Ice rink and slide on track for opening

Ice skating will soon be back in Rotorua with work under way on the Harcourts Outdoor Ice Rink & Ice Slide.

Construction has started at the Village Green and is on track for its Thursday opening, Paradise Ice Skating director Chris Blong said.

"It's going well, we're just putting in the ice floor and insulation and will get the ice panels installed. A chiller unit will go in [today] and we will have ice in by Tuesday morning," Mr Blong said.

Last year, 11,500 skaters visited the rink and organisers hope that number will increase this year during the school holidays.

An added attraction of an ice slide is also expected to draw in more people of all ages to give it a go. Prices will remain the same as last year with multiple skate and slide ride passes available. The mega slide is 35m in length, 3.5m high and boasts twin lanes which people can go down on a tube or a sled.

"Last year was really good, the kids seemed to really enjoy it and we're hoping this year the ice slide will keep things fresh and interesting. It's all on track at the moment," he said.

Mr Blong said the first event would be the Hospice fundraiser breakfast on Thursday hosted by Harcourts. It will then be opened to the public at 10am.

"Also planned throughout the month are themed events, special sessions for local schools and a fundraiser this weekend for the Wingspan Birds of Prey Trust.

"We're looking forward to getting up and running," Mr Blong said.