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IN ESSENCE ROTORUA NEWS ~ SUMMER 2014

Te Puia | NZMACI celebrate

50

YEARS

RotoruaNZ.com 2.0 website launched New glow worm & hot pools tour And more...

Kia Ora & welcome to IN ESSENCE Summer 2014

Nga mihi ki a koutou.

It’s been a busy few months since our winter edition and the number of innovative developments having taken place across our local industry are simply inspiring.

Here at Destination Rotorua Marketing, we’ve also been driving a number of milestone projects including a new website, television commercial and collateral overhaul to assist in the three-year Famously Rotorua campaign.

As the regional tourism organisation for Rotorua, we are extremely proud to work alongside our operators.

Like us, we hope you enjoy reading through this publication and being brought up to speed on all that is new and exciting in Rotorua.

On behalf of the DRM team we wish you all the best for a great season and exciting start to 2014.

Noho ora mai,

Oscar Nathan GENERAL MANAGER | DESTINATION ROTORUA MARKETING

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Feel the Welcome 03 04 05 07

Destination Rotorua Marketing Rotorua Visitor Centre & i-SITE Te Puia | NZMACI Rotorua International Airport

Feel Thrilled

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08 Agroventures 09 NZ Riverjet 10 River Rats Raft & Kayak 11 Mountain Bike Rotorua 12 Rotorua MTB Club 13 Planet Bike

Feel the Wonder 14 Rotorua Rafting 15 Orakei Korako

Feel Inspired

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16 Blue Baths 17 Rotorua Canopy Tours 18 Rydges Rotorua

Feel Indulged

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Volcanic Hills Wine Croucher Brewing Company Polynesian Spa Novotel Rotorua QE Health Wai Ora Spa

Feel at Home 25 The Regent 26 Solitaire Lodge 27 Look After Me 27 Rotorua Top 10 Holiday Park 28 Distinction Rotorua 29 32 33 35

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News in Brief PS Out & About Trade Resources

Feel the Welcome

Destination Rotorua Marketing New Development

Rotorua launches new website Destination Rotorua Marketing (DRM) has launched a new rotoruaNZ.com website designed to inspire which incorporates responsive design and personalisation.

DRM and Kudos Web worked closely together for two and a half months to design and develop the website which soft-launched in September to coincide with the launch of the Famously Rotorua television commercial.

The new RotoruaNZ.com website has been refreshed to have prominent stunning imagery, fresh content, blogs, a new series of videos and a custom built feature called ‘Show Me’ designed to help travellers decide on their itineraries based on their personal needs. The responsive design also means the website works seamlessly across thousands of different screens including mobiles and tablets resizing and formatting based on the device. The website is a portal incorporating Visit, Media, Trade, Live and Do Business websites.

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RotoruaNZ.com includes comprehensive listings of activities, accommodation, dining options, C&I operators and events as well as a customer relationship management (CRM) system.

DRM general manager Oscar Nathan says rotoruaNZ.com is one of the most important tools to motivate and inspire people to visit the destination, as well as live, work and invest.

“RotoruaNZ.com showcases the best of Rotorua with the latest in functionality, content, design and personalisation to engage visitors. We’re really proud of how we are evolving as a destination and the website plays a big part in communicating this as the best place to go to for information, bookings and advice,” he says.

RotoruaNZ.com is based on the Kentico open source platform and this makes a great basis for continuing to develop the website as technology evolves.

Jenha White Ph: +64 7 351 7107 jenha@rotoruanz.com www.rotoruaNZ.com

Rotorua Visitor Centre & i-SITE

New Product

Rotorua District Council

New Development

New Pop-up i-SITE Rotorua offers free CBD Wi-Fi Rotorua District Council has developed an innovative ‘Pop-up i-SITE’ – a fully mobile concierge -style information and booking service.

Rotorua Visitor Centre & i-SITE assistant manager Craig Hammond says the new Pop-up i-SITE is designed to support conferences and expos as a concierge-style desk where people can access information and advice, and make bookings during their stay in Rotorua.

The new initiative is an extension of the council’s Rotorua Visitor Centre & i-SITE operation and enables the centre’s team to proactively reach visitors rather than wait for them to walk through the doors.

“At the i-SITE conference the concept was hailed as a very positive step forward for New Zealand tourism and many in the industry are keen to follow our lead.”

Already proving popular, the Pop-up i-SITE is booked for seven large conferences before the end of the year and was a big success at the recent Wood Expo 2013 and NZ Association of Orthodontists Conference.

“Our team are the professionals in providing information and advice for what to see and do in Rotorua but some of our visitors don’t get the opportunity to visit us at our Fenton Street premises.

“So the potential to influence visitors’ satisfaction levels and encourage longer stays by offering accurate and comprehensive information at other locations are important reasons for us to provide this service.”

There is a good opportunity for the concept to grow further, including developing a model to enable a Pop-up i-SITE to be set up at major outdoor events.

Rotorua District Council’s new free Wi-Fi across the CBD is proving a big hit, with thousands of tourists taking advantage of the service.

Free Wi-Fi in the CBD was set up and tested in early 2013 and has been embraced by visitors and locals ever since.

Inner City Enterprises manager Nick Dallimore said the provision of free Wi-Fi was a leap into embracing 21st century state-ofthe-art technology.

“Visitors, whether on holiday, business or in town for a conference, as well as local residents, now have free and instant access to the web from their laptops, tablets and smart phones, in most public places in the central city.”

In one of the first months of operation over 17,950 visitors and residents logged on to the service.

“Already this project has far exceeded our expectations in terms of our forecasts of potential users. We anticipate that the number of people accessing the service will continue to grow substantially as people become more aware that Rotorua offers free Wi-Fi.” Nick said the provision of a free public Wi-Fi service was an integral part of the council’s Urban Design Framework programme aimed at upgrading the CBD, and the city’s recently developed Sustainable Economic Growth Strategy.

Nick Dallimore Ph: +64 27 2011 536 nick.dallimore@rdc.govt.nz www.rdc.govt.nz

Craig Hammond Ph: +64 7 351 7102 craig.hammond@rdc.govt.nz www.rotoruaNZ.com

Summer 2014 | 04

Feel the Welcome Te Puia | NZMACI

Milestone

Tourism icon celebrates 50 years New Zealand cultural and tourism icon, Te Puia and New Zealand Maori Arts and Crafts Institute (NZMACI), is celebrating the 50th anniversary of its establishment under an Act of Parliament this year, and visitors will also have the opportunity to join in the celebrations.

Carving restoration, artworks, special events, new visitor experiences and more will all form part of the anniversary calendar that commences with a VIP dinner and Movies in the Pa Festival in November, and finishes with a unique Christmas Carols event on December 14.

The key highlight of the events festival will be a “Show Bands in the Pa” concert on Saturday November 30 that celebrates the musical legacy of Rotorua iwi – Te Arawa, by combining the best of the Maori Showbands era with contemporary artists and arrangements. Popular young artists Ria Hall and boy-band Titanium have already been confirmed, with others to be added to the bill in the coming weeks.

Te Puia chief executive Tim Cossar says the collaboration of tourism and cultural development first outlined in the 1963 Act are even stronger today, with two distinct brands, Te Puia for the tourism activities, and NZMACI for cultural perpetuation and development.

“Although much has changed, the commitment to the legacy of guiding and to the protection of our ancestral beliefs, art forms and traditions has remained constant. We are proud of our legacy of manaaki (hospitality) and we remain committed to caring for our unique physical and cultural environment.”

He says Te Puia|NZMACI remain a local, tribal, national and international icon and the 50 year milestone is an opportunity to reflect upon the achievements of the organisation and the legacy that is the arts and crafts institute and Te Whakarewarewa Geothermal Valley.

“We have a lot to celebrate. Our people have welcomed and guided visitors through Te Whakarewarewa Geothermal Valley for more than 170 years and have acted as kaitiaki (guardians) since long before that.

“We are equally proud that our visitors directly support Aotearoa New Zealand’s cultural objectives through Te Puia|NZMACI, with their contributions funding important work such as training our nation’s future carvers and weavers, restoring and building meeting houses, as well as being proudly connected with the recent historic 10 month Waka Tapu voyage across the Pacific.”

Kiri Atkinson-Crean Ph: +64 29 771 1316 kiri@tepuia.com www.tepuia.com

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Te Puia | NZMACI

New Development

Major carving replicates Rotorua tourism icon A special piece of New Zealand’s cultural tourism history is being given new life in celebration of the 50th anniversary of the legislation that established Te Puia | New Zealand Māori Arts and Crafts Institute (NZMACI) in the form it is known today.

