed Visitor
Transport and Endorsed Visitor Activity benchmarking, all
Xquizit vehicles come with Wi-Fi access – something corporate
clients particularly appreciate. Xquizit Limousines and Tours
offer a choice of brochured or personally tailored tours and
services. They are able to meet clients at Auckland, Hamilton,
Rotorua, Tauranga, Taupo and Napier airports as well as
cruise ships docking at the Port of Tauranga – and can handle
luggage check-in at a client’s hotel if requested.
www.xquizit.co.nz
33
L-R: Kyle Kydd, Emma Hanson, Hope Horrocks
New team ready to
absorb on-site action
As the first child to experience a ZORB ride, Hope Horrocks
has been an avid zorbonaut since that initial experience in
1997. She worked for ZORB throughout her B. Com. and LLB
degree studies, took over international operations in 2011
and was appointed ZORB group CEO in March 2012. Other
new faces joining Hope at ZORB are Kyle Kydd, who took up
the general manager role in August, and sales representative
Emma Hanson, who joined the team in July. Formerly part
owner of Rotorua Bungy and Swoop, Kyle has 15 years tourism
industry experience and was most recently operations manager
for Rotorua’s Agroventures. Emma studied adventure tourism
management before working as a Gold Coast jet-ski guide. Her
most recent role was with Auckland Adventure Jet. The new
team is currently focusing on the rejuvenation of the Rotorua
site including creating “incredible” customer experiences.
www.zorb.com/zorb/locations/zorb-rotorua-nz/
SkyJet combo
licensed to thrill
Consumer demand was the reason for the launch of a new
Rotorua adventure combo package from Kawarau Jet Rotorua
and KJet Parasailing. The Skyjet combines 30 minutes of
speed, spins and adrenalin-pumping action on Lake Rotorua
in a jet boat, with the exhilaration of 10-12 minutes of free-flight
air-time parasailing above the lake; creating what the company
consider is the ultimate ‘licensed to thrill’ combo. “We noticed
customers who jet boated then parasailed often asked about a
combo option, so SkyJet was born.” Operating 365 days of the
year (weather permitting), SkyJet combo activities can be taken
one after another or split over separate visits if the weather
isn’t suitable for safe and enjoyable parasailing. The Kawarau
Jet Rotorua and KJet Parasailing team believe it’s the first jet
boating/parasailing combo offered by a single operator in New
Zealand - one that’s already creating a lot of consumer interest.
www.kjetrotorua.co.nz
news in brief
PS »
L-R: Anna Rodgers, Jared Pemberton, Mary Tolley
New Agroventures team
experienced and talented
The departure of former Agroventures general manager
Melissa Craig has seen the emergence of a new senior
management team at the iconic adventure park. Managing
director Peter Cossey said during Melissa’s tenure she oversaw
a major restructure as well as building a fabulous team and
culture at the park. He says they are continuing her legacy
by creating new positions to aggressively grow the business
both locally and offshore. Jared Pemberton, formerly the
park’s operations manager, has been promoted to general
manager whilst Anna Rodgers has been promoted to head of
marketing. Her particular emphasis is on corporate, groups,
conference and incentive and local market sectors. Mary
Tolley has been appointed to a new head of sales position.
Previously in a senior sales role with Tamaki Tours, Mary is now
primarily responsible for Agroventures wholesale, inbound and
backpacker markets. www.agroventures.co.nz
New role
within
adventure
industry
Melissa Craig took up the
role as Rotorua-based group
manager for the OGO Group
of companies in June 2012.
