15 million luge rides... - Skyline Gondola, Restaurant, Luge

NEWSLETTER OF THE SKYLINE GROUP OF COMPANIES • ISSUE 37
15 MILLION LUGE RIDES...
Nearly running out of petrol on State
Highway 23 had a real silver lining for
a Tauranga family, when they ended
up becoming the 15 millionth Luge
riders at Skyline Rotorua.
Dad, Mike Moroney, seven-year-old son
Michael and mum Jackie Roberts won a
trip to Queenstown, along with a basket
of goodies including personalised Luge
helmets, Volcanic Hills wine and Jelly Beans.
It’s a great stroke of luck for the family who
recently moved north from Christchurch
explains Jackie.
“We nearly didn’t make it to Rotorua for the
school holiday day trip, when we noticed
we didn’t have enough petrol to make it
across the Tauranga Direct Rd,” she says.
“At Pyes Pa we suddenly realised we might
get a bit stuck so we actually drove back
to Greerton to get petrol. If we hadn’t
done that, we wouldn’t have made the
milestone!”
Fuel will be the the last thing on their
minds when they get to the South Island
with flights courtesy of Air New Zealand,
accommodation at Skyline’s Blue Peaks
Lodge and a fabulous trip with The
Helicopter Line
Skyline Rotorua General Manager Bruce
Thomasen, says the team is thrilled for the
trio and even more delighted to celebrate
the 15 million Luge ride mark.
SKYLINE ROTORUA
Rotorua manager Bruce Thomasen marks the magic number with 15 million-ride family Mike, Michael
and Jackie.
“This is a massive milestone for us as an
organisation, but also for all our staff and
the wider Rotorua community. Not only
are we a key physical landmark at the
top of Mt Ngongotaha in Rotorua, we are
also a significant contributor to the local
economy, he says.
“We now host more than 420,000 annual
visitors and more than 750,000 Luge rides
are taken in Rotorua every year – with most
people riding more than once,” adds Bruce.
T: 64+7 347 0027 F: 64+7 348 2163 E: enquiries@skylineskyrides.co.nz
The Luge business plays a major role in
Rotorua’s industrial infrastructure and the
development of Skyline’s growing global
business, with Luge carts and components
still produced locally and shipped around
the world.
“The Luge tracks have changed extensively
since the operation first opened back
in 1985, but the secret of its success is at
the very heart of the attraction and that’s
never changed. It’s still all about having
fun!” says Bruce.
Follow the sustainable Leader
Skyline Rotorua staff have shown
their true colours – and they’re
green!
Environmental efforts by the team have
earned them a Qualmark Enviro-Gold
Award.
Human Resources and Quality Manager
Alison Kirkland is thrilled to receive the
top level of New Zealand’s environmental
tourism yardstick .
“Our Qualmark Green rating for
responsible tourism is the result of a great
deal of teamwork and a commitment to
operating in a sustainable manner,” says
Alison.
The award credits a number of ecological
initiatives, from planting more than
8,000 native trees and using livestock to
‘mow’ the grass, to recycling everything
possible including food scraps and toner
cartridges.
Among other
enterprises, staff have
created a wetland from
stormwater run-off,
and recycled paper is
used for guest surveys.
They encourage
visitors to follow their lead by recycling
waste and learning more about the
environment on accessible nature walks.
Alison explains Skyline is also a member
of the Rotorua Sustainability Charter
and that the award recognises their
dedication to their conservation
responsibilities.
“It’s a great achievement for Skyline
Rotorua and everyone that works here.
It means a great deal to us,” she says.
Good drop, great backdrop!
Two of New Zealand’s greatest assets
are combined in Skyline Rotorua’s
spectacular new tasting room, where
visitors are offered the experience
of tasting local wine while enjoying
unforgettable views.
Volcanic Hills Wine Company has teamed
up with Skyline Rotorua to enchant the
senses.
“This is an opportunity for people to take
a ‘quick trip’ around New Zealand’s best
wine-making regions without physically
having to go there,’ says Brent.
With peak wines to match monumental
vistas, the state-of-the-art tasting room
offers a range of varietals in a relaxed and
sophisticated setting.
