ROTORUA

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ROTORUA
What ’s On
SPRING 2011
OFFICIAL VISITOR GUIDE WITH MAPS & VOUCHERS
Tamaki Maori Village
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©Skyline Rotorua
Skyline Rotorua – Dine in the Sky
Skyline has come up with a New Zealand first dining experience
where guests have the opportunity to dine inside the gondola
cabins as they move up and down the side of Mt Ngongotaha.
Custom designed tables are fitted into gondola cabins allowing
up to 4 dining guests to sit and enjoy a brand new 4 course menu
designed by Executive Chef Fred Kreutmayer to compliment
spectacular twilight views across Lake Rotorua and surrounds.
Only 10 gondola cabins are available each night making this a
very exclusive and sought after new experience for the dining
public. Bookings are essential to check availability ahead of time
and secure space. Dine in the Sky is available 7 nights of the
week with bookings closing daily at midday. As at June 2011
Dine in the Sky is a four course menu priced at $95 per person
and includes a glass of bubbles or orange juice with starter on
arrival, entrée, and main course with a glass of wine to match
and then dessert with tea or coffee to finish.
For bookings or enquiries contact Skyline reservation team:
Call +64 7 347-0027. Email rotorua@skyline.co.nz, www.skyline.co.nz
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©Tamaki Maori Village
Tamaki Maori Village
The world famous, and multi-award winning Tamaki Maori Village
is a must see for any visitor to Rotorua! We’ll pick you up – from any
accommodation in Rotorua – and host you for a truly memorable
evening in our fully recreated pre-European Maori Village. Enjoy
storytelling en-route to the village as we elect a chief to represent
you during our ancient ceremony of welcome. Enter the Maori
Village, nestled in the thick of a 200 year old native Tawa forest.
Explore the village, as it comes alive with the sounds and activities
of days gone by. Witness the earth being carefully scraped away
from the hangi pit to reveal baskets laden with your sumptuous,
mouth watering hangi feast. Relax as our family entertain you
with a powerful cultural performance, including the haka! Then
Join us for the traditional hangi buffet feast! Don’t miss out on
the opportunity to experience the warmth of our Maori People
during an authentic evening experience at Tamaki Maori Village!
Phone 07 3492999. bookings@maoriculture.co.nz
www.tamakimaorivillage.co.nz
Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland
Explore spectacular nature at New Zealand’s most colourful natural
volcanic area – thousands of years in the making but just 20 minutes
drive south of Rotorua. Walk at your own pace, view the unique
Champagne Pool, bubbling mud, steaming ground, expansive
vistas, huge volcanic craters and sinter terrace formations. The
Lady Knox Geyser erupts daily at 10.15am, reaching heights of up
to 20m. Large modern visitor centre with indoor/outdoor eating
and retail area. Adult $32.50; child $11 (5-15 years); family pass
$80 (2 adults and up to 3 children). Open daily from 8.30am-5pm
(last admission 3:45 pm).
Wai-O-Tapu Loop Road, Off State Highway 5, Rotorua, phone 07 366 6333
email info@waiotapu.co.nz, visit www.waiotapu.co.nz
©Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland
browse and book @ www.jasons.com
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inside the same H2OGO (with warm winter in
winter or cool water in summer), race against
your friends, or try the Harness OGO where
you are securely strapped in and sent rolling
head over heels through the trees down our
custom designed harness track.
Open 364 days from 9am to 5pm in all weather
conditions, do not miss out on this unique
New Zealand invention. No bookings necessary.
Phone 07 343 7676. Freephone 0800 646 768
Email: info@ogo.co.nz www.ogo.co.nz
©Clearwater Cruises
Clearwater Cruises
Come for a cruise on one of the world’s most exquisite lakes
aboard the luxury catamaran “Clearwater Spirit” or one of our
other vessels. Lake Tarawera is one of New Zealand’s hidden
treasures. Set amid untouched native bush, the area is rich in early
Maori history and geothermal activity. Journey across crystal clear
waters beneath majestic Mount Tarawera, learn about the history
and legends of the Pink and White terraces, relax and soak in the
geothermal hot springs. Try trout fishing, jet skiing or enjoy the
pristine scenery anchored in a private bay as you sample a gourmet
dinner. Clearwater Cruises specialises in personalised private Group
Charters, Self Drive Pontoon Boat options, Fishing Trips and Water
Taxi services.
