Multi-million dollar development gets green light

Rotorua, 29 April 2011 - One of New Zealand's favourite tourist attractions, Rainbow Springs Kiwi Wildlife Park in Rotorua, is about to embark on a multi-million dollar project that will change the face of the park.

Work is due to begin within the next month on 'Project Big Splash', a high-tech water ride flowing through the ecological evolution of New Zealand.

Stewart Brown, Rainbow Springs Project Director says, "It will be a unique attraction unlike any on offer in New Zealand. The ride will be highly interactive and will both inform and excite park visitors."

The $10 million-plus project also includes construction of an outdoor 400-seat, free-flight bird show auditorium, an interactive children's playground and a new reptile enclosure. Due to open early 2012 the development is the largest single investment made in the park since it opened in 1932.

"The new Rainbow Springs will appeal to a broader audience and be more fun. However, our fundamental values of conservation and sustainability absolutely remain at the core of everything we do," Mr Brown says.

John Thorburn, Ngai Tahu Tourism Chief Executive, owners of Rainbow Springs says, "It's not only great news for Rainbow Springs, but also the whole of Rotorua as a tourist destination. The development will heighten both domestic and international interest in the region as a place to visit.

"While the tourism market is ever changing and presents continual challenges, Ngai Tahu Tourism is investing for the long term. As one of the integral hearts of New Zealand tourism, with its strong culture and New Zealand history, Rotorua is a key focus for us."





Until the new look Rainbow Springs opens it's ‘business as usual’ at the park. In preparation for the development some changes have already taken place, with the popular ‘Kiwi Encounter’ Kiwi hatchery and nursery now being included as part of the Rainbow Springs entry price.

Visitors now have an opportunity to contribute to Kiwi conservation and observe the 'save the Kiwi project' first hand through an intimate guided tour into the incubation, hatch and brooder rooms.

“During the Kiwi season, visitors may see the beginnings of a Kiwi hatch and baby Kiwi chicks on display, a truly unique New Zealand experience," Mr Brown says.

The Kiwi viewing will soon be complemented by the addition of another New Zealand endangered species, the 11 baby tuatara born at the park over the last couple of weeks. They are expected to move to a public viewing enclosure in about 6 months.

Rainbow Springs Kiwi Wildlife Park is an icon of New Zealand tourism and has been open since 1932. Spread over 22 acres of Rotorua parkland, Rainbow Springs is a conservation and breeding haven for endangered New Zealand species such as Kiwi and tuatara. The park offers a unique wildlife experience for visitors, who can see animals in their natural environment, both during the day and night. Features of the award winning tourist attraction include New Zealand's only 'open to view' Kiwi hatchery, and a range of wildlife including trout, tuatara and native birds.

Myths from the abyss - school holiday fun

Looking for things to do around Auckalnd, no matter what the weather is outside?

Our pick in Auckland for the school holidays is Kelly Tarltons.

Kids can uncover the mysteries and monsters of the deep and take part in the Guardians of Atlantis Treasure Hunt where they must crack riddles to discover keys that will unlock the mythical city’s gates and get them in draw to win great LEGO prizes. They can huddle up and hear amazing myths from the abyss, including some of New Zealand’s most beloved watery legends such as Maui’s Fish and the Whale Rider, during hourly storytelling sessions every day in the NIWA room.

Lots of fantastic spot prizes are up for grabs during the hourly Tower Building competitions in the special LEGO Zone, where kids will also be able to build their own creations and show off their artistic flair with cool activities like shark origami, drawing lessons and a Taniwha drawing competition (where even more LEGO prizes are on offer).

In the Aqua Cinema they can check out The Adventures of Clutch Powers – the first ever full-length animated LEGO movie. Once they’ve had their fill of mythical beasts its off to say hi to all their favourite Kelly Tarlton’s creatures including King Penguin chicks which can be seen from the Snowcat ride, Phoebe the massive ray in Stingray Bay and the hungry sharks in Kelly’s predator tank.

For more information http://www.kidsfriendlynz.com/Regulars/Kelly%20Tarltons.html

Moeraki Boulders

The Moeraki Boulders are a must see item on any family's trip down the lower South Island. These huge round boulders are strewn along the beach at Moeraki, some 40 kilmetres south of Oamaru on State Highway 1. It is a five-minutes walk from the car park to the boulders.

The boulders were embedded in the soft mudstone cliff until sea eroded the cliff, exposing the boulders.

The boulders are formed by the crystallisation of calcium and carbonates around charged particles, the process taking some four million years. To help children under stand, I suggest explaining how pearls are formed, as the same principle applies.

For information about the area visit us at http://www.kidsfriendlynz.com/destination/SouthIsland/oamaru.html

Flying with under 2 yr olds

An article in the New Zealand Herald, Wednesday 27 January, 2010, told of a mother with her 18 months old twin girls being unable to board her flight bound for Australia because she was travelling alone with children under the age of two.

So I thought it would be a good idea to give you some idea of what their policies are.

Seating for Children and Infants
Below are the some airlines policy with regards to infants (children under 2 years of age).

Jetstar: Under-2s must be accompanied by an adult over 15 years old and are required to sit on an adult's knee during takeoff and landing.

Qantas: Infants who do not occupy a separate seat are carried for 10% of the applicable adult fare. Each infant under 2 years must be accompanied by a separate adult. Children over 2 years must occupy a separate seat. All children and infants must have their own tickets, whether or not they are occupying a separate seat. For more information http://www.kidsfriendlynz.com/Qantas.html

Air New Zealand policy: Children under the age of 2, not occupying a seat and accompanied by an adult, may travel on an infant fare. A child travelling on an infant fare must be held by the accompanying adult. For safety reasons an adult can hold only one infant, and children under the age of 15 may not hold infants. For more information http://www.kidsfriendlynz.com/flying.html

Pacific Blue Policies for infants (under 24 months) travelling with a single adult. Any child less than two years of age, is classed as an Infant, and must be nursed in the arm of a parent or guardian (at least 15 years of age).

A Guest can nurse only one infant at any one time (-> one adult, one Infant). Specific Infant Equipment (including but not restricted to Pram/Stroller, Portable Cot, Car seat, Baby Capsule) can be carried free of charge. For more information http://www.kidsfriendlynz.com/Pacific%20Blue.html

Hope this is some help. GM