General Manager Bruce Thomasen
is delighted with the partnership
with Volcanic Hills, culminating in the
impressive mountain-top tasting room.
Imbibers can select vintages from the
country’s premier wine-making regions
without needing to travel.
“Rotorua’s heritage of hosting visitors
is first-class, while New Zealand is
internationally renowned for good wine,
so this is complementary to everything we
offer,” says Bruce.
Volcanic Hills produces a sauvignon blanc
and a pinot gris from Marlborough, a
chardonnay from Hawkes Bay, and a pinot
noir and a pinot noir rosé from Central
Otago.
A flavour of everywhere
There’s a taste of real home-cooking
at Skyline Rotorua, wherever that
home may be!
The new Market Kitchen Café offers a
reflection of the multi-cultural make-up
of the staff, with a staggering choice of
dishes from around the globe.
With personnel from many different
countries including the Philippines, Japan,
Sri Lanka, China, India, Brazil, Germany,
Austria, Holland, Zimbabwe, Scotland,
Tahiti, South Africa, England, Korea and
Nepal, there’s no shortage of surprises
for diners.
The Market Kitchen Café features a deli,
a pizzeria, an ice-cream parlour and a
tandoor, and sushi and tapas are served
alongside freshly baked goods and
gourmet pies.
The innovation is recognition that there’s
no reason why the time poor can’t be
wine wealthy. Winemaker Brent Park says
the prospect of sampling fine tastes with
superb views is not to be missed.
“No-where else in New Zealand can
you take a gondola to a wine tasting
experience which enjoys a 180 degree
view of our stunning city and lake.”
General Manager Bruce Thomasen says
anybody after more familiar fare won’t
be disappointed as there are plenty of
fantastic Kiwi options on offer too.
“We already have the best views over the
city, and now we also offer the best of
international and Kiwiana cuisine.”
The modern menu also complements
the on-trend makeover as clean lines and
open spaces augment the expansive
views, making the new Market Kitchen
Café yet another Skyline ‘must-do’.
“The Market Kitchen Café looks fantastic
and it offers something completely new
and modern for Skyline – and Rotorua.
It’s a great addition to our operation,”
says Bruce.
A RARE HONOUR
Panache and passion have paid off
for Skyline Rotorua’s kitchen and
restaurant staff, as the team at the Art
of the Grill restaurant has received a
Beef and Lamb Excellence Award.
The prestigious award was presented
for their superlative Wagyu Angus-cross
Scotch fillet and its Canterbury high
country lamb and aubergine skewer
with grilled vegetables.
Both à la carte options are popular
choices at Art of the Grill, where diners
select choice cuts to be prepared to their
individual tastes, so their meal is done well
every time, even when it’s not well done!
General Manager Bruce Thomasen says he
and his team were delighted to receive the
plaudits for their premium dishes.
“This award offers national recognition and
proof that our Art of the Grill steak is some
of the best in town and among the very
best in New Zealand,” says Bruce.
Head chef Fred Kreutmayer explains
that the award-winning fusion dishes
are a result of the desire to combine
quintessentially Kiwi flavours with tastes
from around the world.
“The team is constantly striving to
develop innovative flavours and eclectic
techniques for the Art of the Grill and the
buffet,” says Fred.
He balances the team’s deserved success
with admirable modesty. “It’s not too hard
to create a good dish because we are all
very passionate about what we do,”
adds Fred.
SKYLINE ROTORUA
T: 64+7 347 0027 F: 64+7 348 2163 E: enquiries@skylineskyrides.co.nz
SKYLINE ROTORUA
T: 64+7 347 0027 F: 64+7 348 2163 E: enquiries@skylineskyrides.co.nz
Over the top parking solution
Want more parking? Simple, just
move house!
Short month
long on numbers!
Which is exactly what the team at Skyline
Queenstown set about doing when the
time came to make more room.
Even in the shortest month of the year
Skyline Queenstown pulled off record
dining numbers.
The ever-growing visitor demand for the
town’s main must-do attraction means
now and again something’s gotta give
and this time it was the turn of an existing
home on the property.