A carved waharoa (entranceway) that is widely regarded as one of the historic symbols of Rotorua and cultural tourism is being expertly replicated at Te Puia|NZMACI. The carving is being undertaken by senior carver Albert Te Pou, from a five metre high, three tonne piece of bush-felled and laminated Northland kauri.

Visitors will be able to see the carving in action, as well as the completed work which will make Te Puia its permanent home.

The original waharoa was carved by Tene Waitere, a renowned Te Arawa carver, as one of two that were exhibited at the New Zealand International Exhibition in Hagley Park, Christchurch, in 1908.

Following the close of the exhibition, one of the waharoa was transported to Rotorua where it was erected in Te Whakarewarewa Geothermal Valley. It became a symbol of cultural tourism, with generations of domestic and international visitors having their photos taken beside it. The second is on permanent display at Te Papa, in Wellington.

NZMACI director, Karl Johnstone, says as part of the significant half-century celebrations, other restoration and carving work will also be undertaken, including the front carvings of Te Aronui a Rua wharenui (meeting house) and the adjacent pātaka – a richly carved storehouse.

Foundry adds to cultural experience at Te Puia The development of a bronze foundry at the New Zealand Maori Arts and Crafts Institute (NZMACI) in Rotorua will extend the skills and knowledge of the Institute’s artists, while also adding to the Maori cultural experience for visitors.

NZMACI director, Karl Johnstone, says the development of the foundry (a workshop for casting metal) is a natural extension of the skills and knowledge in the schools.

“The foundry has been constructed for a specific project that we will be working on later this year, however, it is also part of an ongoing focus of introducing new knowledge and expertise to our students and schools.

“The foundry and its resulting art is a meeting of time honoured practices, particularly the reductive carving process and the reflective casting process. We will also be making use of our unique natural environment in the Whakarewarewa Valley, using water from the sulphur-chloride pools to patina the bronze.

NZMACI was established by an Act of Parliament in 1963 to maintain and preserve traditional Maori art forms. Under that legislation, Te Puia’s responsibility is about much more than the visitor experience and includes the sustainability of the geothermal environment, and the protection and perpetuation of Maori culture, traditions, arts and crafts.

“Through Te Puia, our visitors contribute to the future legacy and protection of our culture,” says Karl.

Kiri Atkinson-Crean Ph: +64 29 771 1316 kiri@tepuia.com www.tepuia.com

Summer 2014 | 06

Feel the Welcome

Rotorua International Airport

New Development

Changes for Rotorua International Airport The coming new year heralds a number of domestic and trans-Tasman network changes for Rotorua International Airport, all designed to better cater to the needs of both leisure and business travellers alike.

From February 2014, domestic and international visitors will be able to get to Rotorua even faster with the introduction of a larger Q300 aircraft on the daily morning flight between Auckland and Rotorua. This will mean a 30% increase in seat capacity between the two destinations every year.

The departure time for the Auckland to Rotorua flights is also moving to 8.35am from 8.05am from February onwards, and the Rotorua to Auckland flight will depart slightly later at 9.35am instead of 9am. Flights are already available for booking.

Changes are also taking place in the international schedule, with the introduction of a more attractive trans-Tasman programme from September 2014. The twice weekly Sydney to Rotorua flights will move to a Monday and Thursday schedule, as opposed to the current Tuesday and Saturday return flights.

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Airport chief executive Alastair Rhodes says the change will offer better options for leisure and business passengers on both sides of the Tasman who want to make the most of their working week – and long weekends.

Trans-Tasman flights will cease during the off-peak winter season, with a focus on growing passenger numbers during the peak season from September through to May, while the international departure tax is also set to drop from $25 to $15.

Alastair says the changes are part of a joint strategy from Air New Zealand, Rotorua International Airport and other key partners to develop a more effective schedule that provides better returns and services, whilst growing passenger numbers and increasing revenue.

Other changes include the introduction of free Wi-Fi across both international and domestic terminals, and a new webcam installation with views of the airport’s runway. The SnapitHD2 system allows users to view an entire day as a full screen time-lapse. You can view the Airport’s webcam at www.rotorua-airport.co.nz.

Anna Rodgers Ph: +64 27 525 2531 anna@rotorua-airport.co.nz www.rotorua-airport.co.nz

Feel Thrilled

Agroventures

New Development

Agroventures thrills on world stage Agroventures Adventure Park has launched itself onto the international thrill-seeker stage, with the opening of its Swoop and Bungy attractions at a major adventure park in Mumbai, India.

Prime Minister John Key officially unveiled a plaque at the Rotorua site on August 1, to acknowledge the international expansion at Mumbai’s Della Adventure Park.

Agroventures consists of the world-first Agrojet jet boat and Shweeb human-powered monorail, New Zealand-first Freefall Xtreme windtunnel and Swoop sky-swing, plus the Bungy.

Agroventures Managing Director Peter Cossey says the New Zealand-based staff have been heavily involved in the design, construction and development of the Swoop and Bungy at the Della Adventure Park, with two senior staff members currently posted in Mumbai with safety and operations responsibilities.

Peter says the group was prompted to explore potential international expansion opportunities by the overwhelmingly positive feedback the adventure park receives every day, including from Indian visitors.

Agroventures has been building relationships in India for the past four years, including through a range of meetings that were facilitated by New Zealand Trade and Enterprise’s office in Mumbai.

“Asia represents an incredible market for New Zealand due to proximity, population, spending power and rapidly westernised ways. In addition, senior members of our team have been advising on adventure tourism aspects in India and Singapore for a couple of years now.

“Adventure tourism is a flourishing market there and the sheer size of the Indian population makes their ‘domestic’ market an incredible opportunity.”

Della Adventure Park has a passion for adrenalin tourism, which culminated in the development of a joint venture between the two organisations.

Peter says the New Zealand Park’s creation of five iconic activities credibly represent the country’s adventure tourism brand and would replicate well in offshore markets.

“Our attractions are synonymous with New Zealand’s leading reputation as an adventure tourism destination.”

Agroventures goal is to expand to offer the entire Agroventures package of activities in India and to further grow their international presence based on the Mumbai model.

It is also hoped the Rotorua base will be used as a training ground for New Zealand staff who can then travel and experience the world through the Agroventures operation.

Mary Tolley Ph: +64 7 357 4747 mary@agroventures.co.nz www.agroventures.co.nz

Summer 2014 | 08

Feel Thrilled

NZ Riverjet

New Product

Eco experience with a thrill What better way to spend a beautiful summer’s day than leisurely floating along the waters of the Waikato River, then ramping up the speed and adrenaline for the journey home.

NZ Riverjet’s new Eco RiverYAK Explorer package gives guests the chance to enjoy the peace and tranquillity of the river, soaking in the abundant cultural history along the shoreline and peering into the underwater world below through a clearbottomed kayak, before upping the anti with The Squeeze or Orakei Korako Cave & Thermal Park tour, followed by an exhilarating jet boat ride back to base.

NZ Riverjet director Nick Berryman says the package was designed to provide a continual experience that builds from the quiet, tranquil side of the river, to the all-out adrenaline rush of the jet boat ride, giving guests a whole and unique experience.

“It offers people a different way of seeing the river and is a complete journey all in one package.”

The drop-in point for the self-guided kayak tour is around 12km downstream from NZ Riverjet’s home base. Guests help pump up the specially-designed and sourced inflatable clearbottomed kayaks and are then taken through a safety briefing.

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Guests make their way down the river towards Orakei Korako at their own leisurely pace, with a detailed map of the river and surrounding landmarks. They are also provided with a watch and general timeline of how long the trip will take, usually between 1.5 and two hours.

The map also features oodles of history, stories and details on what they are seeing along the way; from the local taniwha and pre-European Maori battle sites, to caves, hot pools and geysers.

“It’s all about experiencing the area, soaking up the environment and discovering its rich cultural history,” Nick says.

Once they arrive at Orakei Korako, a scrumptious lunch is provided at the cafe, before guests set off to experience either The Squeeze or the thermal park’s world-class wonders, followed by the thrilling ride home.

There is also the option to record your entire experience by hiring one of NZ Riverjet’s new Go Pro cameras. Mounted on helmets, guests operate the cameras themselves and purchase the memory card at the end of the trip for a discounted rate.

The eco tours launched in October and are available for two to eight people, departing 9am daily. Tours last a total of around four hours, with all gear provided.

Nick Berryman Ph: +64 7 333 7111 nick@riverjet.co.nz www.riverjet.co.nz

River Rats Raft & Kayak

New Product

Lighting up your summer evening Tucked away on the northern shore of Lake Rotoiti, there lies one of nature’s hidden gems: caves that make themselves home to thousands of bright-bottomed glow worms.

