Rotorua WhatsOn

F RE E G U IDE

ROTORUA AUTUMN 2012

VISITOR GUIDE WITH MAPS & VOUCHERS Paradise Valley Springs See What’s Hot page 12

SAVE $$$ see our fantastic voucher offers inside

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What’s Hot

What’s Hot

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Pohutu geyser ©Kaitiaki Adventures

Kaitiaki Adventures With a unique blend of history, an infusion of Maori culture and an adrenaline overload, Kaitiaki Adventures offers awesome and unforgettable experience’s as Rotorua’s only all KIWI rafting and sledging company. Raft down the Kaituna River and over the highest commercially rafted waterfall in the world or take the river on at eye level as you are in charge of your own sledging vessel propelling yourself through rapids and adventure.

No previous experience required as full training and river equipment of highest standard will be provided by our qualified guides. With a strong focus on fun, safety and providing a unique, New Zealand experience, book today for an unforgettable memory through Aotearoa.

Kaitiaki Adventures, Hells Gate, State highway 30, Rotorua. Within NZ: 0800 338 736. Outside NZ: 0064 7 357 2236. Mobile: 027 598 9605.

Email: info@kaitiaki.co.nz

Paradise Valley Springs Wildlife Park

©Te Puia

Te Puia Te Puia is home to the New Zealand Maori Arts and Crafts Institute and the world famous Pohutu geyser. Visitors also have an opportunity to see live kiwi, boiling mud pools and native bush.

Our tradition of guiding in the Whakarewarewa geothermal valley extends for generations and many of our guides have direct links to Rotorua’s earliest hosts. We share stories and insight into this unique corner of the world.

Te Po is our evening cultural experience. It is a feast of cultural storytelling, entertainment and Maori cuisine. Your experience begins with the traditional powhiri (welcoming ceremony). You will also view your meal of indigenous ingredients, meats and vegetables being ‘lifted’ from the hangi (earth oven). The evening culminates with a hot chocolate alongside Pohutu, our famous geyser, under the stars.

Hemo Road, Rotorua. Phone: +64 7 348 9047.

Email: reservations@tepuia.com www.tepuia.com

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. You will also get the chance to meet an adorable Lion cub at no extra charge - the only place in New Zealand where you are able to do this!

Open daily from 8am. 467 Paradise Valley Road, Rotorua.

Phone 07 348 9667. www.paradisevalleysprings.co.nz

Lion cubs - Benji (left) and Bella ©Paradise Valley Springs Wildlife Park

browse and book @ www.jasons.com

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What’s Hot

What’s Hot

Tarawera at Sunset ©HELiPRO

HELiPRO HELiPRO offers amazing scenic flying experiences featuring the best of New Zealand’s and the Bay of Plenty’s raw and unspoilt scenery. Powerful volcanoes and thermal reserves, tranquil and relaxing wilderness areas and our local lakes and coastlines offer a snapshot of our extraordinary environment and the experiences that we host. Embrace the culture and pride of the Bay of Plenty (Rotorua) region and join us to explore this mysterious and stunning destination. Our excursions include the opportunity to walk through the active steaming crater floor of the renowned Island volcano of White Island or stand on the rugged, awe-inspiring summit of Mt Tarawera volcano, site of the largest eruption in New Zealand’s living memory.

Hemo Road, Te Puia, Rotorua. Phone 07 357 2512. rotorua@helipro.co.nz, www.helipro.co.nz

NZONE Skydive Rotorua If you’re a daredevil, then NZONE Skydive has the challenge for you – a tandem skydive from 15,000ft above Rotorua, straight into thin air! Harnessed to an experienced, qualified Jumpmaster, you’ll step out the aircraft door and plummet towards the ground at 200kph.

Your Jumpmaster will deploy the reinforced tandem canopy controlling your skydive, so you’re in safe hands the whole way, and free to enjoy those spectacular aerial views. NZONE Skydive operates seven days a week, all year round, weather permitting.