A stalwart within the Rotorua
tourism industry, Melissa
has served as a frontline
salesperson for Tourism
Rotorua, inbound marketing coordinator for Destination
Rotorua and most recently three years as marketing manager
at Agroventures adventure park prior to being appointed to
the general manager role in 2009. As OGO group manager,
Melissa is charged with overseeing the smooth running of the
various entities that make up the OGO group of companies;
including manufacturing facilities, international sales and
promotion of OGO and Fishpipe units, and ongoing interaction
with international OGO sites as well as assisting with the
continued site and operational developments of OGO Rotorua.
www.ogo.co.nz
Michele Weston has been
appointed sales manager for the
Millennium Hotel Rotorua. In the
hospitality industry for more than
15 years, Michele was formerly
the hotel’s conference manager.
www.millenniumhotels.co.nz/
millenniumrotorua/
Rotorua’s Treetops Lodge and
Estate has a new sales director,
Cristina Magni. Cristina has four
years’ experience in the industry
working for Hilton Auckland
and Hilton Lake Taupo.
www.treetops.co.nz
Newly accredited Qualmark holder
OGO Rotorua has been recognised
as a quality adventure facility
maintaining high standards of safety
and customer service and now
proudly displays tourism’s official
quality mark. www.ogo.co.nz
Waiariki Institute of Technology’s
new industry placement coordinator
Nadene McClay facilitates student
placement with local operators in
need of short-term assistance with
specific research, project or work
experience offers.
[email protected]
Pure Cruise is proud to be teaming
up with Charles Royal, the indigenous
chef, to offer guests a delicious
insight into local cuisine and cultural
cooking. Guests can join Charles
gathering ingredients from the
shores of beautiful Lake Rotoiti and
experience the cooking and of course
sampling the results while under
full sail on the yacht Tiua with Pure
Cruise. www.purecruise.co.nz
Popular hotel brand Holiday Inn
turned 60 in August, and to help
mark the significant milestone,
the Rotorua Holiday Inn created a
cocktail called The Green Hornet
to mark the occasion specially
designed by its beverage supervisor
Kahu Taukamo – pop in to try it out.
34
out & about
1
2
3
4
1
2
3
1. Winner of best dressed huntress
2. Tempura Duck
3. Diners dressed up as hunters
4. Five course degustation dinner
4
5
6
7
bye bye mai mai
Mokoia Restaurant at Wai Ora Lakeside Spa Resort held its
annual Bye Bye Mai Mai degustation dinner to celebrate the
close of the game bird hunting season on July 7.
1
2
3
1. Matariki wines winemaker Leith Ashworth
2. Triple 1 Five’s chef explains the menu 3. Delicious dessert
4. Mitai performs at the Night Market 5. Mistress Of Cakes
6. Heavenly Pies 7. Pastamia
1. Vanessa Wallace & Kylie Gunn
2. Paul Croucher
3. Joof & Lin Schaeffers, Herb Sewell, Simon Kerr
rotorua
hospitality awards
The winners of the inaugural Rotorua Hospitality Awards were
announced on 17 June at a Gala dinner at the Novotel Rotorua
Lakeside. The awards were a chance for the winners to share
their successes with their peers and fellow finalists as well as
celebrating being the best in their field.
35
Matariki celebrations
at Triple 1 Five & the
Rotorua Night Market
Matariki is the Maori name for the group of stars also known
as the Pleiades star cluster or The Seven Sisters; and what
is referred to as the traditional Maori New Year. Matariki 2012
was celebrated at Triple 1 Five Restaurant with a winemakers
degustation dinner featuring Matariki wines and the Matariki
wines winemaker Leith Ashworth on 21 June. The Rotorua
Night Market also had a Matariki theme with performances
from Mitai Maori Village.
out & about
1
2
3
1
2
3
4
5
6
4
1. Fire & Ice bike race 2. Fireworks 3. Sulphur City Steam Rollers
4. Ice skating at the Harcourts Outdoor Ice Rink
fire & ice
It may have been a chilly night but the Rotorua Fire and Ice
Mid-Winter Festival Blaze night was a huge success with
thousands turning up. The event included the Sulphur City
Steam Rollers roller derby team, the Rotorua night market, a
bike race, the Harcourts Outdoor Ice Rink, fire performers and
ground level fireworks with a laser light show.
1
7
2
3
1. Waka Tapu send off in Auckland 2. Waka Tapu sets sail
3. Captain and Navigator Jack Thatcher
waka tapu
Twenty fearless sailors received a spectacular send off on
Auckland’s Waitemata Harbour on Friday 17 August as they
set off on an extreme ocean adventure. The Waka Tapu crew
members are spending the next six to eight weeks battling
huge ocean swells aboard two traditional waka hourua
(double-hulled sailing canoes) as they sail 10,000 nautical
miles towards Rapanui (Easter Island) using the stars, moon,
sun, ocean currents, birds and marine life to guide them.