You can find yourself up close and personal with these little critters, paddling along in a kayak at dusk after a delicious good old-fashioned Kiwi barbeque and soak in natural hot springs.

daytime tours as an added surprise, although weren’t promoting it as a glow worm cave because there wasn’t much to see during the day and not enough glow worms to make evening trips worthwhile.

But about six months ago, after hearing rumours of another cave in the area, Justin set off in search of it. One particular day in rough weather while out for a leisurely trip, Justin and a couple of fellow paddlers were forced to stay close to the northern shoreline and while paddling along heard noises that sounded like echoing waves breaking against rocks. And sure enough, behind a rock face covering nearly the entire width of the cave’s entrance, they found what they were looking for.

Justin says at night, “the cave really comes alive”.

This is what River Rats Raft & Kayak’s new summer evening kayak tour is all about, having the chance to ogle and appreciate nature at its very best, in a relaxed and chilled-out environment.

“We are really looking forward to showing it off to our guests.

We think the trip is pretty special and it gives people the option to do something a bit different for dinner.”

The guided tour to the Manupirua Hot Springs on Lake Rotoiti includes a soak in the lake-edge pools where guests can relax and drink in the view, followed by a delicious barbeque prepared by the guides. As the sun starts to set, guests then set off to explore the caves.

The return trip, including transfers, takes around six hours and is available from Labour Weekend (late October) until Easter (late April).

Company Director Justin Hutton says the decision to include an evening tour arose when they discovered a second, much bigger glow worm cave.

Justin Hutton Ph: +64 7 345 6543 justin@riverrats.co.nz www.riverrats.co.nz

The shallower, smaller of the two caves they had known about for some time. The company had been including it in their

Summer 2014 | 10

Feel Thrilled

Mountain Bike Rotorua

New Development

Skyline Sprint Warrior returns After shredding up the side of Mt Ngongotaha and creating a phenomenal response from riders in the wake of its inaugural event earlier this year, the Skyline Sprint Warrior downhill mountain bike race is back.

The 2014 Skyline Sprint Warrior will be held on Friday 21 February, as part of the second Rotorua Bike Festival which will run from February 14 to 23.

The first Skyline Sprint Warrior this year was a sell-out, with over 200 riders, including 20 elite competitors, taking on a purposebuilt 1.8km downhill trail through Skyline Rotorua’s site on Mt Ngongotaha.

Riders and bikes travelled to the top of the mountain in a gondola, before tackling the downhill trail which finished with a spectacular jump at the base of the mountain.

The Skyline Sprint Warrior event is owned and organised by brothers Tak and Tu Mutu of Mountain Bike Rotorua and MultiDay Adventures, and is run in conjunction with Skyline Rotorua and Descend Rotorua.

Tak says the not-so-traditional downhill event (riders can use all-terrain bikes) had a phenomenal response from competitors and they have already received enquiries from more elite competitors for next year’s event.

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“Part of the success of the event is the unique opportunity it offers mountain bikers. The track is world-class and located in an area which can’t normally be accessed by riders, so that provides just some of the action,” says Tak. “Next year we will be taking things up another level with Empire of Dirt coming on again as master trail builders and making improvements to the existing trail. Both spectators and competitors can expect an even bigger and better adrenalin rush.”

New trail features will include two new lines, with one section of the trail being taken out and completely rebuilt, plus some exciting additions to other parts of the existing trail.

The event will also focus on creating more of a festival-type atmosphere to encourage more spectators, including live music and entertainment.

The 2014 event has a 250 rider maximum, with the race aimed at intermediate to advanced riders. Entries open in December and places are expected to be snapped up fast.

Motivation behind the Skyline Sprint Warrior was to create a high-profile event in support of the Rotorua Bike Festival that reflected the heart and culture of Rotorua – hence Warrior in the title – and to also provide access to yet another of Rotorua’s world-class mountain biking spots that up until now has been inaccessible.

Tak Mutu Ph: +64 7 348 4290 tak@mdanz.com www.facebook.com/SkylineSprintWarrior

Damian Breach

Rotorua MTB Club

New Development

Whakarewarewa MTB trails revamped for more thrills Rolling through dramatic terrain, over rocks and roots, weaving around, up, down and under ancient canopies; this is what mountain biking in the Whakarewarewa Forest is all about.

Over the past year, this mountain bike heaven minutes from Central Rotorua, which is also a working forest, has seen the landscape in some areas change dramatically after logging and thinning. It has also exposed the opportunity to rebuild and redesign a handful of trails within the core network.

The first trail to undergo a revamp is one of the originals – The Dipper. Built in the early 1990s along with the rest of the core network, this trail has taken a hammering from both the weather and thousands of wheels that pass through it every year.

The rebuild knocked off the rough edges and it is now back to its beginner and family-friendly best. Experienced riders love it too, as the smooth and flowing trail can be very fast. The whoops and hollers that can be heard every day of the week are the best indication of just how popular The Dipper is.

Right next to this oldie-but-a-goodie is a mini network of trails that appeal to riders with a little more experience. The Challenge trails are all short downhills for intermediate riders and above.

After the hillside was logged, local trail builders Empire of Dirt and Spadewerx were contracted to revamp the existing network of Challenge trails, which were quite confusing to ride because

of the variety of threads spreading in every direction over the hill.

Sticking to the same profile of existing trails, the teams built more clear-cut downhill tracks, which now consist of Challenge Roadside, New Challenge and Down the Guts – all which of offer quite different experiences, but just as good as each other.

Logging of this area also revealed a dramatic, natural rock formation that shouted out for a trail – and so the last in the Challenge series, Boulder Dash, was built; a steep and tricky trail, terrifying enough to test even the very best mountain bike gladiators.

The past year has also seen a re-signage development progressively taking place throughout the trail networks, headed by the Rotorua Mountain Bike Club, to make the forest’s 130km of trails easier to navigate.

Mike Gray brightgray@xtra.co.nz www.rotorua.mtbclub.org.nz

Summer 2014 | 12

Feel Thrilled

Planet Bike

New Development

Planet Bike opens new Waipa HQ “Greatness can only be accomplished with passion.”

So is the philosophy of Rotorua’s oldest mountain bike company, Planet Bike.

Creative thinking about how to embrace an old 70s Forestry Corp building, has seen Planet Bike building a happy new home in their premises in the Whakarewarewa Forest, bringing them closer to their passion – happy bikers.

As well as offering bike hire, guided tours and on-site bike repairs and servicing, the new HQ was also created to be a place for people to drop in, chat, and have a coffee while discussing their ride and meet like-minded riders.

The new HQ on Waipa Bypass Rd is “just shy of where the best trails start”, says owner Lennore Osborne.

Lennore and husband Ed have been involved in the mountain biking scene in Rotorua for almost 15 years and wanted to create a place that was uniquely Rotorua.

“When we started in 1999 we wanted to take mountain biking mainstream and now that it’s getting that way we wanted to have a one-stop-shop close to the action,” Lennore says.

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“Our site now is big enough for us to house our ever-growing fleet of 100-plus bikes, but it’s also a place where people can come and have a chat and learn a bit more about biking.

“Being on the way to the Southstar Shuttle Service and beside the picture perfect Puarenga stream track makes us a popular stop too.”

Adding to the atmosphere is the Kiwiana memorabilia found around the site, the outdoor sun-trap and seating area and a mobile coffee cart that follows mountain bike events around Rotorua. The new site is also proving to be a popular event base, hosting the N-Duro event and Sir Edmund Hillary School Challenges.

Planet Bike is passionate about offering opportunities and experiences for school kids to experience mountain biking, learning how to take risks and in the process learn more about themselves.

Lennore says it was the desire to inspire kids through sport that has encouraged Planet Bike to offer Unit Standards in mountain biking and risk in the outdoors.

The company also offers team-building and corporate group tours.

Lennore Osborne Ph: +64 7 346 1717 ride@planetbike.co.nz www.planetbike.co.nz

Feel the Wonder

Rotorua Rafting

New Product

New river trip takes visitors on a spiritual journey Experience the sacred and spiritual place that is Okere Falls and take a river tour that will set you back in time.

The mighty Kaituna River winds its way through the area’s breathtaking native rainforest and visitors are invited to experience the magic both on and off the water.

Rotorua Rafting’s new Kaituna Awa guided tour begins with visitors being led on-foot along the river path under a canopy of beautiful native bush, while a local Maori guide with a rich affinity and understanding of the area weaves a story of its history. Learn how the Kaituna Awa (river) provided life to the people of Ngati Hinurangi, discover their ancient methods of war, medicine and healing, and their deep appreciation of their awa.

At the end of their walk, visitors are seated comfortably in a raft for a fully-guided float down the gentle Grade 3 section of the river.

Rotorua Rafting owner operator Sam Sutton says there was a gap in the local market for less extreme rafting tours, with visitors usually having to travel at least an hour to find the calmer trips.