Courtesy transport can be arranged.

See ad page 41 and voucher offer, centre pages.

NZONE Skydive, Rotorua Airport, freephone 0800 DROPZONE (376 786), email rotorua@nzone.biz, www.nzone.biz

©Orakei Korako

Orakei Korako Cave & Thermal Park Orakei Korako Cave & Thermal Park is situated 25 minutes north of Taupo and 45 minutes south of Rotorua. Recognised as one of the finest examples of geothermal activity in the world, Orakei Korako Cave & Thermal Park has undergone major redevelopment & refurbishment. A new Visitor Centre services the attraction, with Café and Souvenirs. A new ferry has been commissioned for the trip across the lake to the attraction, this ferry runs on demand between 8.00am and 4.00pm every day of the year. Before or after visiting the attraction guests are able to sit out on the deck of the Visitor Centre and enjoy the tranquillity of stunning Lake Ohakuri. Slightly off the beaten track, Orakei Korako is truly one of New Zealand’s special gems.

494 Orakei Korako Rd Taupo. Email: ok@reap.org.nz Phone: 07 3783131 www.orakeikorako.co.nz

Rotorua Museum Developed and curated by Te Papa, Brian Brake: Lens on the world is a stunning exhibition by one of New Zealand’s most internationally acclaimed photographers.

Featuring 165 photographic reproductions from Te Papa’s collection, this exhibition is the first comprehensive retrospective of this notable Magnum photographer’s work.

Works on display include images from Brake’s ‘Monsoon’ essay on India; those he was invited to take in 1950s Communist China and Monsoon girl, 1960. From the Soviet Russia; Roman and Egyptian ‘Monsoon’ series. ©Brian Brake. Te Papa gratefully acknowledges the ruins as they were in the 1960s; gift of the Brian Brake Collection by Wai-man Lau. candid shots of celebrities such as Pablo Picasso; photographs taken for National Geographic; and groundbreaking work with craft objects and taonga Maori.

Brian Brake: Lens on the world is on display at Rotorua Museum until 22 April 2012. browse and book @ www.jasons.com

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What’s Hot

What’s Hot

©Paradise Valley Ventures Horse Riding

Rock and Gemstone Shop

Paradise Valley Ventures Horse Riding

Rotorua Lapidary Rock and Mineral Supplies – (trading as Rock & Gemstone Shop) was established in 1981, and is owned and operated by the original owner, Colin Simmons assisted by his wife and staff. Colin has extensive experience in cutting and polishing stone, bone, glass, shell and metals. He has travelled extensively and collected numerous geological specimens from throughout New Zealand and overseas – he imports his own products and has New Zealand Agencies for rock cutting and polishing equipment and the associated medias; also compounds for tumbling stone, bone, glass and shell. At the Rock & Gemstone Shop you will find stocks of geological specimens, crystals, minerals and gemstones as well as Jade carvings, beads, jewellery, spheres, eggs, tumbled stones and ‘new age’ associated items. Hours: Mon-Fri 9.30am-5pm Sat 10am-2pm. Ph: 07 348 8996. Email: rotorualapidary@xtra.co.nz www.rotorualapidary.co.nz ©Rock and Gemstone Shop

Are you ready to have an unforgettable experience of a real slice of New Zealand paradise from a different perspective? Do you want to challenge yourself and take in some beautiful scenery and fresh air? Then you must visit Paradise Valley Ventures Horse Riding, just 6 km. from Rotorua. They are the Bay of Plenty’s premiere riding stables, providing clients with a fun, safe and memorable trail riding experience over an authentic 700 acre sheep and beef farm. They have rides for all abilities, from half-day treks for the confident riders, to short pony rides for the very young. The farm features panoramic views of the Paradise Valley and the Lakes Region, and rides take clients over sparkling streams, through gh native forest, and rolling pasture land. HORSE POWER COMBO MBO SPECIAL: Mention “Jason’s What Hot” and receive a $50.00 00 meal voucher for Lone Star Restaurant when you book a trekk for 1.5 hr. or longer, for only $15.00 extra! Now that IS hot!