Operating from The Landing, Tarawera Rd, Lake Tarawera, Rotorua. Phone
07 345 6688, Freephone 0508 253 279
email cruise@clearwater.co.nz, www.clearwaterco.nz
Paradise Valley Springs
Set amid stunning native bush, Rotorua’s must-see wildlife park
offers the perfect day out. Wander along the walkways at your own
pace, where you can see and feed a range of animals and birds
typically found wild around New Zealand. The spring-fed trout
pools are crystal clear, allowing you to view rainbow and brown
trout. Enjoy the Streamside Farm Walk, where you can meet and
hand-feed the friendly farm animals. Discover the Elevated Treetops
Walk hidden 6 metres high amongst bush and native trees. Plus,
every day at 2.30pm there is an exciting Lion Feeding Show with
the resident pride of African Lions, followed by the Kea feeding in
their walk through aviary and the possibility of patting a possum at
3pm. Subject to availability you may even get the chance to pat an
adorable baby Lion cub - at no extra charge!
Paradise Valley Springs is open daily from 8am. Paradise Valley Springs,
467 Paradise Valley Road, Rotorua. Phone 07 348 9667
www.paradisevalleysprings.co.nz
Ogo Rotorua
The experience of rolling down a hill inside a giant inflatable ball
has been an iconic adventure experience since the first operation in
the world back in 1997. Rotorua remains the ONLY location in New
Zealand where you can experience this amazingly fun and bizarre
activity. With a new site just 5 minutes from the town centre with
a hill that is almost twice as long you can ride with 1, 2 or 3 people
Agroventures
Agroventures offers truly unique New
Zealand adventures for men, women, children
of all ages, from adrenalin junkies, speed
demons to those who enjoy a more low key
experience. Located 15 minutes north of
Rotorua, we offer five exhilarating activities
all conveniently located within 60 meters of
each other. Agroventures has the world’s only
human powered monorail Shweeb, Rotorua
Bungy – a New Zealand icon, Agrojet - the
fastest jet sprint experience in NZ. Swing
from 40m towards the earth at 130kmph on
NZ’s one and only Swoop and the Southern
Hemispheres’ only wind tunnel at Freefall
Xtreme. Spend an hour or the entire day –
we will give you an unforgettable experience
and a sense of accomplishment in that will
remain long after you have waved us farewell.
©Paradise Valley Springs
©OGO New Zealand
1335 Paradise Valley Road, Ngongotaha, Rotorua.
Freephone: 0800 949 888 www.agroventures.co.nz
Email: reservations@agroventures.co.nz
Wet ‘n’ Wild Rafting
Wet’n’Wild Rafting Company Limited has
been rafting central North Island rivers
for over 30 years and has accumulated a
wealth of knowledge on the rivers, their
surrounding environment and their people.
We operate daily on the beautiful and
challenging Kaituna, Rangitaiki and Wairoa
Rivers and we are multi-day wilderness
expedition specialists, sharing our passion
for some of the most rugged, unspoiled,
remote and protected “Wilderness Zones”,
that the central North Island has to offer
on the Motu and Mohaka Rivers. Let us
introduce you to some of our best kept
secrets, breathtakingly spectacular native
forests, remote rugged ranges, diverse rural
back country and gorges lined with bizarre
rock formations, all steeped in local history.
Wet ‘n’ Wild Rafting, 2 White Street, Rotorua. Phone
07 348 3191 Freephone 0800462723. Email: info@
wetnwildrafting.co.nz www.wetnwildrafting.co.nz
browse and book @ www.jasons.com
©Agroventures - Shweeb
©Wet ‘n’ Wild Rafting
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Charles Blomfield, The Pink and White Terraces, Rotomahana - A Pair, 1883
What’s On
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Ngā Pūmanawa o Te Arawa
©Rotorua Energy Charitable Trust Heritage Collection
Exhibitions
3 September–27 November, Blomfield in Wonderland
Charles Blomfield made his name painting the famous Pink
and White Terraces, which were destroyed by the eruption of
Mount Tarawera in 1886. This exhibition shows that Blomfield’s
art focused on more than just the scenic wonders of Rotorua.
Phone 07 350 1814. rotoruamuseum@rdc.govt.nz
Venue: Rotorua Museum, Government Gardens. www.rotoruamuseum.co.nz
3 September–19 February, A Catalogue of Wonders
Revealing the rich heritage of artworks that have been collected
as a visual ‘catalogue of wonders’ from the Rotorua region.