“This was a way to make Grade 3 more accessible around the region. The Kaituna is so close and it was about making it an option,” he says.

“Big waterfalls aren’t for everyone. This gives people the chance to get on the river and experience it without the extreme element.”

Sam says the combination of Maori history, ecology and Grade 3 rafting is what makes this package a winner.

He says the company and all those involved in the tour also have the added bonus of being true born-and-bred locals, who already have the river running in their veins.

The tour is aimed at families and those wanting a more peaceful river experience.

Trips are offered daily from October to May, with free shuttle pick-ups from Central Rotorua.

Sam Sutton raft@rotorua-rafting.co.nz www.rotorua-rafting.co.nz

Summer 2014 | 14

Feel the Wonder

Orakei Korako

NEW DEVELOPMENT

Recognition and revamp for an old gem Nestled within the Hidden Valley between Rotorua and Taupo lies one of the finest and most active examples of geothermal activity in the world, the award-winning Orakei Korako Cave & Thermal Park.

The park has undergone extensive renovations over the past couple of years, which owner Craig Gibson says has added to its success, but he believes the unique geothermal experience itself is the real endorsement.

“All we’ve done is put the icing on the cake,” he says.

The park’s facilities had become tired and were in need of a breath of new life, says Craig.

The grounds and pathways have been re-developed and a brand new visitors centre has been built, housing a refurbished ticketing centre, souvenir shop, cafe and separate new bathroom facilities, all which rest on the tranquil shores of Lake Ohakuri.

The past year has also seen the completion of 2.5km of boardwalk, encompassing 90% of the park’s total pathways.

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A new 30-passenger ferry has also been commissioned to carry visitors across the lake to the park’s attractions, replacing its older counterpart after 40 years of faithful service.

The new ferry, called Te Eruera Wikiriwhi, was named in memory of a local kaumatua, Eruera ‘Wiki Wickliffe’ Wikiriwhi, in honour of his great passion and long association with Orakei Korako.

The ferry runs on demand between 8am and 4pm every day of the year.

The MudCake cafe was also recently renamed after the area’s bubbling mud flats – and yes, serves chocolate mud cake, which guests can enjoy on the deck of the visitors centre while drinking in the sites of Lake Ohakuri and marvelling at nature’s handiwork.

Home to 23 natural geysers, the extremely rare thermal Ruatapu Cave (meaning sacred hole and which is over 36m deep), and some of the largest and most beautiful silica terraces on the planet, the park recently underwent extensive redevelopment.

Craig Gibson Ph: +64 7 378 3131 admin@orakeikorako.co.nz www.orakeikorako.co.nz

Feel Inspired

Blue Baths

Milestone & New Development

Blue Baths celebrate 80 years with a fresh new look Visitors to the Blue Baths this coming summer will notice a completely fresh new look – but everything people love about the Blue Baths still remains – an iconic building, a strong sense of heritage and extraordinary attention to service and detail.

Located in Rotorua’s historical Government Gardens, the Blue Baths celebrates its 80th anniversary this year, after officially opening in December 1933. The Blue Baths will celebrate the milestone with a new look and brand that connects back to the glamour of the Baths’ early days and keeps the history alive, but with a fresh, contemporary twist.

Managing Director Jo Romanes says in its early years, the Blue Baths was known as the ‘social hub of the city’.

“In some of Rotorua’s earliest tourism publications, it was promoted as a glamorous, sophisticated and decadent attraction for locals and visitors alike.

“In our 80th year, we wanted to recapture some of that heritage and glamour, but also ensure that our venue and our offerings

remain fun, contemporary and appealing. We want people to use and love our building and help create another 80 years of history and memories.”

The new look was officially unveiled at the Blue Baths annual boutique Wedding and Special Events Expo in September.

Jo says some of the Blue Baths most recognisable features still remain in the brand, including the name, the colour blue and house symbol, but these are complemented by a distinctive pastel blue, black and gold palette, combined with a unique diamond checker pattern, use of evocative catch phrasing and a library of illustrated interchangeable symbols that represent each particular service the Blue Baths has to offer.

“This is a really exciting development for us, with the Blue Baths entering the next phase of its life. We’re looking forward to presenting a full calendar of events, shows and corporate entertainment to ensure the Blue Baths is the social centre of Rotorua once again,” says Jo. Jo Romanes Ph: +64 7 350 2119 jo@historic-venues.co.nz www.bluebaths.co.nz

Summer 2014 | 16

Feel Inspired Rotorua Canopy Tours Milestone & New Development

Rotorua Canopy Tours celebrates one year Rotorua Canopy Tours celebrated its first year in business in August as the only native forest zipline company in New Zealand. Its unique blend of nature and adventure has proved a popular addition to Rotorua’s tourism market for both international and domestic visitors.

Rotorua Canopy Tours is now well established - after starting with four part time staff and only 200 customers in its first full month, and now employs nine full time and three part time staff.

“It’s really captured peoples imagination – we make a promise that this is not mass tourism and we deliver on that with high quality professional and personalised experiences” says cofounder James Fitzgerald.

“For the people who have done it, it has become a must-do for anyone visiting Rotorua and we plan to continue to develop that reputation as the premier eco-tourism adventure operation in New Zealand” says James.

Launch of forest restoration website Pests beware - Rotorua Canopy Tours has set about achieving Phase One of its Three-P hase conservation project.

The company’s vision is to remove introduced predator mammals from the Dansey Road Scenic Reserve and create a 500 hectare forest sanctuary on the outskirts of Rotorua.

Every customer contributes through their Canopy Tour fee and year one customers funded Phase One. In addition, the company has devised a number of ways in which other businesses and individuals can be involved.

With support from the Department of Conservation, Rotorua Canopy Tours attempted what it believed to be a New Zealand first by intensively preparing a 50 hectare area with traps, prefeeding it over six weeks to attract possums, rats and stoats and then turning all the traps live on the evening of September 11 coinciding with national conservation week.

“These are the greatest killers of native birdlife in New Zealand and have been responsible for the extinction of numerous New Zealand species and why so many of New Zealand’s forests are silent – they kill an estimated 26 million native birds every single year” says co-founder James.

“We plan to remove these predators and create a safe forest sanctuary for the native forest species” A website at www.forestrestoration.co.nz was launched on August 20, 2013 so interested people can follow the progress and sponsors can see the individual performance of their traps.

James Fitzgerald Ph: +64 7 343 1001 james@canopytours.co.nz www.canopytours.co.nz

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Rydges Rotorua

New Developments

Rydges reveals new boardroom and free Wi-Fi Rydges Rotorua is being given a breath of new life with a new executive boardroom, free Wi-Fi, and plans in the pipeline for a makeover of its Atrium Restaurant and lick of paint for the entire exterior of the hotel.

The new 53 square-metre, specialised boardroom comfortably seats up to 20 delegates and is located on the lobby level, previously where the hotel’s lobby shop was situated. The room has been extended and renovated and now includes a stateof-the-art, built-in data projector, retractable screen, wireless internet, data ports and a sound system. With small to medium meetings needing high-quality AV equipment, Rydges Rotorua saw a gap in the market to develop such a boardroom that also had ease of use in mind.

With data ports at both ends of the boardroom table, access is available to more than one computer at a time and the entire system has been designed so clients can use the equipment at the touch of a button.

The newly-installed free Wi-Fi system is accessible throughout the entire hotel and sourced through a local provider. The hotel’s previous internet system included users having to pay for usage.

Sales manager Emma Hodges says it was important to be able to provide hotel guests and conference delegates with quality, free Wi-Fi. The hotel is also planning to begin renovating its building exterior and Atrium Restaurant, both of which will undergo a colour scheme make-over. Work is planned to commence at the end of November.

Kathrine Brightwell Ph: +64 7 349 5388 kathrine.brightwell@rydges.com www.rydges.com

The new boardroom, which was up and running in August, brings Rydges’ total number of conference rooms to eight.

Summer 2014 | 18

Feel Indulged

Volcanic Hills

New Product

Local winemakers come full circle Wine production has come full circle for Rotorua winery Volcanic Hills, with the release of its first batch of wines produced and bottled on-site.

The purpose-built facility situated at the base of Mt Ngongotaha’s Skyline Rotorua complex was completed in March, with the first grapes arriving that same month.

In October Volcanic Hills released their 2013 Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc, 2013 Martinborough Rose and the 2013 Marlborough Pinot Gris – the very first wines to have been 100% produced at the winery since it was opened.

The release of the first Rotorua-made batch of wine brings to fruition the second phase of planned developments and complements the Tasting Room at the top of Skyline Rotorua.

Owner and winemaker Brent Park says the company is excited to be moving into the production stage.

