TRENZ 2016 showcases the best of Rotorua to world’s media

TRENZ 2016 showcases the best of Rotorua to world’s media

Rotorua – 12 May 2016

TRENZ media delegates were served up some of the best Rotorua has to offer this afternoon, as they were treated to a couple of the region’s world class adventure experiences and a taste of the Maori culture, history and geothermal wonders that make Rotorua such a desirable visitor destination.

Specifically tailored activities saw tourism media delegates, including Instagram sensation Alan Dixon and representatives from major international publications like Lonely Planet, head out to the Whakarewarewa Forest mountain biking trail network, one of only six gold level ride centres in the world. Deputy Mayor and mountain bike enthusiast Dave Donaldson provided a history of Rotorua’s mountain biking as he accompanied the group into the forest.

“Rotorua is within three hours of half the population of New Zealand,” said Mr Donaldson, “just one hour from the country’s largest port, and an easy drive or flight away from an international airport – which means we are in a great place to do business nationally and overseas. A great climate, easy access to lakes, forests and other natural resources all make for an enviable lifestyle that is second to none, so it is easy to see why so many people are choosing to live, work and invest in Rotorua. We also remain firmly committed to tourism and to being New Zealand’s premier visitor destination, with a target of $1 billion in visitor expenditure by 2030.”

The adventure continued as the media were given a behind the scenes tour of OGO. One of the inventors of this activity Andrew Akers provided insight into the history of the product before they were given the opportunity to experience the thrill of rolling down a hill in a transparent orb.

While one group experienced the action and adventure of Rotorua’s trails and OGO, a second group consisting of media from North and South America, the UK, Asia and New Zealand immersed themselves in Rotorua’s rich Maori Culture and Geothermal landscape.

This began with a Kia Ora Guided Walk through Ohinemutu on the shores of Lake Rotorua, illustrating how maanakitanga (warmth and hospitality) and tourism has long been an integral part of Rotorua.

The group then headed south to Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland, proclaimed by Tripadvisor as one of the 20 most surreal places in the world. This stunning natural wonder has been thousands of years in the making and the group was in awe of the iconic Champagne Pool.

On their way back to the city, media had a brief stopover at the hidden gem Kerosone Creek. A local favourite, the secret was out after the New Zealand Herald declared Kerosone Creek one of the 15 things to do in NZ in 2015.

Destination Rotorua Communications Manager Ash Palmer said the chosen itineraries provided media with a glimpse into what makes Rotorua such a world-class visitor destination.

“These itineraries were designed to provide these media delegates the chance to take in the Maori culture and geothermal wonders that put Rotorua on the map as New Zealand’s original home of tourism, or the opportunity to experience some of the more recent additions to our visitor offering in our World Class trails and world first OGO," said Mr Palmer. “We knew that either of the itineraries would leave a lasting impression on why Rotorua is a must-visit for international or New Zealand visitors alike.”

TRENZ brings New Zealand tourism operators (exhibitors) together with targeted international travel and tourism buyers and media from New Zealand’s key established and emerging tourism markets. Hosted by Destination Rotorua, TRENZ 2016 is being held at the Rotorua Energy Events Centre, 10-13 May 2016.

The Tourism Industry Association New Zealand (TIA) manages TRENZ on behalf of the Tourism Industry New Zealand Trust. TRENZ is supported by Tourism New Zealand, Air New Zealand and other industry partners.

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