Let’s start with the fun stuff first!! Anyone from Auckland interested in a ‘flying visit’ to Rotorua, are welcome to join us aboard Roto Vegas Air 146 for a 2 day visit on 20 & 21 August. The Rotorua Convention Bureau has chartered the Air National 146 aircraft for this innovative famil. If you’d like to hop aboard, email us on conventionbureau@rotoruanz.com and we’ll take it from there. Anyone from other regions that would like to see what’s happening in Rotorua, please make contact and we can tailor-make a visit for you too (except with the plane charter!!)
The Meetings Tradeshow starts next week and Rotorua has again done something a little out of the bag. We’re introducing the Vegas Lounge and invite anyone attending Meetings to pop into our Lounge and enjoy a mocktail or two!! Groove on down to stand 593 and see what the fuss is all about.
As always, we are here to assist with unbiased information to help you organise a conference, incentive or meeting.
"The greatest discovery of all time is that a person can change their future by merely changing their attitude"
Oprah Winfrey
So what’s new ….
Rotorua Airport inching that much closer to Trans Tasman
 Never a dull time in Rotorua, we’re pleased to say that our runway extension is nearly complete to allow for Trans Tasman air services from the end of July. As soon as we have an airline confirmed, we’ll be out to you with details of the services so we can start bringing your Aussies guests over!! Rotorua's physical runway will reach 2.1 kilometres in length, longer than Wellington, Dunedin and Queenstown.
For up to date progress on the airport developments, click here
 A new dining experience
The lake end of Tutanekai Street has been closed to allow for a new dining experience – Eat Street. An initiative by the local restaurants and Rotorua District Council, Eat Street, provides a relaxed alfresco dining experience right in heart of the dining district. With umbrellas, planter boxes and an outdoor stage, the ambience is proving popular amongst casual diners and groups alike. The open space allows large groups to dine together and all restaurants are willing to design a dining experience for any group size.
 Prime Minister officially opens second chairlift at Skyline Skyrides
John Key was at Skyline Skyrides to officially open a second chairlift and ride the luge track! The second chairlift doubles the capacity to get riders of the world famous luge back up to the top base to ride again from 900 pax per hour to 1800. The second chairlift opening completes a massive $20 million redevelopment of the Skyline property in Rotorua.
www.skylineskyrides.co.nz
Blue Baths Cabaret takes off
The Blue Baths have launched a summer season of Cabaret Shows every Thursday to Saturday night and exclusive use by arrangement. The theme - Fashion, Fads & Famous’. Be swept along on a wave of nostalgia amid the shimmering pools as we “revue” the fabulous fashions, flashy fads, the flicker of fame.... a scintillating celebration of 75 years at the Blue Baths.
 Commences at 6.30pm with tray service of bubbles/juice/beer.
Ladies offered a feather boa, gents a fedora hat.
Show begins at 7:00 pm.
Dinner & Cabaret Show till 10:00 pm.
COST $125 pp - includes one drink on arrival, 3 course dinner and cabaret show.
www.historic-venues.co.nz
Water Warriors Combo
In the 1300’s the Maori Explorer Ihenga discovered the Rotorua Lakes while looking for delicacies for his pregnant wife. Now visitors to Rotorua can learn some of the history with a very modern twist by embarking on the new Water Warriors Combo. Starting at the Rotorua Lakefront, Kawarau Jet speeds across Lake Rotorua to the Ohau channel. Now change the pace and embark on a cultural journey of discovery as you paddle an authentic Maori canoe (Waka) on the calm and tranquil waters of the Ohau Channel.
It’s time for a different craft and another change of pace as you join River Rats Rafting for the trip of a lifetime down the Kaituna River, through an amazing tree lined gorge and over the world’s highest commercially rafted waterfall the awesome 7 metre Tutea Falls.
Cost is $230 per person for a 4 – 4½ hour experience.
Minimum of 8 people and maximum of 48.
www.riverrats.co.nz
 Tamaki on tour
Tamaki Group has developed two dramatic re-enactments as touring theatre. Borne from demand, these stories can be delivered in any environment, from a hotel conference environment to massive conference venues, with full audio visual, stunning sets, cast and story scaled to size.