Manager Lyndon Thomas says the
Chinese market played a big part
in February’s figures, with many
guests sharing the Lunar New Year
celebrations.
Only problem was, the house was nestled
in behind the base building, and had to
come out in one piece.
“The Food and Beverage and Kitchen
teams deserve huge thanks for all the
effort they put in,” says Lyndon.
“The house is perfectly serviceable so it
would have been a waste and a long term
inconvenience to demolish it so we had
no option but to go a little over the top!”
explains manager Lyndon Thomas.
Come the big day staff watched with
bated breath as cranes hoisted the
wooden structure high over the terminal.
New green team
on the scene
Skyline Queenstown is a jewel in
New Zealand’s green tourism crown,
and everybody wants to keep it
that way.
A newly-formed sustainability
development team is working on some
exciting eco-initiatives for 2013, headed
by Food and Beverage Manager, Pierre
Poyet.
The taskforce is comprised of six staff
from across the departments.
“A focus from various parts of the
operation ensures real dedication to our
vision statement, which underlines the
company’s commitment to continually
improve all areas of sustainability,”
says Pierre.
FINANCIAL YEAR FINISHES
WITH FLOURISH
Someone’s going to have to buy a
new record book at the rate Skyline
Queenstown’s going through it!
Gondola rides and photos contributed
to spectacular figures that shattered
the all-important revenue chart.
“We had an outstanding finish to
the financial year, the team put in an
outstanding performance to put revenue
up by 15 per cent, says manager Lyndon
Thomas.
SKYLINE QUEENSTOWN
“There were a few nervous moments
when the cranes changed mid-air, but
these guys knew their job down to the last
millimetre, it was quite a spectacle to see it
all happening.
“See, I’ve heard of moving house, but this
was a bit extreme. Then again I guess
that’s Queenstown’s adventurous style
all over!” adds Lyndon.
Even the weather came to the
party as there was no better place
in Queenstown to bask in glorious
sunshine and panoramic views.
“All departments benefitted from
the excellent weather, and there was
a 22 per cent increase on patronage
over February last year,” says Lyndon.
INAUGURAL WEDDING SHOW
Queenstown is already a dream
destination for tying the knot, so
newly-appointed Conference and
Events Manager Jo Brown, has
wasted no time in marrying Skyline’s
attractions with a show of weddingrelated businesses and suppliers.
Judging by the coments, the Southern
Lakes Wedding Show will hopefully be
an annual attraction and includes
exhibitors from wedding fashion, flowers
and cakes to photographers, entertainers
and celebrants.
Everything a bride and groom could want
for their special day is on display under one
Skyline roof, or out on the viewing deck.
Jo says it’s the perfect opportunity for
anyone considering the area as a wedding
destination to make a weekend of it and
come and see all that the region has
to offer.
“There’s a full and entertaining programme
of demonstrations and shows with
businesses catering to all budgets,”
she says.
“There will also be wedding treats and
vouchers for lucky visitors.”
She says she is well aware that a wedding
show might not hold the same attraction
for grooms as for brides-to-be and future
mothers-in-law, so a Man Zone is created
for the “better halves.”
“It’s a fun get-away-from-it-all area with
Playstations, a BBQ, Speights on tap, men’s
magazines and sports TV.
“So many couples choose Queenstown
as the destination for their very special
occasion, so we’re helping them to see
a great range of suppliers and providers
to suit all levels of nuptials,” says Jo.
NEW FACES
Fresh new talent continues to keep Skyline Queenstown an exciting and innovative place
to work and visit. In the past six months, new staff members have been welcomed to
a variety of positions, and all have brought unique skills to their departments.
Jo Brown,
Conference and
Events Manger
Didier Horand,
Executive
Sous Chef
Richard
Hughes, Chief
Engineer
T: 64 +3 441 0101 F: 64 + 3 442 6391 E: gondola@skyline.co.nz
Kellie Francis,
Stargazing guide
Colette Rogers,
Stargazing guide
A world of Skyline skills
Sentosa gets another injection of the
Skyline culture with the return of Tan
Wee Tiong and Kang Wei Jye from
Queenstown and Rotorua.
Both are senior staff members at
Skyline and have been on rotation to
gain knowledge of other international
operations.
