 Langham refurbishment
Those seeking a snapshot of what the new luxurious and elegant Langham Hotel Auckland looks like now can do so by visiting the property’s website (www.langham.co.nz). The hotel has undergone a $12 million refurbishment which involved upgrading all 410 rooms and suites, and a stunning new lobby, which includes a spectacular gold leaf dome with ornate coving. The property’s award-winning signature restaurant, Partingtons Restaurant has also undergone refurbishment.
 Hamurana a two time winner
Hamurana Country Estate kick-started 2006 as a two-time winner, recently being awarded the 2006 New Zealand Beef and Lamb Hallmark of Excellence award, and being one of three New Zealand properties to be featured in the award-winning Scenic Lodge Experiences 2006 programme at the New Zealand (UK) Tourism Awards in February. Hamurana Country Estate won the award in the Best New Zealand Product Development – Structured Programme 2006 category. “We are naturally delighted with the award for the New Zealand Beef and Lamb Hallmark of Excellence as we pride ourselves on serving only the very best cuts of locally sourced meat to our guests,” said co-owner and host, Kim Martin. A spacious, welcoming manor house offering a refreshing taste of rural life, Hamurana Country Estate offers beautiful views to Lake Rotorua and is just 15 minutes from the thermal and tourist attractions of Rotorua.
The Hottest Places to Experience and See
New benchmark for Duxton
Fast internet access is now available at the Duxton Wellington, with the property offering a choice of wireless or hardwire internet to meet guest demands. “It’s what our guests have been asking for and now we can provide it for them,” says rooms division manager of the property, Dean Overend. Guests can choose their preference for high-speed hardwire or wireless access either when they book or when they check-in, with the charges being billed directly to their account. The Duxton Hotel network offers a flat-rate plan of $24.95 per day for unlimited use with no excess charges, no download or upload limits and no time restrictions.
Four plus rating for Crowne Plaza
Crowne Plaza Christchurch has been awarded four-plus star rating by New Zealand’s official quality recognition system, Qualmark. Applicants undergo rigorous anonymous on-site assessment by Qualmark officials prior to being notified of their rating. General manager Blair Roxborough said he was extremely pleased with the achievement. “I’m very proud of our entire team for maintaining the hotel product and services to this standard. The rating demonstrates to travellers that Crowne Plaza Christchurch is a professional tourism business that can be trusted to deliver a high quality experience.” While motels in New Zealand have been graded for some years, grading other types of tourism operations, such as hotels, visitor experiences and luxury lodges, is a relatively new innovation by Qualmark and the criteria for star allocation is specific to each grouping.
New for Kawaha Point Lodge
Kawaha Point Lodge, winner of a 2003/4 New Zealand Tourism Award launched a new website – www.kawahalodge.co.nz – recently. Kawaha Point Lodge owner-host, Tony Seavill said the time was right to launch the new website to update the public on new initiatives, award wins and product. Award-winning Kawaha Point Lodge is a beautifully appointed lodge offering luxury accommodation right on the edge of Lake Rotorua. Originally built as a luxurious lake-edge villa for several of Auckland’s premier families today it offers the discerning visitor the opportunity to experience the comforts and hospitality of hosted, luxury lodge accommodation while enjoying an exclusive and intimate environment.
Mt Ruapehu to get $30 million make-over
In the North Island, Whakapapa and Turoa skifields will undergo a $30 million upgrade this summer with the installation of three new chair lifts. Whakapapa, on the northern side of Mt Ruapehu will receive two of the high speed lifts and Turoa the other one. On Whakapapa the Valley Express chair lift will replace the Valley t-bar and the Tennant’s Express will replace the Rock Garden chair lift while the High Noon t-bar will be replaced on Turoa. Ruapehu Alpine Lifts are selling life passes for as little as $3875 to raise revenue for the project. The passes are on sale until May 12 and the target is to sell 7000. For more information visit www.mtruapehu.com
Gisborne’s newest luxury hotel
Due to open in June, the Emerald Hotel already has a number of conference bookings. The hotel is set to bring a much needed luxury hotel conferencing base to the city with an accommodation and conference facility quality unrivalled in the region. Emerald Hotel sales and marketing manager Grant Radovanovich says the C&I market is untapped in the region because of the lack of suitable infrastructure – until now. “The arrival of Emerald Hotel is long overdue, not in Gisborne but the entire region and will attract the lucrative conference and incentive market to the city.”
Conferences from Auckland, Wellington and Gisborne have already confirmed bookings right through until March 2007, ranging in size from 20 up to 140. “It’s very pleasing to have these bookings secured and we’re also working on quite a few more,” Mr Radovanovich said. The hotel will have a large conference room which can be split into three rooms and can seat up to 250 people. There is also an adjoining historic theatre, perfect for product launches and parties. The hotel is located in the city centre overlooking the river, marina and ocean. It will feature 62 rooms, studio, executive and twin executive as well as four executive apartments and two penthouses.
 Specials at The George
To celebrate the opening of its contemporary new meeting spaces The George has introduced a special delegate package available until August 31, 2006, offering rewarding and affordable options for both meeting rooms and delegate accommodation. Groups who book a meeting of two days or more with accommodation of 10 rooms or more will receive a complimentary welcome cocktail function, a VIP turndown with special treats in all rooms, and a celebratory thank you reward from The George for conference organisers. Delegate day rates start from $47 per person and special room rates are available. For details email Robyn Bishell on conferences@thegeorge.com
 Treble Cone upgrades
Robert Skinner, Anna Yeates and David Wasserman gave out some great prizes during a cocktail reception in Sydney recently to promote improvements to New Zealand’s famous Treble Cone skifield. In the past three years more than $12 million has been invested in the South Island ski area including a new $4.5 million fixed grip chairlift in the Saddle Basin. There’s also a number of new runs and an emphasis on skiing lessons, a great group incentive. For more details visit www.treblecone.com
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