'Praying for more rainy days' as business booms at long weekend in Rotorua

Chris Bredenbeck in his element with half of the 3D Multisport Festival track still on him. Photo / Supplied

Wet and wild weather mixed with a whole lot of fun saw Rotorua bursting at the seams this long weekend.

Events across the city would not be stopped by the threat of rain - and it showed.

Adrian Bailey, managing director of Action QT, was hosting the 3D Rotorua Multisport Festival at Lake Tikitapu (Blue Lake).

While the weather was horrendous it was exactly what the event called for in the winter, he said.

"It has always been a winter sports event and, as you know, the weather was pretty horrendous but conversely the forest was quite dry.

"I'm not going to deny there were some muddy areas but we have had a lot of feedback that people had a ball and were thankful the event still went ahead."

There were 11 events and 14 races across mountain biking, trail running and multisport - with multisport the largest component of the day.

Competitors who were lucky enough to compete in the multisport event were seen paddling their kayaks through the lake before getting muddy on the tracks through the forest.

Based in Queenstown, Bailey said he loved the opportunity to come up to Rotorua and see familiar faces after organising the event for six years.

Competitors prepare before the start of a multisport event at the lake last year. Photo / Andrew Warner

Not so extreme, but still out in the forest is the new cafe Trail Kitchen at Waipa. Owner Barry Miller said the busy-ness of the weekend had surprised him.

Thanks to good weather on Saturday there were many people mountain biking in the forest before stopping into the cafe for a cuppa, he said.

"The weather didn't seem to deter the mountain bikers on Sunday either but today (Monday) is just another quiet day, to be honest, so I'm guessing more people are heading home.

"Generally what we find with long weekends, even the Monday can be quite busy for us because people will check out of their accommodation but go for another mountain bike - and it is busier than most Mondays but not as busy as it would be if it was a nice day."

Miller said he was banking on events and holidays such as the Queens Birthday Weekend to keep the momentum through the quiet winter period.

Motion Entertainment was at full capacity said Chipmunks owner Michelle Ellwood. Photo / NZME

In town, Chipmunks at Motion Entertainment owner Michelle Ellwood was praying for more rainy days after business boomed at the weekend.

She put it down to the long weekend bringing in different sports events, plus the poor weather.

But, on top of that, her staff held 15 birthday parties across the long weekend.

"There's a lot of money been spent in the whole of Rotorua I think this weekend, which is just great.

"It was still pumping on Monday. The weather is definitely a big contributor, the rain just brings people out. The carpark was full, it was full on the lawn outside Chipmunks and all up the road."

She believed everyone inside the Motion Entertainment complex had been at capacity at one stage over the weekend, but it was welcomed after a slower year in 2020 due to Covid-19.

She also had noticed most of the motels were full, which helped to put a smile on her face.

"I think we [Rotorua] are definitely becoming that lovely destination again."

Rotorua Chamber of Commerce chief executive Bryce Heard. Photo / Andrew Warner

Rotorua Chamber of Commerce chief executive Bryce Heard said bookings were quite good over the weekend and had heard from many owners who had anticipated a busy weekend.

However, both Heard and Rotorua Moteliers Association chairman Mike Gallagher were away for the weekend and hadn't heard from their constituents on Monday afternoon.

Hennessy's Irish Bar owner Reg Hennessy said it was "very, very busy".

"Both in our main pub and function room. Just so sad to hear from many people who could not find accommodation and moved on to other surrounding towns."

Bay of Plenty roading police manager Inspector Brent Crowe. Photo / NZME

Bay of Plenty road policing manager Brent Crowe said, as of Monday night, there had been no serious injury or fatal crashes in the Bay of Plenty District over the long weekend.

However, the official road toll period ended at 6am on Tuesday.

Crowe reiterated the message spread by police in wanting everyone to get home safely after the long weekend.

"I understand traffic was already building up in some areas so we would also encourage people to take their time, be patient, and keep safe following distances."