Tiong has been based in Queenstown
with the HR team while Wei Jye has picked
up supervisory experience in Rotorua and
Queenstown.
BOOMING
SUCCESS
When it comes to Luge safety, once
is never enough, and Skyline Luge
Sentosa has completed yet another
successful ground deployment
exercise.
As part of ongoing safety checks, the
company emergency response team was
tasked with carrying out an emergency
evacuation scenario on the chairlift with
maximum efficiency.
The latest able assistant is the newly
acquired boom lift, which plucked
passengers from the Skyride.
The comprehensive exercise took place
over two days employing both rope
rescue methods and the use of the boomlift, proving once again that Sentosa staff
are more than capable of coping with
any eventuality.
No more Weiting
One of Skyline’s Sentosa stalwarts has
been farewelled in real style.
Former supervisor Chen Weiting, who
helped make the attraction into one of
Singapore’s drawcards has moved on after
five and a half years of exceptional service.
The popular Luge heroine is taking up a
new challenge at the Singapore Sports
Council.
Manager Danny says although she’ll be
sorely missed, the team wish her every
success in her new role.
“She’s an exceptional person and
an excellent supervisor who has
accomplished great things with us, and
we wish her all the best in her future
endeavours,” says Danny.
SKYLINE LUGE SENTOSA
Meanwhile, Mathew Carson and Dana
Lavigne from Mont Tremblant have
been assisting with processes in Sentosa,
and will be returning to Canada for the
summer.
“We are very lucky to have such an
impressive pool of international talent
to call upon,” says Manager Danny Luke.
“The rotation process benefits all the staff
and the visitors then profit from their
experience. So it works out well
for everybody,” he adds.
Project on time
for cool staff
Plans are coming together nicely with
Skyline Sentosa’s building improvements
right on schedule since the new
administration complex and staff rest
area was completed in May.
Manager Danny Luke is keen to promote
the wellbeing of his team and he is
delighted they’ll receive the space
they deserve.
“Everyone works very hard in the heat
and humidity of sunny Singapore so
it’s important they have somewhere
spacious and comfortable to relax,”
he says.
Thanks
a million
It seems every time Skyline Views
publishes the words ‘Skyline Luge
Sentosa’ the story always includes
the word ‘record’ – and they’ve
done it again!
Singapore’s stand-out attraction has
seen visitors enjoying more than a
million luge rides over the past year.
Fun experiences become happy
memories with a photographic souvenir
of the event, and with photo sales up
11% on budget, there are clearly scores
of satisfied customers.
Manager Danny Luke says sensational
sales saw June, July and August
recording a million dollars turnover
apiece.
As always Danny’s quick to credit the
people on the ground for making it
all happen.
“Overall it’s been an incredible year and
it’s all thanks to our great team for their
awesome commitment and hard work
in making this sort of continued growth
possible, accessible and profitable,”
he adds.
Mint
memento
Spending a penny’s never been
as much fun as it is these days in
Singapore since the introduction
of the Skyline Luge Sentosa’s latest
money-making attraction!
With ‘Press a Penny’ guests at Skyline Luge
Sentosa can now create their very own
souvenir penny as a memento of their trip.
Visitors can create a coin keepsake by
stamping a penny with their choice of
one of four fabulous designs.
For just $2 people can mint Skyline
currency in an individual style, with the
opportunity to collect the whole set.
Manager Danny Luke says the initiative
is proving highly popular with people
cashing in on the concept.
“It’s just one more way to enjoy the overall
experience and is already a great hit,
especially with the kids,” he says.
T: 0065-6274-0472 F: 0065-6273-0906 E: sentosainfo@skyline.co.nz
I do? Danny and
Minnie did!
As manager of Skyline Luge Sentosa,
Danny Luke is used to big events, but he
recently celebrated the biggest of all with
his own wedding to the beautiful Minnie.
The couple were resplendent in traditional
dress as they smiled throughout the
celebrations and Sentosa staff are
delighted to congratulate them both with
wishes for joy and happiness for many
years to come.
QUALITY
QUINTET
Winning a Beef and Lamb Excellence
Award is a terrific achievement.
