With the total financial re-investment into the city’s top tourism attractions, accommodation providers and new infrastructure still climbing past $66 million, Destination Rotorua Tourism Marketing general manager Don Gunn says the industry is out to actively pursue new business and bring it to Rotorua. Developments already completed include the $16 million revamp of Mt Ngongotaha-based Skyline Skyrides, a new arrivals terminal constructed at the Rotorua Regional Airport and a number of hotels in the city undertaking large refurbishment programmes to maintain high quality standards.
Skyline Skyrides, always a popular option for those holding conference or incentive dinners, can now cater for almost 500 guests in its renowned Cableway Restaurant and Bar, while the Redwood Forest Sails offers space for up to 250 guests. Meanwhile, developments still in construction include the $25 million Energy Events Centre, due for completion at the end of 2006, and Te Puia’s $23 million redevelopment project.
Mr Gunn says the Energy Events Centre creates a selection of new opportunities for Rotorua as it increases the capacity of conferences the city can cater to. An example of this is Rotorua’s successful bid for TRENZ 2007, New Zealand’s biggest tourism industry tradeshow which will be held in May 2007 at the new events centre. Te Puia, formerly the Maori Arts and Crafts Institute, is re-investing in the future of the Whakarewarewa Geothermal Valley with a self-funded $23 million site development.
The project is the biggest private investment in Maori tourism in New Zealand and chief executive officer Andrew Te Whaiti says the redevelopment will position Te Puia as the Maori cultural centre of the country. The new project will create a total experience for visitors, which will include a virtual tour of the geysers and mud pools, a deeper understanding of the culture and arts, and a new administration building and visitor entrance. Rotorua will continue to grow with the addition of new projects and re-investment, Mr Gunn said.
“Rotorua is looking very good, we are looking very positive. With the creation of the Energy Events Centre coupled with the existing infrastructure we have here, Rotorua will be capable of catering for conferences from 20 delegates through to 3000.” Plans for runway extensions at the Rotorua Regional Airport are in the submissions process at the Rotorua District Council. A large number of positive submissions have been received with the proposed extensions creating a runway capable of handling trans-Tasman flights – a positive outlook for the convention and incentive industry.
“The trans-Tasman developments are critical in gaining more opportunities that come from the Australian conference and incentive markets,” Mr Gunn said.
For more information, check out www.rotoruaNZ.com/conventionbureau
 MEET, EAT AND SLEEP
Royal Lakeside Novotel and Hotel Ibis Rotorua
The Royal Lakeside Novotel offers commanding views over Lake Rotorua along with 199 rooms including a stunning penthouse. It features six meeting rooms, the biggest of which can hold 410 theatre-style. The hotel underwent a smart refurbishment in December and now has a new contemporary look known as ‘Novotel Signature Range’. Meanwhile, adjoining the property is the Hotel Ibis Rotorua which has 145 rooms. For more information on the two hotels telephone (07) 346 3888 or visit www.accor.co.nz.
Hamurana Country Estate
A boutique lodge just 15 minutes from central Rotorua, Hamurana Country Estate boasts 12 accommodation rooms, all with ensuite facilities. The refurbished manor has sweeping views to Lake Rotorua and is fully equipped for conferences of up to 20 people. It is surrounded by pleasant gardens and in March was awarded the 2006 New Zealand Beef and Lamb Hallmark of Excellence. For more information telephone (07) 332 2222, email mail@ hcestate.co.nz or visit www.hcestate.co.nz
Grand Tiara Hotel & Conference Centre
Located on Fenton St just minutes from the city centre, the Grand Tiara Hotel offers 133 guest rooms including nine luxury suites. The hotel features nine conference rooms catering for groups of up to 500 delegates including boardrooms and private lounges. There’s also additional breakout rooms and a large exhibition foyer. The hotel has three restaurants along with McLardy’s Irish Pub and a Maori Dinner Show. For more information telephone (07) 349 5200, email reservations@grandtiara.co.nz or visit www.grandtiara.co.nz
Millennium Hotel Rotorua
The centrally located Millennium Hotel Rotorua overlooks Lake Rotorua and is adjacent to the famous Polynesian Spa. A four-and-a-half star deluxe property, it has 227 rooms, and meeting facilities for up to 350 theatre-style. The largest room, the Mokoia Room, can seat 160 for a banquet. The hotel also has spa facilities, offering a full range of massage and pamper treatments provided by qualified beauty technicians. For details telephone (07) 347 1234, email millennium. rotorua@mckhotels.co.nz or visit www.millenniumrotorua.co.nz
Rydges Rotorua
