People can now access free internet in downtown Mount Maunganui as part of a partnership between Mount Mainstreet and local service provider EOL. The WiFi will be available from outside the Mount Mainstreet office located in the Phoenix car park. Mount Mainstreet Manager Leanne Brown is delighted with the new service andsaid "it will be a significant draw card to keep visitors in the shopping area, as well as provide international tourists, including cruise ship passengers and crew, with free WiFi, just as you would experience in any iconic tourist destination across the globe." To connect to EOL's new Wi-Fi zones in Downtown the Mount, simply look for the network ID 'EOL-Public-WiFi on your mobile device. Meanwhile, Telecom has announced parts of Whitianga and Whangamata have been equipped with 4G mobile services ahead of the national rollout, and just in time for the annual post-Christmas influx of holidaymakers. Additionally, the Coromandel's network of free WiFi hotspots have been beefed-up for the summer, with more than 37 free WiFi zones installed across the region enabling access of 1GB free data per day on any WiFi-enabled device.
5 TOP TIPS FOR MAXIMISING TECHNOLOGY TO GET THE MOST OF YOUR BREAK 1. Get 'pre-loading' your devices with summer playlists of your choosing (like via Spotify) to avoid the scramble over radio options at the beach. 2. Plan for a peaceful journey with the kids by downloading their favourite movies or hidden object games to keep them occupied during long boring car rides. 3. Check out Trip Advisor (or their handy app) to get the insider's scoop on the best local fish 'n' chips, picnic spots, beaches and campgrounds. (And don't forget to post your own verdict to forearm other road-trippers!) 4. Don't get caught short by the weather, by organising sun-safe beach days, and map out the best fishing and surf spots. (Try the Metservice app, or Sherpa Surf Guide) 5. Pack your device chargers, or better yet, your portable charging stations! (and if you run out of smartphone battery, pop into a Telecom Retail store who can probably help you out with an extra bit of device-juice).
