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Palm Court Rotorua Spring Update

Aug-Sept-Oct 2018

Welcome to our quarterly customer update. Each quarter we share the latest news from Palm Court Rotorua, ideas and tips for travelers, and feedback from customers who have chosen to stay with us.

PALM COURT ROTORUA – WHAT’S NEW:

The romantic weekend getaway competition was back – and better than the last time! Our last competition was so popular, that we decided to run it again! We gave away two nights of accommodation at Asure Palm Court Rotorua with our luxurious facilities AND dinner for 2 at Mitai Maori Village. The winner will be announced any day now so watch this space!

LATEST TRAVEL TIP:

Make the most of your trip! It’s important that you don’t break the bank when booking your holidays. If you didn’t already know, you can save an extra 10% on the total booking cost here at Palm Court when you book direct using the code “PalmCourt10”.

There are loads of free activities here in Rotorua so you can make the most of your stay with us! Check out this link for some inspiration.

REVIEWS AND FEEDBACK

Every experience at Palm Court Rotorua is important to us, so we make sure our guests are always treated well. We think our hard work and reviews speak for us. Here’s what some of our guests are saying about us on TripAdvisor.

This first review is quite special. It’s from the winner of our last romantic weekend getaway competition, Sam Jones!

This is not an ordinary motel!

“My wife and I found this motel to be amazing in all aspects. The rooms are extremely clean and comfortable, the staff were very professional, friendly, inviting and genuinely great people and we respect them a lot for that. The spa pools are very calming and relaxing whenever you feel like taking a soak at the start, middle or end of your day. They made our time in Rotorua very stress-free giving us ideas on activities to do as well as places to eat and see etc. Mike and the staff go far beyond the typical “Receptionist” role that a lot of other motel/hotels entitle too and put you onto things you may not have even known about! – 10/10 definitely visiting again.”

5 STARS – Sam Jones, 18 Aug 2018

Great Place to Unwind

“We stayed here for the annual Rotorua Marathon, worked out a treat, most (all?) rooms equipped with their own awesome private hot pool. The rooms are spacious, modern and contain everything one could need. Location is worked very well for us and is just a short walk from town. Best of all were the wonderful friendly host Mike and Anya. We will definitely come back for another visit sometime soon I hope.”

– 5 STARS – Shelley Eastwood, Lower Hutt, New Zealand 6 Aug 2018

Have you stayed with us before? Let us know how we did. Feel free to leave us a review!

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Rotorua Motel Room Decor- Our Style

ASURE Palm Court Rotorua Motel Room Decor is designed to make all guests feel welcome and comfortable in our family-owned, 4 star accommodation. We put a lot of pride into our clean and private rooms and put the effort in to make our rooms feel like home for our guests.

Our Rotorua motel room décor is very modern and homely. All our Rotorua motel units have recently been refurbished to keep everything fresh and up-to-date for our guests. We have added our own style in each room.

Our Spa Studios are designed in cool relaxing colours, with brown and burgundy touches. The kitchenette is modern with its black marble designed bench tops and beautiful artwork of the Rotorua Scenery. The rooms are fitted out with stylish appliances including a Panasonic flat screen TV and a Panasonic Microwave. The outdoor space is comfy with café-style outdoor furniture next to the private hot tub.

Our 1-2 bedroom units are very spacious with open plan living. They have great natural light but also enough modern room lighting to keep it bright. The grey and aqua colour scheme keeps this room fresh and stylish and very homely for our guests. The furniture in the rooms does vary depending on the size. The retro style couches match the room décor and they are very comfortable. The floral art works in these rooms to brighten up the space and add that special touch.

All of our Rotorua motel room decor includes great lighting suitable for the business traveler and families watching Sky movies. There are modern lights fixed to the wall over all of our beds, which are solid NZ made beds with top quality bedding and duvets that are sourced from reputable manufactures.  The carpets are quality NZ made suitable for high traffic, and guests constantly using the guest spa pools in rooms so can handle getting wet without smelling. The rooms have a number of special touches added including a beautiful swan made out of towels at the end of each bed!