“It’s never been our intention to just produce wine for the sake of it – we want to produce great New Zealand wine and while grapes would be extremely difficult to grow commercially in Rotorua, we believe it’s a great place to be producing wine and sharing our passion for this industry with locals and the city’s many visitors.”

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He says the 2013 harvest has been great, with the long dry summer producing some of the best fruit the winemaking team have seen in a long time.

“We really look forward to showing it off to all those that come in to taste our new wines.”

Visitors can now purchase a winery tour and tasting ticket from Skyline Rotorua, which includes a tour of the winery itself to see how the wine is made and a gondola ride up the hill to the Tasting Room, which features breathtaking views as well as beautiful wine.

The winery is currently ageing the 2013 Hawke’s Bay Chardonnay in barrels, which is expected to be ready for release in January 2014. Plus the 2013 Volcanic Hills Pinot Noir is currently maturing nicely too, with grapes having been sourced from Central Otago and Martinborough. This is expected to be released in the first few months of 2014.

Brent says the company is also in the midst of developing the Volcanic Hills Wine Club, which he hopes will cater to both wine enthusiasts based throughout the country and overseas, plus the local market, featuring local deals and specials.

Brent Park Ph: +64 21 381 287 brent.park@volcanichills.co.nz www.volcanichills.co.nz

Croucher Brewing Company

New Development

Brewing success along with the beer The effervescent taste of success is lingering on the lips of the Brew Craft Beer Pub team and loyal fans alike, with the bar – home of the Croucher Brewing Company – expanding into Tauranga and winning more medals and awards to add to its growing collection.

Brew Tauranga opened its doors along The Strand mid-August, with the goal of developing the local craft beer market and standing tall as the first pub of its kind in Tauranga.

Owners Nigel Gregory and Paul Croucher says the success of Brew Rotorua, which opened a little under three years ago, came at a time when the craft beer scene was still very much in its infancy in the Bay Of Plenty. The response to the Croucher beers and Brew has conjured a strong and loyal following in Rotorua alongside the growing popularity of speciality beers.

Opening Brew Tauranga was a chance to begin developing the craft beer culture further afield but still within the Bay of Plenty and launch Croucher beers into the Tauranga market as well.

Nigel says the response from both loyal Brew Rotorua punters and the Tauranga locals has been phenomenal.

Brew Rotorua won Best Bar in the 2013 Rotorua Hospitality Awards and its head barman, Jock Dalby won Best Bartender.

Jock has now invested his skills and passion into Brew Tauranga and embarked on a new challenge, coming on board as a business partner and manager.

Not to be out-done by mere business acumen is of course the beers themselves, two of which placed in the 2013 Brewers Guild of New Zealand Awards.

The Croucher Lowrider beer was awarded a gold medal, while the Ethiopian Coffee Stout won bronze Nigel says the Lowrider beer, which is lower-alcohol at 2.7% was an especially triumphant win, as it goes against the trend of many craft beers which seem to be getting bigger and stronger.

He says their goal was to make something different that stood out from the rest and the combination of a low alcohol, high flavour ale certainly does just that.

Nigel Gregory Ph: +64 7 348 5888 brew@brewpub.co.nz www.brewpub.co.nz

Summer 2014 | 20

Feel Indulged

Polynesian Spa

New Product

New aromatherapy oils enrich body and mind Take relaxation of body and mind to a higher level with Polynesian Spa’s new blends of massage oils.

Used in its specially-designed Aromatherapy Massage, Polynesian Spa began using the top-end Aromatherapy Associates oils in August, to further enhance the soothing effects on tired bodies and busy minds.

Lake Spa retreat manager Helena Keenan says using highquality Aromatherapy Associates oils lifts the overall massage experience to a new level.

“We were looking for a brand that provides excellent quality and Aromatherapy Associates has an exceptional reputation for quality and are renowned for the exquisite blends they create.”

The Aromatherapy Massage is a deeply relaxing massage that uses techniques focusing on the nervous and lymphatic systems, and has been specifically designed to work in synergy with essential oils, which enhance the stress busting effects on mind and body.

Essential oils work through the body’s sense of smell directly on the limbic system, which in turn affects both emotional and physical physiology through the nervous system.

Massage clients are able to choose from three exquisite blends, including De-Stress Muscle, De-Stress Mind and Revive Evening, each with a selection of essential oils mixed together to create a synergy.

The De-Stress Muscle oil, for example, has rosemary, lavender, ginger, juniper, cajeput and pine blended in a base oil of coconut, jojoba and peach kernel. This specific blend has warming analgesic properties that are good for relieving muscular aches and pains.

Polynesian Spa also offers guests the opportunity to purchase a selection of Aromatherapy Associates products for use at home, such as the body oil they selected for their aromatherapy massage, plus shampoo, conditioner, body wash and body lotion products.

Simone de Jong Ph: +64 21 405 206 simone.dejong@polynesianspa.co.nz www.polynesianspa.co.nz

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Novotel Rotorua

New Development & Products

Bring your body into balance With a strong focus on promoting health, wellbeing and community spirit, In Balance Spa at the Novotel has been given a new lease of life by director Keri Onyewu.

In Balance Spa has three refurnished spa treatment rooms and one couples room, new products on the massage and beauty menus, as well as new gym programmes and personal training. The spa is now offering locals cards, and gym and spa memberships.

New spa products include a specialty men’s treatment menu, top-end Nahaia Organics facials which includes a 24-karat gold option, plus introducing two new ranges of natural New Zealand-made skincare products, from Earth 174 and Rotoruabased Pure Source.

“We wanted to have New Zealand products that were as clean and green as possible,” says Keri.

Keen to see the community have easier and more affordable access to the boutique gym and spa facilities, Keri oversaw the development of annual; locals cards, the $50 purchase of which offers holders a free 30-minute massage, six private pool bookings, 25% off spa treatments and access to monthly specials.

Monthly and annual gym memberships are also available, giving members full access to the gym and spa facilities from 6am until 11pm, seven days a week. Facilities include private and public geothermal mineral pools, saunas, a spa jacuzzi and leisure swimming pool. Members also have access to discounted spa treatments Keri Onyewu Ph: +64 7 349 8415 h1874-la01@accor.com www.inbalancesparotorua.co.nz

Summer 2014 | 22

Feel Indulged QE Health

New Product

QE Health WOF offers health check with relaxation Visitors wanting to combine their visit to Rotorua with a total wellbeing check have the perfect opportunity with Queen Elizabeth Health’s Warrant of Fitness (WOF) programme.

Queen Elizabeth Health includes the Spa at QE, a medihealth spa located in the heart of Rotorua’s CBD. The centre combines professional health and wellness expertise with the region’s abundant natural resources to offer a range of proven, therapeutic medi-spa services, including a new Warrant of Fitness health check programme.

Queen Elizabeth Health marketing co-ordinator, Mandy Godo, says the health spa offers a range of different therapeutic medispa services, as well as clinical services such as physiotherapy, chronic pain support and rehabilitation.

“At Queen Elizabeth Health we offer a range of wellness and therapeutic services that are unique in the way that we incorporate our local natural resources such as volcanic mud, geothermal mineral waters and steam.

“Our services are designed not only to relax and rejuvenate, but also to identify potential health issues, to revive and to heal.

There is a growing focus on encouraging people to manage their own health care needs in the light of an aging population, longer life expectancies and budget constraints and our Warrant of Fitness has been designed to help do that.

“The WOF programme combines all of these services in one comprehensive health check that is designed to provide a snapshot of an individual’s health, mobility and fitness levels,” says Mandy.

The WOF involves a health check, musculoskeletal and fitness assessment, along with a soak in the mineral Rachel Pool, a therapeutic massage and warm volcanic mud packs. The programme takes approximately four hours. A more in-depth WOF is also available, which includes an additional one or two day programme that can be tailored to suit the client’s needs.

Mandy says the WOF also provides recommendations for potential lifestyle changes to help encourage improvements in blood pressure, body mass index, cholesterol and blood sugar levels, and is designed to work alongside an individual’s existing health care providers.

Queen Elizabeth Health has a strong health heritage in Rotorua, originally opening in 1942 as a services rehabilitation centre for soldiers returning from World War II. It has recently had a complete refurbishment of its medi-spa facilities, retaining its unique heritage features.

Mandy Godo Ph: +64 7 348 0189 mandy.godo@qehealth.co.nz www.qehealth.co.nz

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Wai Ora Spa

New Product

Therapies fit for the gods Experience a slice of divinity with Wai Ora Spa’s new organic skincare and therapy treatments, including a gold leaf facial that leaves your face glowing and radiant.

Wai Ora Spa has recently teamed up with Nahaia Organics, a New Zealand range of natural organic skincare products, and has two new facial treatments on its spa menu – the Vital Radiance Facial and Vital Radiance gold mask facial.

