A sweltering black carparking lot in the centre of Whangarei is being transformed into the coolest place to be.
An ice-skating rink is being established in a big marquee at the Town Basin and work began yesterday.
Workers arrived early at the site in the car park between Riverside Drive and Dent St and began laying out the 20 x 35 metre rink. By mid-morning the temperature was rising.
It is the first time a skating rink has been brought to Whangarei and it's sure to be a big hit.
Carlton Events manager Rob Gunson said 14 staff were involved with creating the platform and marquee for the rink.
A floor that locked together was put inside a metal frame and anchored down with huge concrete blocks.
Framing was put up and a skin completed the marquee.
Another business Ice World was responsible for creating the giant ice block that would begin over the next few days. About 30,000 litres of water would be needed for the skating rink.
The rink will open 10am to 10pm daily from December 20 to January 26, except for Christmas Day. Admission will cost $20 for adults, $15 for children and $50 for families.
Ice World has previously taken the rink to Porirua, Christchurch, Wellington, Rotorua, Palmerston North, Nelson, Tauranga, Hamilton and Auckland.