Our service is always with a smile, and we are dedicated to making all our guests feel welcome. So feel free to give us a call to book in!

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Rotorua in Winter

Thinking about a trip to Rotorua? Wondering when the best time of year may be? Stop wondering. Rotorua is great year-round, and there’ll always be something here to make your holiday special.

As your Rotorua Motel hosts, and local experts on all things Rotorua, we have listed a few things we love about Winter in Rotorua below. Start the day by getting active and warm – either with a Mountain Bike ride or a nice walk through Rotorua’s many trails. Spend the afternoon enjoying some of the cultural or adventure activities, or relax in one of the many hot pools. For the evening a hangi and Maori Cultural experience is the ideal way to finish off a great day in Rotorua. Feel like another spa? Our Spa Pool Studio Rooms have private indoor spas for you to enjoy in peace and quiet.

MOUNTAIN BIKING

Rotorua is one of the big MTB areas in New Zealand. With more than 100km of trails through fantastic NZ forest and a great community of riders, MTB fans will really be in their element here. For more information about the trails in Whakarewarewa Redwood Forest and the Skyline Graviry Park check out the Mountain Bike Rotorua website, or for the Whakarewarewa Trails see http://redwoods.co.nz/bike/.

WALKING

Rotorua has some great scenic walks – the Department of Conservation has put together a great pdf with 5 short walks ranging from 30 minutes to 1.5 hours – a great way to get outside, warm up, and see some of our amazing country.

ADVENTURE & CULTURAL ACTIVITIES

A lot of the activities on offer here are just as good in the Winter as they are when it’s warm. Mitai Maori Village will give you an authentic introduction to Maori culture leaving you amazed and in awe. Rotorua Canopy Tours is New Zealand’s only native forest Zipline Canopy Tour and gets rave reviews.

HOT POOLS

People have been bathing in Hot pools for centuries.  Rotorua has a great selection of hotpools, including Polynesian Spa, Waikite Valley Thermal Pools, and Hell’s Gate Waiora Spa. If you don’t feel like getting completely wet try out the Kuirau Foot Baths. Great for soaking your feet in, but not for bathing in. The surroundings are lovely – especially on a very cold grey day as all the steam swirls around you. Take a towel to sit on as the wooden seats get very wet. Two covered foot pools and one uncovered pool. Stay on the path though as the ground is unpredictable. The footbaths are at the centre of Kuirau Park, Rotorua,  across the road (west) from the Rotorua Hospital.

Looking for more things to do in Rotorua this Winter? Take a look at our Top 10 Things to do in Rotorua for more ideas. If you’re considering a trip to Rotorua – this Winter or anytime of year – and wondering which to choose of the many great Rotorua Motels, we’d love to host you here at Palm Court Rotorua.

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Simply the best in #Rotorua. Don’t believe us? Watch the video

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TOP 10 ROTORUA

Rotorua is one of the North Islands biggest tourist centers and there is something for everyone to enjoy here – regardless of the season. See below for a few of our highlights. These aren’t in order by the way – they are all amazing!

MITAI MAORI VILLAGE

A perfect package for groups. An evening at Mitai will give you an authentic introduction to Maori culture leaving you amazed and in awe. Be enthralled by the natural bush setting, see warriors in traditional dress paddle an ancient warrior canoe (waka) down the Wai-o-whiro stream, and don’t miss your only opportunity in the Rotorua area to see glow worms in their natural habitat.

Where: 196 Fairy Springs Rd, Bay Of Plenty 3015, New Zealand

More Info: http://www.mitai.co.nz/

THE REDWOODS – WHAKAREWAREWA FOREST

This has been ranked the #1 Rotorua attraction on Tripadvisor. The Redwoods are made up of several trails through the Whakarewarewa forest. The forest is enormous – around 5,600 hectares, but the trails themselves are extensive and cover around 6 hectares. From short, 30 minute walks that are fine for smaller children right up to the 8 hour, 34 km Whakarewarewa circuit.