Phone 07 350 1814. rotoruamuseum@rdc.govt.nz
Venue: Rotorua Museum, Government Gardens. www.rotoruamuseum.co.nz
From 3 September, Ngā Pūmanawa o Te Arawa - The Beating
Hearts of Te Arawa
This stunning new permanent exhibition will follow the journey
of the Arawa people from their origins in Hawaiki to their
descendants today. Phone 07 350 1814. rotoruamuseum@rdc.
govt.nz
Venue: Rotorua Museum, Government Gardens. www.rotoruamuseum.co.nz
6–25 September, Rotorua Wearable Creations ‘n Colour – a
selection from the 2011 awards
Presented by the Rotorua Creative Arts Trust, a selection of
wonderful, sometimes weird, wearable art category winners and
place-getters go on show. Phone 07 350 1814. rotoruamuseum@
rdc.govt.nz
To 4 December, Bay Proud
– A Century of Bay of
Plenty Rugby
Celebrates the role that
Bay of Plenty has played in
the history of rugby in New
Zealand. It also looks at why
provincial people are so
fiercely loyal when it comes
to rugby. Phone 07 350 1814.
rotoruamuseum@rdc.govt.nz
Colin Bourke, BOP Captain
©Bob Tulloch
Venue: Rotorua Museum,
Government Gardens. www.rotoruamuseum.co.nz
To 4 December, Neil Pardington – The Vault
Armed with his large-format camera, Wellington photographer
Neil Pardington visited museum storage spaces throughout New
Zealand. The Vault documents areas usually off-limit to the public.
07 350 1814. rotoruamuseum@rdc.govt.nz
Venue: Rotorua Museum, Government Gardens. www.rotoruamuseum.co.nz
Daily, Nga Waru Pu Manawa Gallery – Te Puia: Kupe Sites
A unique encounter with New Zealand’s past as it portrays the
stories of the great Polynesian explorer Kupe, using various
landmarks and places.
Venue: Te Puia, Hemo Road (southern end Fenton Street), phone 348 9047,
visit www.tepuia.com
Venue: Rotorua Museum, Government Gardens. www.rotoruamuseum.co.nz
To 27 November, Heather Straka – The Asian
This intriguing installation examines ideas about the authentic
and fake, truth and lie, the original and the copy. Phone 07 350
1814. rotoruamuseum@rdc.govt.nz
Venue: Rotorua Museum, Government Gardens. www.rotoruamuseum.co.nz
browse and book @ www.jasons.com
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©Buried Village
Daily, The Buried Village
The museum houses many hundreds of objects dug from the
ruins of Te Wairoa village, the settlement buried by the eruption
of Mount Tarawera in 1886. Daily from 9am-4.30pm.
Venue: Tarawera Road, phone 07 362 8287,
email discover@buriedvillage.co.nz or visit www.buriedvillage.co.nz
Daily, Rotorua Museum
Discover the fascinating stories which have shaped the Rotorua
region. Permanent exhibitions include the stunning new
gallery Ngā Pūmanawa o Te Awara – The Beating hearts of Te
Arawa, the history of the Rotorua spa, the exciting Rotorua
Stories cinema experience and much more. Phone 07 350 1814.
rotoruamuseum@rdc.govt.nz
Venue: Rotorua Museum, Government Gardens.www.rotoruamuseum.co.nz
Music
3 September, Shake The Lake
Shake The Lake returns with Mt Eden Dubstep aboard the
Lakeland Queen paddle boat lake Rotorua. 8pm boat leaves the
dock, 12am boat returns. Tickets $55. Strictly limited numbers to
this event as it is a four hour cruise.
Venue: The Lakeland Queen, Memorial Drive, Lakefront, Ohinemutu.
14 October, Polyfest 2011
Featuring Poly-Reggae’s Biggest Artists ... Katchafire, 1814,
Nesian Mystik, Three Houses Down, Che Fu, Spacifix, J BoogHot Rain featuring Laga Savea, Siaosi, Kiwini, Sons of Zion, S.O.R,
Maisey Rika, Mark Lowndes.R18. $108. 10am-10pm.
Venue: Kuirau Park, Corner of Ranolf St & Lake Rd. www.polyfest.com.au
28–30 October, Waiariki Institute of Technology New
Zealand Aria
This prestigious weekend Festival of Song attracts the top
young singers from throughout NZ to compete in many different
classes. Finals night tickets available through Ticketmaster.
Contact: Jo-Anne La Grouw 021 812 611.
Venue: Rotorua Convention Centre. www.nzaria.org
NZ Aria
First Wednesday of every month, BOP Blues Club/Jam night
This is an opportunity to network with others who love the
blues, both musicians and enthusiasts. $5 door charge or free
to BOP Blues Club members and participating musicians.