Winning five in a row is nothing
short of sensational and the Mercure
Leisure Lodge team is understandably
delighted to have pulled it off.
Five gold-edged plates now hang
on the wall representing the five
national awards which honour skilfully
composed and superbly presented
beef and lamb dishes.
Head chef Paul McArthur explains that
they only serve export grade meats in
the restaurant and change the menu
seasonally.
“We are proud to display our five plates
on the wall of the restaurant,” says Paul.
“They attest to the excellent
achievement by the kitchen team,” he
adds.
Seamless
renovations
Annual winter maintenance is
scheduled at Leisure Lodge to keep
the property in prime condition.
Wooden doors and window frames will be
replaced to preserve the elegant timbered
effect while painting of the final wing in a
palette of contemporary colours will
be completed.
Manager, Jan McDougall says these
refurbishments will complement the
modern décor to enhance the sense
of style and comfort.
“We want our guests to feel at home, but
in a home where the renovations seem
to happen seamlessly,” she says.
Dancing
attendant
Irish eyes weren’t the only ones
smiling on St Patrick’s Day at
Leisure Lodge.
Food and Beverage attendant Leighton
Terry gamely dressed in full Irish regalia
and danced a jig for the delight of the
hotel guests.
As a previous national award winner,
Leighton delivered a high quality
performance which was well received.
“It was good craic! Everyone was lively
and enjoying themselves, and making
the most of a chance to party,” says
Leighton.
The patron saint of the emerald isle was
toasted in the appropriate manner with
Irish specials on the bar.
Of course there was Guinness and Irish
whiskey to keep the leprechauns at bay
as guests shared convivial times with
friends old and new to the beat
of Leighton’s flashing feet.
Summer Loving
Nestled in a relaxed and romantic
garden setting, Mercure Leisure
Lodge has proved a hugely popular
wedding venue this summer.
Functions manager Emma Hamilton says
the landscaped grounds make an ideal
location for the perfect wedding.
Many couples chose to hold their
ceremony in the gardens followed by
a reception in the historic Oast House
with its stunning bluestone walls and
vaulted ceiling.
“We have hosted many lovely weddings
in our grounds, followed by a reception
indoors. The combination works really
well,” says Emma.
Leisure Lodge staff are well versed in
catering for weddings to suit a range of
guests’ requirements and groups
of varying sizes.
“A summer like the one we’ve just enjoyed
adds a special magic to a marriage
ceremony, and we have been thrilled to
help our guests make the most of the day
and celebrate in real style,” Emma adds.
MERCURE LEISURE LODGE
T: 64 +3 477 5360 F: 64 + 3 477 5460 E: reception@mercureleisurelodge.co.nz
Shared Century
Blue Peaks Lodge staff don’t look
old at all but between them they’ve
notched up a staggering 100 years
of service.
Manager Michael McMillian says the team
at the property represent what makes
it such a feature of the Queenstown
accommodation scene.
The spectacular century has been scored
by staff from reception, housekeeping,
maintenance, and management.
“We are proud of all our staff and their
commitment to providing such sterling
service.
“This is a pretty special achievement.
After all, it’s not every day you get to
be a hundred!” says Michael.
Fully Occupied!
With record numbers of guests at the
start of the year, Leisure Lodge staff
have been kept busy providing top level
service to all their visitors.
Manager Jan McDougall says the hotel
has enjoyed excellent occupancy for
the months of February and March.
MERCURE LEISURE LODGE
“The Tour Groups have kept us very busy,
so this is a positive sign for the coach and
touring market,” says Jan.
“As we are conveniently located to all
of Dunedin’s plentiful attractions, Leisure
Lodge is proving the perfect base for
a great escape,” she adds.
T: 64 +3 477 5360 F: 64 + 3 477 5460 E: reception@mercureleisurelodge.co.nz
Blue Peaks centenarian line-up! From left; Janelle Reid, Alix East, Anne McMillan, Charmaine Paterson, Blair Daniel, Linda Regan,
Jan Fordyce, Michael McMillan, Shona McCorkindale.