Where: The Rotorua Redwoods are located on Long Mile Rd

More Info: http://www.rotorua-travel-secrets.com/rotorua-redwoods.html

SKYLINE SKYRIDES – LUGE & GONDOLA

This place has been a Rotorua icon for more than a decade, and no trip to Rotorua feels complete without heading up the Gondola, enjoying the views and hitting the luge track.

There are a bunch of other attractions, a restaurant with a great view over Rotorua, fantastic Mountain Bike trails and lots more.

Where: 185 Fairy Springs Rd, Rotorua 3015, New Zealand

More Info: http://www.skyline.co.nz/rotorua/

WHITEWATER RAFTING

Rotorua is internationally known for its Whitewater rafting. From extreme Grade 5 adrenaline-rush adventure, to family-friendly float traips, Rotorua’s rivers have been making memories for years. Rotorua has a bunch of dedicated white water rafting companies, and its not our place to tell you who to go with as there are all professional outfits. The differences lie in the activities they offer – some may be rafting only, while some may have sledging and  kayaking. ANd of course the river they operate on.

We have lots of information here in Rotorua to help you make a choice, or see this link for more information.

VOLCANIC HILLS WINERY

This is actually located at the Skyline & Luge Center mentioned above. The Winery receives great reviews for their wines and tasting, and the environemnt is fantastic. Definitely a great place for a kiwi wine experience.

Where: 185 Fairy Springs Rd, Rotorua 3015, New Zealand

More Info: https://www.tripadvisor.co.nz/

WHAKAREWAREWA: THE LIVING MAORI VILLAGE

For over 200 years the Tuhourangi/Ngati Wahiao tribe have welcomed visitors into their backyard. Allowing them to experience the culture of one of Rotorua’s most enjoyable attractions.

Relive the history of their Maori village with stories from the tour guides who have lived there for more than five generations. You will be treated to a culture like no other and a truly unmissable attraction.

Where: 17 Tryon Street, Whakarewarewa Village, Rotorua, New Zealand

More Info: http://www.whakarewarewa.com/

WAIKITE VALLEY THERMAL POOLS

What could tell you more than this review on Tripadvisor? “Affordable Hot Pools in Rotorua: Great family environment, pools are not too hot and one large one is suitable for swimming in alongside a toddler pool. Three other relaxing hot pools of different temps, two cold tub pools. Private pools. Very friendly staff. Entry was $16.50 per adult which is much cheaper than elsewhere. Fantastic boiling water spring onsite too.” You will love the heated changing rooms on cooler days.

Where: 648 Waikite Valley Rd, Waikite Valley 3077, New Zealand

More Info: http://www.rotoruanz.com/visit/see-and-do/spa-and-wellness/waikite-valley-thermal-pools

ROTORUA MUSEUM

The grounds and building are beautiful, and there is a nice area inside with a small gallery and so on. Entry is around$20. and worth it for those with an interest in art and local culture and history.

The museum was originally built as an old bath house and there is some photos and stories about the building’s history.

Where: Government Gardens, Rotorua, New Zealand

More Info: http://www.rotoruamuseum.co.nz/

ROTORUA AGRODOME

“The Unique NZ Farm Experience”. The Agrodome is basically a Farm Show and people LOVE it – travelers and kiwis alike. It’s not every day we get to feed lambs, see sheepdogs working, or just got down and rural. This is a fantastic experience for all ages.

Where: 141 Western Rd, 3010, New Zealand

More Info: http://www.agrodome.co.nz/

TAMAKI MAORI VILLAGE

The Tamaki Brothers, who built up this business, must be proud: Tamaki M?ori Village won the Golden Backpackers award for Best Indigenous Cultural Experience in Australasia 2 years in a row. This experience gives visitors as real a traditional Maori experience as they could hope for and is well-received.

