New glacier hot pools on track for spring launch

Press release from Ngai Tahu Tourism

19 May 2008

New glacier hot pools on track for spring launch

A multi-million dollar hot pools complex, The Glacier Hot Pools, being built in Franz Josef’s native rainforest by Ngai Tahu Tourism and Joseph Developments Limited is on track to open in spring this year.

The stunning boutique complex will be enveloped in lush native vegetation and is designed as a haven of natural tranquility.

The first phase of the development will open with three main pools and three bush-based private hot pools.

The Glacier Hot Pools is located in the centre of Franz Josef township, just off Cron Street, and has been established to offer a combined tourism and wellbeing experience in response to visitor requests*.

Work on the hot pools began in December 2007 and is progressing on schedule. The main building floor slab was completed during the first week in May and the roof installed last week.

The first pool will be installed by the end of this month (May).

The Glacier Hot Pools will be fed with pure local glacier water, and will be New Zealand’s only hot pools complex set in native rainforest.

Great care has been taken during the building process to preserve the stunning natural environment, including an independent arborist’s GPS tracking of rainforest tree roots, and an ethos of care for the environment will be crucial to the ongoing operational management of the complex.

“There’s huge excitement in the industry about the project, and as each week progresses we look forward to showcasing this unique West Coast attraction to visitors and locals,” said Fraser Leddie, General Manager - West Coast Region, Ngai Tahu Tourism.

The Glacier Hot Pools complement the many other activities currently available on the West Coast and will be promoted as the perfect way to relax after travelling, rafting, a heli-hike on Franz Josef Glacier or an indoor ice climb at the Hukawai Glacier Centre.

“We’re confident that an evening under the stars, sheltered by nature’s leafy canopy at The Glacier Hot Pools is all the reason visitors will need to stay another night on the West Coast,” added Mr Leddie.

Future developments will include additional main and private hot pools.

The Glacier Hot Pools is Ngai Tahu’s first start-up project of this scale in many years, and will complement existing Ngai Tahu owned or managed attractions on the West Coast, which include Franz Josef Glacier Guides and the Hukawai Glacier Centre, an indoor ice climbing wall suitable for visitors of almost any age and ability.

*In a 2006 survey of Franz Josef Glacier Guide customers, 52% said unprompted that they would like to see hot pools on the West Coast.

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About Ngai Tahu Tourism:

Ngai Tahu Tourism is a subsidiary of Ngai Tahu Holdings Group, the wholly owned investment company of Te Runanga o Ngai Tahu, tasked with managing the commercial investments and creating wealth for the benefit of Ngai Tahu shareholders. In addition to its interests on the West Coast, Ngai Tahu Tourism’s portfolio also includes Queenstown’s Shotover Jet, Dart River Jet Safaris, Huka Falls Jet, the Hollyford Guided Walk, Rainbow Springs, Abel Tasman’s Aqua Taxi and a percentage of Whale Watch Kaikoura. In a joint venture with Wakatu Incorporation, Ngai Tahu Tourism also operates Kaiteriteri Kayaks, Abel Tasman Kayaks, Ocean River Kayaks and Kiwi Kayaks.

ENDS

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