679 Paradise Valley Road, Rotorua. Ph 07 348 3300, day/night. ay/night. ks.co.nz email: info@paradisetreks.co.nz, www.paradisetreks.co.nz

Mountain Jade As the leading jade retailer, Mountain in Jade not only offers the best selection of jade in New Zealand, but it is also the best place to see jade carvers at work.

Watch them while they transform a piece of jade into a magnifi nificent piece of art. Tours through h the workshop are 3 times daily, 10am, m, 1pm and 4pm, but the workshop p door is open all day. The attached retail shop offers a wide range of jade items, beautiful shaped pendants, like the twist, the fish hook or the koru.

Besides these symbolic designs, Mountain Jade’s de’s designers are continuously creating new and exciting iting jade jeweller jewellery.

Our highly knowledgeable staff are ready to welcome me you.

1288 Fenton Street, Rotorua.07 349 1828. sales@mountainjade.co.nz jade.co Phone 07 349 3968. www.mountainjade.co.nz browse and book @ www.jasons.com

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What’s On

What’s On

Angela Swann-Cronin Exhibition ©Rotorua Arts Village

Exhibitions 2 March, Two Free Exhibition openings on one great night!

Featuring Angela Swann-Cronin - painter, Mosaic Gallery, and Shannon Marjason sculptor in bronze, Cottage Gallery. Shannon is based in Auckland and will present a range of beautifully intimate works. Free entry. 5-7pm. Phone 07 348 9008 or office@rave.org.nz

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Inghram’s Approach, 2009 - White Cloud Worlds ©Stephen Crowe

To 29 April, Who Am I? Created especially for children and their families, this exhibition focuses on identity through the art of portraiture. Artists include Frances Hodgkins, Toss Wollaston, Rita Angus, Robin White, Nigel Brown, and more. Entry is included with Museum admission.

Phone 07 350 1814.

Venue: Rotorua Arts Village, 1240 Hinemaru Street, Rotorua. www.rave.org.nz

Venue: Rotorua Museum, Government Gardens. www.rotoruamuseum.co.nz

23 March to 6 May, Anne Frank: A History for Today This exhibition tells the moving story of Anne Frank, the young Jewish Girl whose famous diary records her family’s time in hiding during the Holocaust. Entry is included with Museum admission.

Phone 07 350 1814.

4 May, Two Free Exhibition openings on one great night!

Featuring God’s Road Returns, Mosaic Gallery, and Tim Quirks painting group, Cottage Gallery. The very popular God’s Road looks inside the intimate world of the Tyburn Monastery. Free entry. 5-7pm. 07 348 9008 or office@rave.org.nz

Venue: Rotorua Museum, Government Gardens. www.rotoruamuseum.co.nz

Venue: Rotorua Arts Village, 1240 Hinemaru Street, Rotorua. www.rave.org.nz

6 April, Two Free Exhibition openings on one great night!

Featuring Bridget Thornton - contemporary artist - Cottage Gallery, and ‘Finding the Beauty - images of Mokoia Island’ - Rotorua Camera Club -Mosaic Gallery. Free entry. 5-7pm.

Phone 07 348 9008 or office@rave.org.nz

4 May to 15 July, The Imaginative Life and Times of Graham Percy The charming and immensely entertaining artwork of ex-pat New Zealand illustrator, designer and typographer Graham Percy, is on display. Entry is included with Museum admission.

Phone 07 350 1814.

Venue: Rotorua Arts Village, 1240 Hinemaru Street, Rotorua. www.rave.org.nz

Venue: Rotorua Museum, Government Gardens. www.rotoruamuseum.co.nz

To 22 April, Brian Brake: Lens on the world Developed and curated by Te Papa, this stunning exhibition features over 150 works by internationally acclaimed photographer Brian Brake. It is the first comprehensive retrospective of this notable Magnum photographer’s work, and spans his forty-year career. Phone 07 350 1814. rotoruamuseum@rdc.govt.nz

4 May to 5 August, Bedazzled Showcasing gorgeous garments and drawings by New Zealand born designer Kristian Fredrikson, this exhibition features costumes from nine ballets including Cinderella, Swan Lake, Peter Pan and A Christmas Carol. Entry is included with Museum admission. Phone 07 350 1814.