With 135 guest rooms including five luxury suites, Rydges Rotorua can cater for up to 350 delegates in five fully equipped meeting rooms. The property offers The Atrium Restaurant situated in the heart of the hotel and with a four storey central court area offering natural lighting, palm trees and cascading waterfalls, allowing guests to dine under the stars. The hotel has been undergoing a soft refurbishment during the past 12 months including makeovers of the conference rooms. For further information telephone (07) 349 0099, email reservations_rotorua@ rydges.com or visit www.rydges.com
Duxton Hotel
Just 15 minutes from the city centre, Duxton Hotel Okawa Bay Resort is idyllically set on the shores of Lake Rotoiti. Each of its 44 rooms and suites are superbly appointed and the hotel has plenty of outdoor activities including a marina with private boat ramp. The hotel can cater for groups between 20 and 80 delegates. For more information telephone (07) 362 4599, email res@rotorua.duxton.co.nz or visit www.duxton.com
Park Heritage Rotorua
Overlooking the famous Whakarewarewa Thermal Reserve and Historic Village, the Park Heritage Rotorua features 203 rooms following a refurbishment in 2004 resulting in the new Whaka Wing with an extra 75 rooms. The hotel has six conference rooms, the largest being the Pohutu Cultural Theatre, capable of holding 300 banquetstyle and 500 theatre-style. For more information telephone (07) 348 1189, email can-do.conferences@parkheritagerotorua.co.nz or visit www.heritagehotels.co.nz
Event Venues Rotorua
Event Venues Rotorua manages a portfolio of six versatile event venues including the Rotorua Convention Centre, the Rotorua Civic Centre, the Southern Trust Sportsdrome, Rotorua Sports Stadium, Te Runanga Tea House and the Rotorua Sound Shell. The Rotorua Convention Centre is in the heart of the city, within close proximity to all major hotels, and can hold up to 800 delegates theatre-style. Meanwhile the new Energy Events Centre is currently under construction and will add to the portfolio once opened in 2007. It will be able to hold up to 3000 for a conference. For details telephone (07) 349 5141, email event.venues@rdc.govt.nz or visit www.eventvenues.co.nz
MUST SEE AND DO
Volcanic Air Safaris
Based on the Rotorua lakefront, Volcanic Air Safaris operates a diverse fleet of aircraft including a number of floatplanes and helicopters. In total the company has 29 seats available at any one time in Rotorua. Options include tours over Mt Tarawera, White Island or a helicopter landing at Hell’s Gate. There are also links by floatplane to the Rangitaiki River for jet-boating excursions. For details telephone (07) 348 4069, or visit www.volcanicair.co.nz
 NZ Riverjet
The NZ Riverjet jet boating experience is just one of the activities under the Action New Zealand, Corporate Adventures umbrella. The Riverjet is based half-way between Rotorua and Taupo on Halcrow Rd. The sleek black boats journey up the mighty Waikato, through the Tutukau Gorge to Orakei Korako, a hidden valley of geothermal springs. Participants can explore the natural geothermal park, and have lunch before making the return trip. The jet boats can be hired by groups while Action New Zealand offers a number of daring team-building exercises based out of Rotorua. For more information telephone (07) 350 1533, email team@action-nz.co.nz or visit www.action-nz.co.nz
Rotorua Museum of Art and History
In 1908 the Bath House attracted visitors from around the world, lured by Rotorua’s curative waters. These days the house is home to Rotorua Museum. The Tudor-style museum is located in Rotorua’s Government Gardens and tells the story of Rotorua and its surrounds through various exhibitions. The museum is also a venue and can seat 150 for dinner. For details telephone (07) 349 4350, email rotoruamuseum@rdc.govt.nz or visit www.rotoruamuseum.com.nz
Off Road NZ
Off Road NZ combines team-building with fun group activities including four-wheel driving, car racing, archery, claybird shooting, obstacle courses and much more. Helipro links the two plus offers scenic flights over Rotorua and across to White Island volcano in Whakatane. For more information visit www.offroadnz.co.nz
Agrodome Adventure Park
Located 10 minutes from the city, the Agrodome is home to a host of activities. There’s Agrojet jetboating, the Swoop which flies at 130kph, Zorb – the ultimate spherical challenge and Freefall Xtreme, a body flying experience. There’s also a world famous sheep show and plenty of souvenir shopping, plus a cafe. For more information telephone (07) 357 1050, email marketing@ agrodome.co.nz or visit www.agrodome.co.nz
Raftabout
Experience whitewater rafting and sledging with Raftabout on the Kaituna River. From beginners to extreme adrenalin seekers, enjoy the culture, history and scenery in this action-packed mini-adventure. Professional guides provide participants with instructions along with all the necessary gear and equipment. For details telephone (07) 343 9500, or visit www.raftabout.co.nz
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