Spring might be in the air but some people just don't want to say haere ra to winter. This weekend hundreds of people are expected to eschew the wonders of spring and instead head to the Village Green for a blast around the Harcourts Outdoor Ice Rink and Ice Slide.
The mega slide is a new feature for the popular ice rink. Paradice Ice Skating general manager Chris Blong said the 35-metre double-lane slide would be a thrilling drawcard for all ages.
During the next few, days the Rotorua Daily Post Wingspan Weekend is being held at the rink. One dollar from every paid admission will be donated to Rotorua's Wingspan Trust as part of Paradice's commitment to sustainability. The company makes it a priority to partner with conservation groups at its Auckland base, as well as in the areas where it erects temporary rinks.
It had recently erected temporary ice rinks and slides in Auckland's Aotea Square and Wellington, and Mr Blong said they were proving popular drawcards. "A lot of families go down the slide together. It's something people of all ages can do and that's what makes it so popular," he said.
Residents and visitors to Rotorua can enjoy their wintry escapades for a month and the rink has been scheduled to coincide with the school holidays, when numbers are expected to surpass last year's tally of more than 11,500 skaters. Paradice skating staff will be on hand to share tips with novice skaters on how to stay upright and the month will include themed weekends, face painting, games and giveaways for kids, as well as night-time events for "big kids".