Where: Highlands Loop Road, Ngakuru, Rotorua

More Info: http://www.tamakimaorivillage.co.nz/

RAINBOW SPRINGS KIWI WILDLIFE PARK

What visit to NZ is complete without at least trying to see a Kiwi? This is one place to make it happen. It actually came into being as a spring, and there is fresh water and trout all over the place. With a huge native bird population, as well as Tuatara, you can get a good taste of NZ nature, and kids love the short boat trip.

Where: 192 Fairy Springs Road, Rotorua 3015, New Zealand

More Info: http://www.rotorua-travel-secrets.com/rainbow-springs.html

Counting them up it seems we got to 11 – it’s hard to stick to a Top 10 in a place as wonderful as Rotorua!  You can also see Tripadvisors Top 10 here.

Have you done any of these activities? Let us know what you thought on our Facebook page.

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Rotorua’s Museum almost as famous as our geothermal activity, thrilling activities and stunning surroundings. 

www.palmcourtrotorua.co.nz

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Explore Rotorua’s Culture

Rotorua is home to a vast array of cultural activities. As a real center of Maori culture there are plenty of Maori cultural activities on offer, and we do a great job of showcasing Rural NZ culture as well.

Learn about some of our favourites here, and check out our Rotorua Attractions page for more.

TAMAKI MAORI VILLAGE

From their site:

In 1989, two young Maori brothers Mike and Doug Tamaki began building a dream… It started with the sale of a Harley Davidson motorcycle for the purchase of a 16-seater mini bus. The vision saw the brothers and their families create a whole new encounter by taking the Maori culture outside of the city limits where they created a pre-European Maori village, 15 minutes south of Rotorua.

Today Tamaki Maori Village thrives within a natural forest environment, offering to both local and international visitors an insight into the Maori culture – like never before!

Journey back to a time of proud warriors and ancient traditions. Our Evening Experience offers ceremonial rituals, powerful cultural performances & hangi feasting.

Sleeping in a whare moe (sleeping house) was a tradition reserved for when one tribe visited another tribe. We invite you to experience an Overnight Marae Stay in the heart of Tamaki Maori Village, where our people share with you intimately customs, protocols and stories of yesteryear!

This place is well worth the visit and is a great taste of Maori culture.

http://www.tamakimaorivillage.co.nz/

WHAKAREWAREWA MAORI VILLAGE

This one made it to the list of our Top 10 Things to do in Rotorua.

For over 200 years the Tuhourangi/Ngati Wahiao tribe have welcomed visitors into their backyard. Allowing them to experience the culture of one of Rotorua’s most enjoyable attractions.

Relive the history of their Maori village with stories from the tour guides who have lived there for more than five generations. You will be treated to a culture like no other and a truly unmissable attraction.

Where: 17 Tryon Street, Whakarewarewa Village, Rotorua, New Zealand

More Info: http://www.whakarewarewa.com/

TE PUIA EVENING EXPERIENCE

This is a big night. It includes a traditional welcome, lifting of the hangi, an authentic Maori feast and an exclusive cultural performance. Te Puia have a range of activities and cultural experiences on offer, and you can see them all at their website.

More Info: http://www.tepuia.com/new-zealand/TePoEveningExperience/

THE AGRODOME

The Unique NZ Farm experience!

In the heart of 350 acres of lush farmland, yet only 10 minutes from Rotorua city centre, you’ll find New Zealand’s Agrodome. Visitors from all over the globe have come to the Agrodome to see the world-famous Farm Show – starring a cast of talented animals… and you! Join the Farm Tour to explore a real working farm, hand-feed loads of friendly animals, and sample delicious kiwifruit juice and honey from our land. The Agrodome is one of New Zealand’s must-see attractions, open in any weather, 365 days a year!

More Info: http://www.agrodome.co.nz/