(Door charge may vary on nights with featured guest musicians).
www.bopblues.com
Venue: The Belgian Bar, 1151 Arawa Street, Rotorua, ph 07 3486190,
info@bopblues.com
Wednesday–Sunday,
Live Music at the
Pig & Whistle
The historic Pig and
Whistle pub has a live
band every Thursday,
Friday and Saturday
nights, and a solo
guitarist on Wednesday
and Sunday nights.
Venue: The Pig and
Whistle Historic Pub,
Cnr Haupapa and
Tutanekai Streets, Rotorua,
phone 07 347 3025,
www.pigandwhistle.co.nz
Special Events
3 September, Opening of the South Wing, Rotorua Museum
The long awaited South Wing extension will open to the public
on 3 September. With 55% more gallery space, the $22 million
development will house two new art galleries, and a major
new exhibition featuring stunning design, lighting and special
effects to follow the journey of Te Arawa from Hawaaiki to
New Zealand.
Venue: Rotorua Museum, Government Gardens.
www.rotoruamuseum.co.nz
browse and book @ www.jasons.com
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Pure Cruise- Tiua-Manupirua
4 September, Father’s Day Fish ‘n’ Sail
Special half day afternoon sail on Lake
Rotoiti aboard the ‘luxury 53ft catamaran
‘Tiua’. Opportunity to try for a rainbow or
brown trout. Fishing gear supplied, but
license required (can be purchased onboard).
Departs: Okawa Bay jetty at 1pm, returns
4.30pm. Pre-booking required.
Freephone 0800 272 456. info@purecruise.co.nz,
www.purecruise.co.nz
Pure Cruise
10 September, The Great Rotorua Rugby
Ball Drop
Rotorua will officially welcome RWC 2011
alongside the city’s first match Fiji v Namibia
playing at 3.30pm, as well as celebrating
100 years of Bay of Plenty Rugby. Food also
available. 9am-1pm. No cost.
Venue: Village Green (field opposite Novotel Hotel)
17 & 18 September, Gypsy Fair
A free yearly event, featuring thirty Gypsy
families in interesting house-trucks and buses.
Live entertainment all day. 9am-5pm.
Venue: Soundshell and Village Green, Memorial Drive.
Home &
Garden Show
Tribal Rugby
Festival
11-13 October, Tribal Rugby Festival
A three day festival celebrating Maori rugby,
culture, arts and cuisine. Proud to be part of
the Real NZ Festival.
11 October - After a traditional Maori
welcome rugby fans from home and away can
compete in a range of rugby focused team
activities. Free entry. 10am till 3pm. Venue:
Village Green Rotorua.
12 October - Ticket holders can enjoy the very
best New Zealand cuisine and entertainment
at MANAAKITANGA – the Maori Food, Wine
& Culture Evening. Entry $30 by ticket only
(Limited sales). 5pm till 11.30pm. Venue:
Rotorua Convention Centre.
13 October - Be part of Rotorua’s biggest
Street Party—Free Entry. 4pm till 10pm.
Venue: Lake end of Tutanekai Street.
For all enquiries info@nzsportsacademy.co.nz or
visit www.maori2011.com
Te Puia
28–30 October, Home & Garden Show
Everything you need to inspire your dream
home and garden - all in one place and
whatever your budget or taste. Adults $3,
Under 16 free (with an adult). 06 877 6745.
Email: info@jadepromotions.co.nz
Venue: Energy Events Centre, Queens Drive.
www.homeandgardenshow.co.nz
Daily, Te Puia
Watch Maori artisans at work, join the
guides for a tour (on the hour from the
main courtyard), or experience Te Po, an
evening feast of cultural performance with
storytelling, entertainment and Maori kai
(indigenous food).
Whakarewarewa
Venue: Te Puia, Hemo Road (southern end Fenton
Street), phone 07 348 9047, visit www.tepuia.com
Daily, Whakarewarewa – The Living
Thermal Village
Discover the living culture of Whakarewarewa
with guided tours hourly, and a cultural
performance at 11.15am and 2pm.
Venue: Whakarewarewa – The Living Thermal
Village, Tryon Street, phone 07 349 3463,
visit www.whakarewarewa.com
Daily, Tamaki Maori Village
A unique blend of guided tour, storytelling
and character theatre that traces the story of
a young Maori warrior, Uitara.
