This year will be the 50th anniversary of the axemen. Photo/supplied
This year will be the 50th anniversary of the axemen. Photo/supplied
Motels are booked out across Rotorua as the city gears up for an Auckland Anniversary Weekend of events and activities.
Rotorua i-Site manager Graham Brownrigg said accommodation in Rotorua was filling up fast for the long weekend.
"This weekend is one of the first two long weekends, usually around this time we get a 30 per cent increase on normal busy weekends."
Brownrigg said with the tourism growth in New Zealand people were starting to realise they needed to book in advance instead of just turning up on the day.
"There has been quite a lot of interest in activity bookings as well as accommodation."
Silver Fern Accommodation and Spa Room manager Paul Huck said the motel was booked out for the whole weekend.
"We're full on Saturday nights usually but with the long weekend people take the opportunity to spend a bit more time here so we're full Friday, Saturday and most of Sunday."
Tuscany Villas is also fully booked over the long weekend.
"The whole summer has been really busy, it's been good," Tuscany Villas receptionist Maria Odlum said.
Owner of Capizzi Pizzeria Vasu Sewelkar said the restaurant was booked more than usual this weekend.
"This summer has been a lot busier than last year, it's been so hot but even on rainy days it has been busy."
One of the big events on this weekend is the 109th annual Rotorua A&P show.
President Heather Brake said she had been involved with the show for 25 years.
"There will be plenty of fun and entertainment and things to see; the horses, the dairy, the sheep shearing, the axemen, alpacas, goats and lots of fun free entertainment for the children," Brake said.
Shearing is just one of the free things to see and do at the show. Photo/supplied
"If the weather is wet it will still go ahead, a lot of the competitiors have to compete this weekend to get points, so wear appropriate clothing for the weather."
Due to the Blue Lake Multisport Festival both ends of Okareka Loop Rd, as well as Okareka Loop Rd's inside lane will be closed from 8.30am to 10.30am on Sunday.
What's on in Rotorua this weekend
Rotorua A&P Show When: Saturday and Sunday 8.30am-5pm Where: Riverdale Park, Western Rd, Ngongotaha (Agrodome) What: Alpacas, sheep events, shearing and axemen competitions Cost: $10 for adults and free for children 15 and under
The Soundshell Market When: Saturday and Sunday 9am-2pm Where: Lakefront Village Green What: Crafts, antiques, curios and collectibles, plants, clothing, knitwear, variety, locally carved woodware, jewellery, soaps, handbags, concrete ornaments, top quality second hand tools, gemstones of all descriptions and sizes, hand-carved wooden statues from Kawerau.
Blue Lake Multisport Event When: Saturday and Sunday Where: Blue Lake Reserve What: The Physiotherapy Clinic Aquathon (5.5km run; 800m swim) Pita Pit Kids Triathlon (100m swim; 2km ride; 1km run) YHA Open Water Swim (750m and 2km options) Cyclezone Sprint Tri (750m swim; 16km ride; 5.5km run) or enter the Mountain Jade King/Queen of the Lake series.