Nahaia’s ingredients are chosen to directly affect positive change in the skin, so customers can see and feel the difference. The company uses natural properties found in plants and fruits for its active ingredients, packed with essential nutrients to transform your skin, reducing fine lines and offering a more youthful you.

Gold has recently become a world-wide trend in the use of beauty treatments and offers many medicinal benefits to the skin. Its absorption increases circulation and cell growth, and encourages overall renewal and anti-ageing benefits.

The Nahaia gold mask facial involves a paper-thin 24-karat gold leaf mask being applied to the face and then gently massaged into the skin using liquid gold, by specially trained beauty therapists.

Nahaia products are designed and manufactured in New Zealand, something that was of high importance for Wai Ora Spa when it was looking to expand its product range. Natural, organic products were also a high priority and Nahaia’s full retail range of facial products are available for purchase, giving clients the opportunity to continue using the range at home.

In addition to its partnership with Nahaia, Wai Ora Spa has developed its own new decadent body scrub and refreshing foot massage therapies available in time for summer.

These 30-minute treatments have been designed to fit around busy lifestyles and as add-ons to Wai Ora Spa’s other beauty treatments, giving clients a greater range of therapies to choose from.

Bryan Hughes Ph: +64 7 345 4117 bryan@waioragroup.co.nz www.waioraresort.co.nz

Summer 2014 | 24

Feel at Home

The Regent

New Development

Regal recognition and renovations for boutique hotel Increasing demand and appreciation for intimate, quality and personalised accommodation has opened doors for the Regent of Rotorua Boutique Hotel & Spa to embark on exciting new expansion plans and has also seen the hotel win a plethora of hospitality awards.

The Regent has recently completed three months of renovations involving the metamorphosis of seven new guest rooms, bringing the hotel’s total to 30, a second conference room with outdoor courtyard, larger spa and gym facilities and an expanded outdoor area including a spa pool.

The Regent Flashpackers accommodation which was situated next to the hotel was closed late last year, providing space for the boutique hotel to expand.

Owner Darryn Whitehead says with more demand in the personalised boutique hotel market rather than the backpacker market, it made sense to renovate and redevelop the Flashpackers space to be incorporated into the hotel.

“Demand continues to grow for good quality, centrally-located accommodation and with us being next to Eat Streat and the renovations occurring there, our expansion ties in well.”

He says the spa and gym will be offering the same services as previously, albeit in a nicer, brighter and bigger space for guests to enjoy.

The Regent of Rotorua was recently named the Best Hotel in New Zealand for the Grand Pacific Ultimate Tour Series 2012/13.

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“This is a huge honour for our hotel and also recognises Rotorua as a great destination,” Darryn says.

The hotel has also been awarded three levels of recognition in the recent Trip Advisor travellers’ awards in the Best Service, Luxury and Small Hotels categories.

The Regent’s restaurant and wine bar has been awarded a number of awards this year as well, including being named Best Hotel Restaurant in the 2013 Rotorua Hospitality Awards and has received a Beef and Lamb Excellence award.

Darryn Whitehead Ph: +64 7 348 4079 info@regentrotorua.co.nz www.regentrotorua.co.nz

Guest & Hosted

Solitaire Lodge

New Development

Solitaire Lodge unveils transformation Solitaire Lodge has unveiled the recent transformation of its iconic North Island property.

Solitare Lodge now has a new and welcoming lodge entrance and reception space, refreshed suites with roomier bathrooms and revived public spaces.

Owners Wayne Tomlinson and Ingrid Jaques wished to support the strengths of this commanding peninsular setting with a décor that blended with the dramatic views available from all areas of the lodge.

Just in time for spring, guests will experience new public spaces and refreshed suites including:

Lodge Entrance, Reception and Public Spaces Vintage beams, previously used as bridge supports in the Mangaroa Valley, now frame a warm and inviting welcome to Solitaire with sun drenched canvas shade sails. A renewed reception awaits guests inside, styled with leather and oak contemporary furniture and complemented by a beautiful rustic floor, once enjoyed by Wellington school children for many decades. The wood floor leads on to the main lounge where expansive views over Lake Tarawera remain a key feature. Subtle lighting from ceiling hung drum lights and a freshly painted décor give a discreet backdrop, with Persian rugs and casual furniture creating spatial elements.

Guest Suites All suites have enjoyed new 100% NZ wool carpet upgrades, new décor hardware and curtain renewals as well as changed hardware. Linen, bedding and toweling upgrades have also been a feature of the programme. All executive suites and the villa suite also now feature extended bathrooms with separate showers and a freestanding bath allowing guests to sit, soak and stare out over the expansive lake vistas.

Solitaire Lodge is one of the first New Zealand luxury lodges, offering secluded luxury accommodation and attentive hosting from a spectacular lakeside location. Styled with comfort in mind, all 10 luxurious accommodation suites feature panoramic views of the glassy lake and magnificent volcano through grand picture windows. The subtle design brings the outdoors in, inviting guests to unwind and soak up the peace and quiet of this tranquil setting. Renowned for its fine dining, Solitaire Lodge serves contemporary New Zealand cuisine prepared with fresh local produce and complemented by superb New Zealand wines from selected vineyards.

Wayne Tomlinson & Ingrid Jacques Ph: +64 7 362 8208 solitaire@solitairelodge.co.nz www.solitairelodge.co.nz

Guest & Hosted

Summer 2014 | 26

Feel at Home Look After Me

New Partnership

New partnership celebrates cycling and hospitality Homestay network Look After Me will also now be looking after cyclists travelling along Rotorua’s Cycle Trail, Te Ara Ahi – Thermal by Bike, having proudly become the trail’s official accommodation partner in August.

Rotorua Top 10 Holiday Park

New Development

Hitting the jackpot The Rotorua Top 10 Holiday Park has a new hot mineral pool complex, after springs were discovered in the park’s grounds.

Owner Dave Adams began drilling at the Pukuatua site in 2010 in the hopes of discovering a hot spring stemming from the nearby Kuirau Park.

On the third attempt they found what they were looking for and after a bit of brainstorming, decision making and planning, work began in late 2011.

The network has around 30 quality hand-picked homestays in Rotorua and around 180 nation-wide, making it the largest homestay network in the country.

The complex now has two stunning steaming mineral pools, fitting up to 25 people in the larger of the two that bubble away at 38ºC to 40ºC.

Founder Dr Julia Charity says many of Rotorua’s hosts are within 4km of the start of the trail, and are passionate about cycling and genuinely interested in people, making it a fantastic partnership.

There is also a built-in flowing stream from one pool to the other and a boardwalk that snakes its way around the complex, the whole of which comes alive under beautifully illuminated lights at night, and is surrounded by over 250 native plants.

With the cycle trail now officially open, cyclists typically ride the 74km trail over two days, through a thermal wonderland of steaming vents, bubbling mud pools and spectacular geysers.

At the end of the first day, cyclists can be welcomed and hosted in accommodation near the half-way point in Waikite Valley.

One such accommodation provider in the valley is Sandara Gardens, with hosts Marian and John Sandrey offering guests sanctuary in their four acre park-like grounds. The three-bedroom, one-bathroom accommodation starts from $75 for a single guest, including breakfast and other meals by arrangement.

Guests can also soothe their aching muscles in the nearby Waikite Valley Hot Pools and indulge in quality, locally-produced meals and wine.

The Te Ara Ahi, Look After Me partnership is being run as a pilot programme over the summer season and if successful, the concept will be rolled out throughout the country, with Look After Me becoming a national partner to all 16 New Zealand Cycle Trails.

Julia Charity Ph: +64 7 345 3987 julia@lookafterme.co.nz www.lookafterme.co.nz

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Jared & Jasmine Adams Ph: 0800 223 267 jasmine@rotoruatop10.co.nz www.rotoruatop10.co.nz

Distinction Rotorua

New Development

Distinction unveils sleek new look Sleek, fresh and modern are the themes of the Distinction Rotorua Hotel & Conference Centre’s new interior look.

The Fenton Street property has undergone a phased refurbishment programme of all its 133 hotel rooms over the past few years and the recent completion of its nine hotel suites brings the mammoth redevelopment to fruition.

The recently-completed hotel suites have been designed to have a ‘home away from home’ feel, with separate living and dining areas that open up to a balcony, overlooking the hotel’s beautiful garden and a fresh new paint scheme incorporating the natural surroundings. They also feature upgraded luxury super king beds, high definition smart TVs and high-speed Wi-Fi. The past year has seen the exterior of the hotel repainted with a new colour scheme, and its deluxe and superior rooms completely refurbished, offering guests modern, contemporary rooms with the latest in technology. The rooms feature completely new interiors, including colour schemes, carpets, furniture, linen, artwork, wardrobe units, luggage racks, dark oak joinery, plus flatscreen televisions and wireless internet.