The Realm of Tane is a highly charged and emotive Tamaki story centred on one Maori family; a grandmother, her son and granddaughter. It traces the young woman’s journey to understand the importance of her heritage as her father and kuia (grandmother) take her back in time to unravel her ancestors’ story.
Lost In Our Own Land shares an account of brutal 30 year civil war to erupt with the arrival of the musket. Told through the eyes of the warrior, Uitara IV we witness Maori culture under major transformation – as tradition, spiritual beliefs, tribal structure and chieftainship are challenged.
www.globalstorytellers.com
 Happy Quackday to You
Rotorua Duck Tours recently celebrated their 5th birthday. From small beginnings they can now give you the best 4 reasons to Conference in Rotorua!
Teambuilding Amazing Duck Race - This activity requires two teams, each in a duck, pitted against one another to complete a list of fun challenges.
Partner Programmes and Pre/Post Conference Tour – hosted by your friendly Con“Duck”tor - Discover Rotorua with a unique sightseeing adventure aboard the mighty Duck. Rotorua’s rich history unfolds before you as we tour local landmarks and share stories and legends of the past. The adventure continues as we journey out to the spectacular lakes for “Splashdown” into Lakes Tikitapu (Blue Lake) and Okareka.
Duck Taxi – Perfect for the “Look at Me! Look at Me!” affect - You’ll definitely be noticed when you arrive at your chosen venue in a big yellow Duck! The Duck provides a unique means of transport between activities or to Rotorua venues.
Dining Combos – “Duck Anyone?” Rotorua Duck Tours has joined with Rotorua's most popular eating and drinking establishments to bring you some awesome combo deals. Enjoy a hilarious trip around Rotorua and its Lakes followed with a meal and drink in the relaxing environment either at the Pig & Whistle or Seismic Bar. For something different we can offer a BBQ to be enjoyed at the Blue Lake.
www.rotoruaducktours.co.nz
Event Impressions expand their horizons
After eight successful years in which it has gained a reputation as one of the most innovative event creation companies in the country, Event Impressions is expanding into full national operations with the opening of their office and warehouse in Christchurch in July. Heading up Event Impressions’ new office and warehouse in central Christchurch is South Island Manager Lee Watkins, who was previously sales and marketing manager at the Novotel Tainui Hamilton and the Hotel Ibis Tainui Hamilton.
 Not only is there a new South Island office, but also a fresh new brand has been released. ‘Eight years on and we have a large talented team with lighting and creative décor skills, a host of creative concepts for events and gala functions to choose from so it was time our brand moved with us to reflect our energy and creativity’ says Jacqui Smith, director. “Create, Illuminate, Celebrate”, their new catch line, better describes the experience they encompass for clients.
And last but by no means least, Event Impressions also welcomed Isobel Murray to its Rotorua creative team as an Event Specialist. Isobel has worked in the Conventions & Incentives industry for the past 15 years for Sheraton, Accor and Skyline Skyrides and in her new role will be responsible for key accounts.
www.eventimpressions.co.nz
Amazing Farm Race at Agrodome
Agrodome and Agroventures Team Building specialise in outdoor fun designed to promote team spirit and a winning culture.The Activities will put your team through their paces with a farming twist. Imagine watching your colleagues trying to tag a sheep or swooping through the air at 130kph.
The most favoured is the Agrodome Amazing Farm Race - this includes Cryptic Challenges, Human Dog Trial, Where’s Prince, Adventure Road blocks, Grab the Tag, Build a Fence, Agrojet Navigation, Shweeb race thru space, just to name a few. For groups of 10 – 500pax the Amazing Farm Race and Team Building activity durations vary from 1 – 4 hours, and can be followed by a meal at one of the four uniquely styled venues. Catering for groups from 20 – 650 pax.
www.agrodome.co.nz
.jpg) Events & Venues out and about
Brett Jeffery from Events & Venues has a busy schedule of trade shows. Pop by to say hi when they attend the following events:
Meetings 2009 |
Auckland |
July 2009 |
Association Forum Tradeshow |
Melbourne |
July 2009 |
PCO Exhibition |
Canberra |
December 2009 |
AIME |
Melbourne |
March 2010 |
| 