Extended market a success (+video)

The bigger, brighter and better Rotorua Night Market has been deemed a roaring success.

On Tutanekai St last night people lounged about on beanbags and explored new stalls, as the popular Thursday market debuted its extension.

Stalls, seating areas, a stage and a family zone were set up in the block between Pukuatua St and the City Focus.

The buzzing new area also included a Singstar competition, games and a crafts table for kids.

Adele Rennie, who was working at Hiccup baby gifts and accessories stall, said the new extension was great.

"It looks like it's going to bring in the families and it will be awesome on hot days," she said.

Amongst the other new stalls was an i-Site stall run by Graham Brownrigg who agreed the new extension was fantastic.

"This area will just add another dimension and it will encourage more stallholders to come along."

He said it was the i-Site's first time at the market.

"We decided to come just because of the success of the night market and instead of people coming to us we are coming to them."

Rotorua man Jake Knobel went along with his family to check out the new area and he thought it was excellent.

"It's nice and relaxed, it's nice to see the grass from the Green Corridor and the beanbags look really inviting."

The market runs every Thursday from 5pm to 8pm in winter and 5pm to 9pm during summer. The market started in 2010 and has grown in size and popularity ever since.

The goal of the extension was to encourage families to spend more time at the market by providing a family-focused area with seating and entertainment, as well as more space for stalls.