Tamaki Maori Village
Venue: Tamaki Maori Village, 1220 Hinemaru
Street, Rotorua, phone 0508 TAMAKI,
visit www.globalstorytellers.com
Daily, Mitai Maori Village
An authentic cultural experience incorporating
a ground-cooked hangi meal, cultural
performance, waka and a guided bush walk
including glow worms.
Venue: 196 Fairy Springs Rd, Rotorua,
phone 07 343 9132, visit www.mitai.co.nz
browse and book @ www.jasons.com
Mitai Maori Village
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Daily, Agrodome Show
Enter the world of a New Zealand farmer and
experience the famous Agrodome Sheep
Show daily at 9.30am, 11am and 2.30pm.
Venue: Agrodome, Western Road, Ngongotaha,
freephone 07 357 1050, visit www.agrodome.co.nz
Daily, Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland
Watch the famous Lady Knox Geyser erupt,
reaching heights of up to 20 metres. Daily at
10.15am.
Wai-O-Tapu
Venue: Wai-O-Tapu Loop Road,
Off State Highway 5, Rotorua, phone 07 366 6333,
visit www.geyersland.co.nz
Daily, Waimangu Volcanic Valley
Walking, hiking and boat cruises in the
world’s youngest geothermal area.
Venue: 587 Waimangu Road, Rotorua,
phone 07 366 6137, visit www.waimangu.com
Daily, Kiwi Encounter at Rainbow Springs
Visit the hatchery and nursery on the 45
minute guided Kiwi Encounter – tours hourly
between 10am and 4pm.
Venue: Rainbow Springs, Fairy Springs Road,
freephone 0800 724 626,
visit www.rainbowsprings.co.nz
Rainbow Springs
Daily, Paradise Valley Springs
See New Zealand and exotic wildlife and
watch the lions being fed daily at 2.30pm.
Venue: Paradise Valley Springs,
467 Paradise Valley Road, phone 07 348 9667,
visit www.paradisev.co.nz
Sports
Paradise Valley
Springs
9 September–23 October, Rugby World
Cup 2011
Rugby’s biggest event is held every four
years and is the third biggest sporting
event in the world. RWC 2011 will be held
across New Zealand over a six-week period,
kicking off in Auckland on 9 September,
with the grand final at Eden Park on Labour
Weekend, 23 October.
www.auckland2011.com
5 November, Contact Tri Series
Our opening race of the season is set on the
toughest yet most scenic course of all. Swim
in the crystal clear and cool water of the Blue
Lake, bike high above Rotorua on a twisting
hilly course and run through the forest on an
undulating pine needle track around the Blue
Lake. 8am-2pm.
Contact Tri Series
Venue: Blue Lake, Tarawera Rd. www.triseries.co.nz
Rocky Horror 70s dinner show
17-20 November, The 44th Rotorua International Trout Fishing
Tournament
Spend a weekend fishing the many Rotorua Lakes. Weigh in and social
get together each evening. Hosted by Rotorua East Lions. Open to all
Anglers. A wide variety of prize categories. Convener: Brian Gillespie,
Ph 07 348 7611. info@trouttournament.co.nz
Venue: Rotorua Racecourse, Fenton St. www.trouttournament.com
Theatre & Comedy
12 September–22 October, Stars at
the Baths dinner show
Celebrating seven star-studded decades,
these shows have all the elements of a
good Kiwi party: stylish venue, great
music and professional entertainers,
plus plenty of dancing, fun, laughter and
good food. 6.30pm. Phone 07 350 2119.
Email: shows@bluebaths.co.nz
Venue: The Blue Baths, Government
Gardens. www.bluebaths.co.nz/dinnershows
24 September–20 October, Rocky
Horror 70s dinner show
Rock your socks off with four hours
of partying, featuring the best of live
entertainment with musical tributes
to some of the great ‘70s icons from Stars at the Baths
Meatloaf to Kiss. 7.30pm-11.30pm.
Phone 07 350 2119. Email: shows@bluebaths.co.nz
Venue: The Blue Baths, Government Gardens. www.bluebaths.co.nz/
dinnershows
15 & 16 October, Roll Out the Red Carpet
Fun and fabulous, Footnote Dance brings a slice of Kiwiana to
contemporary dance and gives new rhythm to the quintessential
jandal as they take the long way around New Zealand via Rotorua
to dance at a REAL New Zealand Festival event near you. All Ages.
Admission: Free.
Venue: Energy Events Centre, Queens Dr. www.nz2011.govt.nz/
experiencerealnz
For further information visit
www.rotoruaNZ.com/events
browse and book @ www.jasons.com