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Heritage secures Hotel du Vin

Heritage Hotel Management is delighted to announce the addition of Hotel du Vin to the hotel group, made effective from June 1, 2006. Heritage Hotel Management will operate the hotel as Heritage Hotel and Spa du Vin. CEO and owner of Hotel du Vin and Spa du Vin, Ed Aster, said he was delighted to join an established and reputable hotel group. “This will greatly enhance the marketing of the hotel and spa and assist in realising the amazing potential this property has,” he said. The hotel is a strategic addition to Heritage’s portfolio of hotels, developing further the spa product range in the group, according to Jeff Shearer of Heritage Hotel Management. “Hotel du Vin is already an important conference and leisure-break destination, within easy driving distance of Auckland’s airport. Having a luxury hotel with a great spa on the city’s doorstep is a fantastic asset for the Heritage chain,” Mr Shearer said. The 40 acre country estate, adjoining the Firstland Vineyard in the Mangatawhiri Valley, is 35 minutes drive from Auckland International Airport. The hotel has 48 restful private chalets. Conference facilities include 12 meeting rooms, catering for as many as 100 delegates theatre-style, and outdoor dining events of up to 300 people.

Name change for Lake Plaza

The Lake Plaza Rotorua Hotel was renamed the Sudima Hotel Lake Rotorua on June 1, 2006. The name-change is part of a new group strategy which sees the hotel’s name match that of their Christchurch property, the Sudima Hotel Christchurch Airport. The new brand also prepares the group for adding future hotels to their portfolio. The Rotorua hotel ownership and management remain the same with general manager Harry Salisbury continuing to deliver exceptional service via his dedicated team. The sales and marketing for both hotels is now coordinated from a head office in Auckland under the brand name of Sudima Hotels New Zealand. Steve Woods has recently joined the team as director of sales and marketing with previous roles in Auckland at The Sheraton, Hyatt and The Carlton and also Sheraton in London. Steve’s most recent position was as marketing manager for the world famous resort hotel Gleneagles based in Scotland. The Sudima Hotel Lake Rotorua is Rotorua’s largest hotel. Nestled on the shores of Lake Rotorua and adjacent to the famous Polynesian Spa complex and Government Gardens, the hotel is only a five-minute stroll to the city centre. Visit www.sudimahotels.com for further information.

Accor Premiere Vacation Club expansion

Accor Première Vacation Club (APVC), the Australian joint-venture holiday ownership company, has broadened its acquisition trail from Australia to New Zealand, with the signing of an agreement to buy for a non-disclosed amount, but in excess of NZ$10 million, the renowned resort – The Grand Mercure Puka Park, situated on the Coromandel Coast. The property was purchased from Puka Park Resort Ltd, (a wholly owned subsidiary of Tainui Group Holdings Limited), with ownership taking effect on June 1, 2006. The purchase is the eighth APVC-owned Grand Mercure, and is indicative of the 4.5 star level of comfort and convenient locations in Australia and New Zealand expected and offered to its 15,000 strong membership. The destination is seen as ideal for New Zealand members for weekend indulgent getaways, and for short haul Australian members, maximising air capacity between major ports in Australia and New Zealand.

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

The luxury promotion, which is available until September 30 2006, offers Australian and New Zealand travellers the opportunity to experience a short break, long weekend, special occasion, honeymoon or extended adventure holiday in luxury lodge accommodation. The 15 properties participating in the ‘Stay 3 pay 2’ promotion are based throughout the North and South islands and many are based in or just a short drive from the key New Zealand gateway cities of Auckland, Rotorua and Christchurch.

Auckland offers a choice of three, luxury hotels while a different experience is provided by the traditional, country setting of Maungatautari Lodge. Situated less than an hour from Auckland airport, the property is located on its own stud farm with onsite horse-riding stables for guests.

Christchurch offers a choice of three properties within 45 minutes of the airport. Huntley House offers heli-skiing with pick up available from the hotel door direct to the mountain top, and has a fleet of classic cars including an Aston Martin DB7 Vantage, Bentley Brooklands and Hummer H2, at the guest’s disposal.

For a full description of experiences on offer at all 15 properties participating in the ‘Stay 3 Pay 2’ promotion, go to www.artoftravel.co.nz email wendy@artoftravel.co.nz or call (09) 358 9189.

ABOVE: Kawaha Point Lodge, Lake Rotorua.