Venue: Rotorua Museum, Government Gardens. www.rotoruamuseum.co.nz

Venue: Rotorua Museum, Government Gardens. www.rotoruamuseum.co.nz

27 April to 29 July, White Cloud Worlds This exhibition presents a unique collection of science fiction and fantasy artwork from 27 emerging and established artists, many of whom have been involved with Lord of the Rings, Avatar, Wizards of the Coast and Marvel Comics. Entry is included with Museum admission. Phone 07 350 1814.

11 May to 5 August, Nigel Brown: Travel to Travel From historic Russian cities to the expanse of Antarctica, Nigel Brown’s artistic response to overseas travel is captured in this exhibition of 46 of his works, curated and toured by Southland Museum and Art Gallery. Entry is included with Museum admission.

Phone 07 350 1814.

Venue: Rotorua Museum, Government Gardens. www.rotoruamuseum.co.nz

Venue: Rotorua Museum, Government Gardens. www.rotoruamuseum.co.nz browse and book @ www.jasons.com

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What’s On

What’s On

Ngā Pūmanawa o Te Arawa

16 May, Arts Mad! Come to the Arts Village to listen to a range of extremely interesting speakers on a wide range of creative topics. Great images, dynamic programme. $3 door charge. 6-7pm. Phone 07 348 9008 or office@rave.org.nz Venue: Rotorua Arts Village, 1240 Hinemaru Street, Rotorua. www.rave.org.nz

Dame Kiri Te Kanawa

To 27 May, Wayne Barrar: An Expanding Subterra This photographic exhibition, organized by the Dunedin Public Art Gallery, challenges audiences to think about the politics of land use, place and the borders where nature and culture meet. Entry is included with Museum admission. Phone 07 350 1814.

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.

Pig & Whistle

Venue: Te Puia, Hemo Road (southern end Fenton Street), phone 348 9047, visit www.tepuia.com

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.

The Buried Village

Venue: Tarawera Road, phone 07 362 8287, email discover@buriedvillage.co.nz or visit www.buriedvillage.co.nz

Rotorua Museum

Daily, Rotorua Museum Discover the fascinating stories which have shaped the Rotorua region. Permanent exhibitions include the stunning new gallery Nga Pumanawa o Te Arawa – 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.

Venue: Rotorua Museum, Government Gardens. www.rotoruamuseum.co.nz. rotoruamuseum@rdc.govt.nz

Music 26 April, Dame Kiri Sings In Rotorua This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to experience, in Rotorua, the lyrical beauty and sublime artistry of one of the world’s great and beloved voices. 0800 111 999 or 07 350 22 44. Dinner: 6pm7:30pm. Show: 8pm-9:30pm.

Venue: Civic Theatre, 1170 Fenton St, Rotorua. www.eventsandvenues.co.nz

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

Daily, The Blue Baths Enjoy live music, 30s ambience and stunning views over Government Gardens, all while indulging in fine wines, platters and tapas at The Blue Baths stylish new Wine bar - Summertime.

Set in the original foyer and terrace area, from 3pm. 07 350 2119. shows@bluebaths.co.nz Venue: The Blue Baths, Government Gardens. www.bluebaths.co.nz browse and book @ www.jasons.com

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What’s On

The Rotorua Night Market

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 Soundshell Market

Special Events 11 & 25 March, 7, 8, 9 & 22 April, 13 & 27 May, Soundshell Market Take a stroll and enjoy the huge variety of indoor and outdoor stalls, with crafts, curios, collectables, great food and coffee.