General manager Vanessa Beban says the redevelopments were a way to modernise the hotel and renovations were carefully rolled out, to accommodate clients needs and create as little disruption as possible.

Plans are currently underway for the refurbishment of the Distinction’s large conference facilities, in the Fenton Centre, with designers already working on different options for the space. Work is expected to begin in 2014.

Vanessa Beban Ph: +64 27 281 2837 vanessab@distinctionrotorua.co.nz www.distinctionrotorua.co.nz

Summer 2014 | 28

News in Brief

Te Ara Ahi – Go Thermal

By Bike is officially open

Cruise and Fish Rotorua and Lakeland Princess join forces

In August Te Ara Ahi – Go Thermal By Bike was officially opened. Part of a $50m Government investment into the New Zealand Cycle Trail project, Te Ara Ahi is a valuable asset for Rotorua tourism. Riders will enjoy soaking in thermal hot springs, taking in the outstanding landscapes, being inspired by the geothermal wonders, pristine lakes and exotic forests as well as significant historical and cultural sites that provide a unique experience not able to seen anywhere else in the world. Between the trail heads at Rotorua and Orakei Korako, this cycle trail takes riders through four significant and unique geothermal fields, including Whakarewarewa, Waimangu, Waiotapu, and Orakei Korako. www.nzcycletrail.com/thermal-bike

Two of Rotorua’s fishing operators have got together to jointly market the fishing and cruising options available on the Rotorua lakes. Rotorua’s lakes have some of the highest catch rates of Rainbow trout and are abundant with fast growing fish. Cruise and Fish and Lakeland Princess are working in conjunction, helping each other cater with excess demand. Both boats can handle groups of up to 20 and can cater to the small conference and group tours market.

The Lake Rotorua tour suits the group with less time to spend but still wanting a great fishing experience. Whereas a Lake Tarawera tour can cater for those wanting a unique experience, by including a stop off at Hot Water beach. www.rotoruatroutfishing.co.nz www.cruiseandfish.co.nz

The old ‘Boss’ is back!

Redwoods open designer toilets The new Redwood Toilets and Art Installations are now open. Redwoods Forest and Visitor Centre manager Julianne Wilkinson said one of the key components making The Redwoods toilets unique, and a talking point in their own right, was the themed artwork wrapped around each cubicle. “The upgrade of the toilets at the visitor centre was long overdue, especially with The Redwoods being such an increasingly popular visitor destination. They represent our forest well and have an amazing effect on the overall design.” The new toilets are between the Visitor Centre and existing toilet block, in the trees via a boardwalk. www.redwoods.co.nz

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Simon Short, the original owner of Agrojet, returns as Managing Director for Agroventures Adventure Park as of October. Simon will replace both Peter Cossey (Managing Director) and also Jared Pemberton (General Manager) as both roles are folded into one. Simon thanked the outgoing guard and noted that they had overseen an unblemished safety record and major changes at the park both locally and in respect of international options. Peter remains a director of the company along with Steven Hockley (the Freefall wind-tunnel inventor) who is based in Wellington. “There is noone better qualified than Simon to take on the new role and hence this was a natural choice that we planned a few years back,” says Peter. www.agroventures.co.nz

Skyline voted favourite North Island attraction

New lodge manager at Hamurana

Skyline Rotorua has been awarded the title of “Favourite North Island Attraction” at the 2013 Grand Pacific Tours (GPT) Supplier of the Year Awards. The popular Rotorua visitor attraction received the award after voting by thousands of GPT travellers who visited Skyline over the past summer season. Skyline Rotorua general manager, Bruce Thomasen, says the award is a tribute to their staff who work incredibly hard to deliver great products and services. Australian owned and operated GPT is a New Zealand coach holiday specialist which offers a range of New Zealand tour options for Australian visitors. The GPT Supplier of the Year Awards were developed to acknowledge their industry partners in New Zealand who contribute to the success of their touring programme. www.skyline.co.nz/rotorua

Hamurana Lodge Boutique Hotel has welcomed Patrick Gao as new lodge manager. He first worked for the company in 2010, while on a working holiday visa to New Zealand. Patrick graduated with honours from the University of Nicosia in Cyprus, and was also recognised by the Cyprus Tourism Organisation for academic excellence and specialist industry contributions. Prior to his New Zealand travels, Patrick spent four years with InterContinental Hotels Group in Beijing. Originally from China, he was one of 300 lucky people world-wide to be offered a Silver Fern visa in 2011 and spent the next two years working for AHL Hotels Group in Auckland. Patrick brings with him a wealth of experience in developing new emerging markets, as well as a great passion for travel. www.hamuranalodge.com

Rebrand reflects cultural heritage

Step back in time at Te Runanga Tea House

Whakarewarewa, The Living Thermal Village has rebranded to Whakarewarewa, The Living Maori Village, to better reflect and honour its cultural history. Marketing manager Renee Raimona says: “The brand better reflects our business, who we are as Tuhourangi/Ngati Wahiao and the fact that we have been living and working within the Whakarewarewa Geothermal Valley for over 100 years.” She says it is important visitors are aware of the journey from Tarawera and the Pink and White Terraces to the Whakarewarewa Valley and how that legacy continues today. In conjunction with the rebrand, the front exterior of the main building is also being redeveloped and life-sized artwork installed across the front of it. www.whakarewarewa.com

Events and Venues Rotorua has six spectacular venues across Rotorua, but it is Te Runanga Tea House that is its most nostalgic venue. Located in the heart of the historical 50 acre Government Gardens, the Teahouse was built in 1903 as a tea pavilion and it served as a social centre for early visitors to the region. Events and Venues Rotorua sales and marketing manager Brett Jeffery says Te Runanga’s unique character and setting makes it ideal for private meetings and incentive and executive dinners, while the historically-protected venue is also a favourite for retreats, cocktail events and weddings. Events and Venues Rotorua is keen to bring back the ‘era of the Tea House’. www.eventsandvenues.co.nz/teahouse

Summer 2014 | 30

News in Brief Peppers executive chef on point Peppers on the Point Executive Chef Craig Martin was named Barkers Outstanding Chef at the 2013 Rotorua Hospitality awards in June. Born and raised in Rotorua, Craig has worked in luxury lodges and restaurants for the past 13 years. He recently returned to Peppers on the Point after a one-year stint in Melbourne, where he worked at ultra-lounge Club 23 at Crown Casino and also spent time at Attica, rated 21st best restaurant in the world. Craig says: “Winning Barkers Outstanding Chef was a great achievement, after a lot of hard work and long hours, I felt honoured to be recognised in my home town for my contribution to the industry.” His goal is to keep putting Rotorua on the culinary map. www.peppersonthepoint.co.nz

Culinary excellence recognised 13 years in a row Bistro 1284 Restaurant & Wine Bar has been recognised for its culinary excellence, having won a 2013 New Zealand Beef and Lamb Excellence award for the thirteenth consecutive year.Restaurant owner Darryn Whitehead believes it is an amazing result and testament to the total dedication of the team to deliver the best possible dining experience for restaurant guests. The restaurant has also launched an exciting new menu for the summer months featuring a French bistro theme. The menu includes sumptuous dishes such as chocolate venison éclairs with beetroot puree, balsamic glaze and crème fraiche, and heavenly desserts like dark and white chocolate marquise, accompanied by raspberry sorbet, praline and berry compote. www.bistro1284.co.nz

Mokoia launches new business lunch menu Mokoia Restaurant at the Wai Ora Lakeside Spa Resort has introduced a new and delicious lunch menu offering corporate diners a fine dining experience to tantalise gourmet tastebuds in the space of one hour. Chef’s new selections include a thick and creamy Kai Moana Chowder served in a handcrafted bread basket; Mokoia Fish & Chips, with snapper cooked to your desire; Mokoia Burger featuring gourmet beef pattie with all the extras; Sizzling Seafood Platter for two, or indulge on your own, a true seafood lover’s delight; plus vegetarian, pasta, salad options and more. Pricing starts at just $15.50 and the menu includes side dishes at only $5.50. The new lunch menu is available daily from 11am to 2pm. Bookings are preferred, however, not essential. www.mokoiarestaurant.co.nz

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New booking system for Hot Water Beach Lake Tarawera’s iconic Hot Water Beach campsite has a new booking system, allowing campers to check availability and plan ahead. It is also hoped the booking system will help retain the special character of the popular site by reducing pressure on the environment and facilities. To complement the booking system, the Department of Conservation (DOC) has also done a significant amount of earthworks, levelling and clearly marking sites to improve the quality of camping.