BLUE PEAKS LODGE
T: 64 +3 441 0437 F: 64 + 3 442 6847 E: bluepeaks@skyline.co.nz www.bluepeaksapartments.co.nz
Safety First
Two Queenstown-based Helicopter
Line pilots helped out with filming
arguably the best ever in-flight
safety briefing video.
The Air New Zealand piece, featuring
adventure hero Bear Grylls and the
spectacular Routeburn Track has already
been seen by more than two million
viewers on Youtube.
THL pilots Callum Fisher, Kerry Somerville and Pete Saxton were among a
50-strong cast and crew involved with
presenting the stunning scenery and
all-important safety information in a
safe and entertaining style.
They assisted for three days, moving
equipment and passengers so the video
could be filmed in optimum conditions.
New Top Guide
Mark Seddon may be Harris Mountains
Heli-Ski’s new chief guide, but he’s
certainly not new to the company.
After 10 years of guiding HMH clients in the
mountains, you could say he really knows
the ropes.
As a respected avalanche forecaster,
climber and heliski guide, Mark has
travelled the world extensively and guided
more than a dozen successful expeditions
to the Himalayas, including a couple of
trips to Everest.
He’s pleased to be able to share his
knowledge and love of the mountains with
a range of clients.
“I’m driven to deliver good quality,
enjoyable skiing, safely. Whether I’m
teaching courses to beginners or guiding
experts, I take pride in providing the
highest quality experience possible ,”
says Mark.
Milford Airvan scrubs up nicely
Callum says sharing their passion
for their environment with skill and
expertise comes naturally.
“We have a lot of fun, but we also take it
very seriously,” he says.
Bold new
beginnings
First impressions certainly count
if the reaction to the revitalised
Queenstown Combo and Challenge
Rafting booking office is anything
to go by.
The operations hub at Queenstown’s
Station Building is freshly decorated
with bright colours and bold signage.
A total of 10 new flat screen TVs show
exciting footage of TTL and Ngai Tahu
products, allowing customers to make
informed choices from the company’s
range of exhilarating activities.
Guests love watching the screens while
they wait for their own adventures to
begin.
Sporting smart new uniform shirts, staff
are even easier to spot to assist with
customer enquiries and bookings.
“We want to make every moment of
the adventure tourism experience both
pleasant and memorable,” says booking
office manager Jess Carr.
“The enjoyment begins the instant the
client walks through our door,” she adds.
Though Milford Sound Flights’ new addition is extra green, it still got a thorough clean before going into service.
The tradional ‘crossing the guard’ launch
saw Queenstown Airport fire teams
giving the GA8 Airvan a good dousing
from their hoses to welcome the aircraft
to the skies over Fiordland.
Complete with seats for seven
passengers and vastly improved viewing,
including panoramic windows and a
high-wing configuration, the Airvan also
ticks the all-important green box.
“The Airvans are better in an
environmental sense, using less fuel and
therefore having less environmental
impact,” says Skyline Chief Executive Jeff
Staniland.
“It’s a win-win really!” he adds,
The operation is a partnership between
Skyline and Real Journeys, who believe
the purchase signals confidence in the
growth of the Queenstown market.
“This new plane will optimise the customer experience considerably,” he adds.
Website makes it all easy
Choosing a Helicopter Line product
has never been more tantalizing with
a brand new company website that
puts you in the air without leaving the
computer.
As well as fly-through on-line experiences
with thrilling views from genuine scenic
trips, the site also includes detailed penportraits of the pilots you’re likely to meet.
“Giving people a taste of their flight
experience really tells the story well and
meeting the crew adds a really interactive
angle on the highly qualified and diverse
human side of the company,” says
marketing manager Kellie Goodwin.
And there’s more on offer than ever before
with new pages including weddings,
conference and incentive, commercial,
charters and wilderness experiences.
Totally Tourism T: 64 +3 441 4540 F: 64 + 3 441 4619 E: ttl@totallytourism.co.nz
Early feedback from the website shows it’s
well and truly on the right track.
“It’s anticipating and answering people’s
questions well so they get a really good
feel for the experiences that are available.
In turn that gives them confidence in the
quality of the journey they choose and
that makes their buying decision easier,”
adds Kellie.
Check out the new website at
www.helicopter.co.nz