A fabulous way to spend the day at our lovely Lakefront. Indoor and Outdoor Stalls.

Free entry and plenty of free parking.

9am-3pm. Phone 07 332 5782.

Venue: Rotorua Soundshell, Memorial Drive, Lakefront.

Tamaki Maori Village

Thursdays, The Rotorua Night Market Enjoy boutique style shopping showcasing the best the region has to offer in the arts, crafts, produce, food and artisan products. Visit our website www.rotoruanightmarket.co.nz and become a fan on Facebook. From 5pm.

Venue: Tutanekai Street.

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).

Te Puia

Venue: Te Puia, Hemo Road (southern end Fenton Street), phone 07 348 9047, visit www.tepuia.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.

Venue: Tamaki Maori Village, 1220 Hinemaru Street, Rotorua, phone 0508 TAMAKI, visit www.globalstorytellers.com

Whakarewarewa

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

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

Mitai Maori Village

Daily, Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland Watch the famous Lady Knox Geyser erupt, reaching heights of up to 20 metres. Daily at 10.15am.

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 browse and book @ www.jasons.com

Wai-O-Tapu

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What’s On

What’s On 14 April, Paymark XTERRA Rotorua Festival The biggest multisport event in New Zealand and the biggest XTERRA event held anywhere in the world. We have events for everyone, including an interactive Resene XTERRA Kids Zone. The courses are set in stunning forest scenery and on world class trails.

Rainbow Springs

Cateye Moonride

www.xterra.co.nz

28 April, 48th Lion Foundation Rotorua Marathon, Half Marathon, Quarter Marathon and 5km Fun Run/Walk The Asics Quarter Marathon and 5km events ensure that there is an option for everyone. Join us in Rotorua on the 28th of April and take on the lake!

The C.C. Real NZ Comedy Tour

Paradise Valley Springs

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

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

Kingsgate Rotorua Marathon

Sports 4 March, Kingsgate Rotorua Off-Road Half Marathon, Quarter Marathon, 5km Fun Run/Walks Join us in the spectacular Whakarewarewa Forest for a fun family day out. There is an option for everyone with the Kingsgate Half Marathon, New Balance Quarter Marathon, the new Tasti 5km fun run walk and a Little Devils event for kids.

Phone 07 348 3301 www.eventpromotions.co.nz

Avanti Rotorua to Taupo 100k Flyer

31 March, Avanti Rotorua to Taupo 100k Flyer Ride 100kms through magnificent countryside from one world famous tourist destination to another using private sealed forestry roads, SH5, peaceful country roads and parts of the famous Ironman NZ course.

Solo, relay and tandem options are available.

Phone 07 348 3301 www.eventpromotions.co.nz

XTERRA Festival

Phone 07 348 3301 www.eventpromotions.co.nz

12 May, Cateye Moonride The atmosphere is electric with all teams receiving a campsite and all teams ride past each site creating an unbelievable atmosphere and experience for all.

Phone 07 348 3301 www.eventpromotions.co.nz

Theatre, Comedy & Dance 23 March, The Meridian Season of Angelina Ballerina’s Big Audition Angelina Mousling is a fictional mouse and the star of some twenty enormously popular children’s books, which became an animated TV series, then a musical and now a ballet. Royal New Zealand Ballet is delighted to be performing this enchanting production. 0800 111 999.

Lion Foundation Marathon Angelina Ballerina’s Big Audition © Royal NZ Ballet

Venue: Civic Theatre, 1170 Fenton St, Rotorua. www.nzballet.org.nz

21 April, The C.C. Real NZ Comedy Tour The stars of 7Days, Ben Hurley, Dai Henwood, Steve Wrigley and Vaughn King are embarking on an extensive tour of the towns in heartland New Zealand, bringing you the best night of comedy since ages ago. R16. 09 970 9700.

Venue: Soundshell and Village Green, Memorial Drive, Rotorua. www.realnztour.co.nz

For further information visit www.rotoruaNZ.com/events browse and book @ www.jasons.com