1. Hidden Treasure - Kina shell 2. Chrysalis: Culture category - second place 3. Blur
4.Carnivorous: Youth category - first place 5. Brunos Bodyguard: Corporate - first place
6. Paper & Ink: Supreme winner 7. Brunos Aliens: Group Art - first place
wearable creationz
Rotorua’s Wearable Creationz competition final was held on
18th August. A Rotorua high school teacher, Ross Dunn, won
the 2012 Wearable Creationz Supreme Award, becoming just
the first person in the history of the event to win the supreme
award twice.
36
All you need
to know about
Rotorua
Getting here
Rotorua
Trade Resources
What better way to inform
people about New Zealand’s
top visitor playground and its
original tourism destination,
than to show them. Please
approach Destination
Rotorua Marketing for free
copies of printed trade
resources by emailing:
[email protected].
Alternatively download
resources at
www.rotoruaNZ.com/trade
Rotorua Images
Travel Trade Website
A range of 125 royalty-free
high and low resolution
Rotorua images.
Go to the Trade section
of www.rotoruaNZ.com,
click on the image gallery
and select a category
to download the images
you require.
This specialist trade section
has printable itineraries and
maps, famils, story angles,
product updates, export
ready local products and
services, trade events,
media releases, a media
kit and imagery. Go to
www.rotoruaNZ.com/trade
Rotorua is located in the central North
Island and is just 2.5 hours (234km) drive
from Auckland. The Rotorua International
Airport is one of the busiest terminals in
the country, offering services to Auckland,
Wellington, Christchurch, Queenstown
and Sydney.
What’s the weather like?
Rotorua enjoys a pleasant climate
with plenty of sun in summer and crisp,
clear days in Winter.
Average temperatures:
Summer 22.3ºC
Autumn 18.1ºC
Winter 12.5ºC
Spring 16.8ºC
Getting around
Destinational DVD
Rotorua’s promotional DVD
is available in English,
German, Korean, Japanese,
Chinese, Spanish and
French. All versions are
available from Destination
Rotorua Marketing or on
rotoruaNZ.com
Rotorua Conference
& Incentive Planner
Rotorua
Luxury Brochure
A comprehensive
guide to planning
meetings in Rotorua.
Showcasing some
of Rotorua’s high-end
accommodation
and activities.
Rotorua’s well-developed infrastructure
and excellent public transport system
means minimal travelling time within
the city. To explore the outer environs
and lakes, rental cars and shuttles are
the best options. Most major rental car
companies have depots in Rotorua.
Shuttle and coach services leave from the
i-SITE Tourism Rotorua Visitor Information
and Travel Centre in Fenton Street.
Shopping
Rotorua city centre has more than 250
shops to choose from including specialty
department stores, fashion stores,
book shops, pharmacies, arts, crafts,
and photographic outlets. Generally
city trading hours are Monday to Friday
9:00am until 5:00pm and Saturday open
from 9:00am. Many shops are also open
10:00am to 4:00pm on Sunday.
Dining
With more than 90 places to choose
from, Rotorua offers a wide range of
casual café and restaurant options.
Social Connectors
Rotorua What’s On
Rotorua Visitor’s Map
A comprehensive guide
to Rotorua Attractions and
events, as well as general
information about the region.
The A3 map features a CBD
map, a wider city map and
a lakes map. It shows key
locations, travelling times and
distances to other centres.
37
Rotorua
Motivational Guide
Find out all about Rotorua’s
unique experiences including
geothermal activity, spa,
Maori culture, adventure
and much more.
See how to engage with
operators whether it’s via a website,
mobile website, a mobile app,
QR code, Facebook, Twitter,
Google+, FourSquare, YouTube,
Flickr, Pinterest or a blog at
http://rotoruanz.com/socialconnectors

summer 2012/13

Transcription

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