The Whakarewarewa Village Charitable Trust has taken on the management of the campsite on behalf of DOC, with day-to-day running managed by Lake Tarawera Water Taxi, a subsidiary of the trust. Bookings can be made online, phone or in person. www.whakarewarewa.com/experiences

PS Happy customers the key for Grumpy’s Tour and transport operator Grumpy’s Transfers and Tours Ltd is under new management and is also updating a handful of its packages. Blue Pukeko Group Ltd purchased the company in June and although Director Robert Dew says the overall day-to-day operations remain much the same, it is streamlining its current product offerings for better ease of use for customers and also return on investment for the company. This includes introducing a new zoning and pricing system for transport around Rotorua, extending hours of use for its 24 and 48 hour passes (now from 8am until 8pm), and offering mini-tours to all the main attractions departing on demand every 1.5 hours. www.grumpyslimo.co.nz

Soaring from strength to strength After 30 years in business, HELiPRO is continuing to soar from strength to strength. They’ve recently renewed the landing rights to the iconic destinations of Mount Tarawera and White Island, and are also establishing new operations in Tauranga and Fiji. HELiPRO has renewed its existing tours to White Island from Rotorua, Auckland, Tauranga and Taupo – the latter two of which it now flies exclusively from, as part of the most recent negotiations which take place every two to three years.Rotorua base manager Dave Marinkovich says the renewal and development of exclusive landing rights to some of New Zealand’s most iconic destinations attests to the strong relationships HELiPRO has forged over the years with White Island’s private owners and the Ruawahia 2B Trust and Ngati Rangitihi Iwi, guardians of Mount Tarawera. www.helipro.co.nz

Whakarewarewa stalwart promoted to new position After 14 years working at Whakarewarewa, The Living Maori Village as a guide and then guide supervisor, Paora Tapsell has been appointed to the newly created position of Local Marketing Liaison.

He will be concentrating on the local market, which covers Rotorua, Taupo and the wider Bay of Plenty.

Popular twilight luging returns Back by popular demand, Skyline Rotorua’s worldfamous luge tracks will be open from 9am until 8pm starting late December, so visitors can take a twilight trip down the Mt Ngongotaha site.

Skyline Rotorua sales and marketing manager, David Blackmore, says twilight luging has proven popular in recent years, with two tracks specially lit to showcase the unique native bush.

New partnerships manager for DOC Helen Neale has been appointed to the role of Rotorua District Conservation Partnerships Manager for the Department of Conservation. Helen will be focusing on developing and strengthening new and existing relationships with iwi, business and the wider community, to grow conservation in the Rotorua district.

Increasing demand for superior service Xquizit Limousines has two new additions to its ever-growing fleet. With demand increasing, it has added a third Mercedes Sprinter 11-seater van aimed at the cruise ship and conference market, plus a shiny new black Territory Titanium SUV, servicing corporate and lodge customers.

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Out & About 2

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1: Left to right: Renee Nathan, Cynthia Fang, Tanya Taljaard, Patrick Dault, Jenha White, Helen van Beek, Brenna Townshend, Jo Hardie, Isobel Taylor, Alistair Gray, Debbie Guptill, Oscar Nathan 2: Te Rina West and her mother Kiri 3: Inside the Energy Events Centre

Famously Rotorua TVC Launch On 30 September Destination Rotorua Marketing (DRM) hosted the Famously Rotorua television commercial launch an event at the Energy Events Centre. The Famously Rotorua commercials are airing on TV1, TV2 On Demand, TV3, Prime, The Living Channel and The Food Channel. The three-year campaign is aimed at showcasing the diversity Rotorua has to offer the domestic market and features digital advertising, a revamped RotoruaNZ.com website and geo-targeted advertising.

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Tourists at a pit stop enjoying the view of a mudpool at Waiotapu

Te Ara Ahi – Cycle Trail Opening Te Ara Ahi – Thermal by Bike was opened on 25 August with a community event to celebrate the trails completion.

Rotorua has some of the most magnificent bike trails in the country. Te Ara Ahi riders enjoy sites such as Kerosene Creek, Paeroa Range, Rainbow Mountain and the Te Kopia and Waikite Geothermal Fields as they make their way along the trail. Te Ara Ahi is one of New Zealand’s Top 20 ‘Great Rides’ and is a significant addition to the community’s visitor portfolio.

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1: Marathon runners ready for the off 2: Sam Wreford

Rotorua Marathon The 49th Rotorua Marathon was held in May 2013, with the milestone 50th Rotorua Marathon set to take place on 3 May, 2014. Already there are over 1300 entrants for the upcoming event with 50 international athletes making the trip especially. This year’s winner Sam Wreford from Timaru will be facing the events most challenging field in 2014 as the Rotorua Marathon celebrates its milestone 50th birthday - making it one of the oldest marathons in the world.

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1: Left to right: Sarah Ziesson, Jane Johnson-Matua and Kylie Tiuka 2: Te Korihi (birdsong) by Kylie Tiuka

1: Performers at the Night Market 2: Teenagers enjoying the ice rink 3. Luminite sign made out of lantern

Fire & Ice Festival The Rotorua Fire and Ice Festival was held in July and included an outdoor ice rink, an outdoor movie night and mid-winter Christmas at the Night Market. The main event was the Luminite evening, which saw the Government Gardens covered with an array of colorful candle-lit lanterns and a hot air balloon.

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Rotorua Art Awards Rotorua artist Kylie Tiuka won the $10,000 Rotorua Museum Supreme Art Award with her work Te Korihi at the Rotorua Art Awards held in August. Her winning piece and 30 other selected works were placed on display at the Rotorua Museum from August 9 - October 28. The awards are sponsored by Rotorua Energy Charitable Trust and Waimangu Volcanic Valley in association with Friends of Rotorua Museum.

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1: The Australasian Tourism New Zealand team and Te Puia | NZMACI gifted this pou to Tūhourangi at a dawn ceremony on Tuesday 22 October 2: Left to right: Graeme Howard, Eric Rowe, Drax (Kaitiaki), Richard Wilkinson, Tim Burgess, Anna Ward, Georgina Macguire, Lauren Blank, Maria Jones, Kellie Larson, Juliana Foster, Karly Bent, Raana (Kaitiaki) 3: Kris Taute and Zaina Razzaq

Iwi host key Tourism NZ staff More than 80 Tourism New Zealand (TNZ) staff from across Australasia spent three-days in October within the tribal lands of Te Arawa waka between Maketu and Tongariro, hosted by the people of Te Arawa and Tuwharetoa. The visit was initiated and hosted by Māori in Tourism Rotorua (MITR) in partnership with Destination Rotorua Marketing (DRM) and other local industry partners. During the visit the Arawa people of Tūhourangi were formally acknowledged for their pioneering contribution to the development of tourism in Aotearoa.

The iwi was gifted a carved wooden pou by Tourism New Zealand (TNZ) and Te Puia | NZMACI at a dawn ceremony at Lake Tarawera on October 22, acknowledging Tūhourangi as Aotearoa’s very first hosts, welcoming and guiding domestic and international visitors to the Pink and White Terraces on the shores of Lake Tarawera prior to the eruption on June 12, 1886.

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Trade Resources

All you need to know about Rotorua Getting here

Rotorua Trade Resources What better way to inform clients about Rotorua, than to show them. Please contact Destination Rotorua Marketing for free copies of printed trade resources or you can download resources at RotoruaNZ.com/trade

Rotorua Images A full range of royalty-free high and low resolution images are available for use at RotoruaNZ.com/trade, click on the image gallery and select a category to download the images you require.

Travel Trade Website This specialist trade website includes itineraries, energy points, product updates, media releases and resources.

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 regional 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 Videos Feel free to check out our online library of Rotorua videos on culture, luxury, family, adventure, nature, mountain biking, events and trade on RotoruaNZ.com.

Rotorua Meeting Planner 2013

Rotorua Trade Brochures

A comprehensive guide to business events planning in Rotorua. Featuring venues, accommodation and services on offer.

Showcasing Rotorua’s myriad of experiences and how to get here. Available in English, Chinese, Japanese & Korean.

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 Rotorua Visitor Centre and i-SITE on 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. Rotorua also has a number of open markets, including the Saturday Kuirau Park Market, Thursday Rotorua Night Market and the popular Lakefront markets most weekends.

Dining With more than 90 places to choose from, Rotorua offers a wide range of casual café and restaurant options.

Rotorua Official Visitor Guide

Famously Rotorua Magazine

Love North Brochure

The official guide to Rotorua attractions and events, as well as general information about the region, including maps and contact details.

A quarterly magazine on key upcoming events in Rotorua, suggested itineraries and tips on how to best enjoy Rotorua in every season and school holiday.

See lovenorth.co.nz to watch a video and download a guide showcasing the wonders of the North Island with itinerary options for getting around.

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