Skyline Rotorua's revamped mountain-top cafe is now open for business after a $450,000 make-over and the development of a new, international menu.
Called Market Kitchen, the cafe has been transformed with a modern look as part of ongoing developments at the popular local tourism attraction.
The range of international cuisine, which will be freshly cooked on site, is reflective of the multi-cultural make-up of Skyline Rotorua's staff. They hail from around the world including the Philippines, Japan, Sri Lanka, China, India, Brazil, Germany, Austria, Holland, Zimbabwe, Scotland, Tahiti, South Africa, England, Korea and Nepal.
Skyline Rotorua general manager Bruce Thomasen said the cafe had not had a complete make-over since it was established more than 15 years ago.
"The cafe has the best views over the city and we wanted to create a concept which locals would love. We think we've achieved this with the new look and a great new food offering.
"We'll be offering the best of international and Kiwiana cuisine and hope that, and the fantastic 180-degree view the cafe offers, will make it a place people will want to visit regularly.''
The Market Kitchen cafe features a pizzeria, icecream parlour and tandoor oven and will also offer freshly baked foods such as gourmet pies and deli food including tapas, which will be served for early evening dining during the summer months.
The cafe revamp took five weeks and local contractors were used for most of the work, Mr Thomasen said. A small, temporary cafe operated in part of the Skyline Rotorua restaurant during the revamp.
"We're very pleased with how the cafe is now looking and think it will offer something new. It will be a great addition to what we offer,'' Mr Thomasen said.
The cafe redevelopment is one of a number of projects at Skyline Rotorua worth in total more than $1 million. Its opening will coincide with the opening of the Volcanic Hills wine tasting room, also at the top of the Skyline Rotorua complex and the first phase of a venture by the label's owners to establish a winery at the site. The full Volcanic Hills winery is due to open in March.
Other developments include the establishment of a nature trail and a major redevelopment of Skyline Rotorua's Fairy Springs Rd carpark, following the establishment of the hugely popular Jelly Bean concept store at the complex.
"We're always looking for ways to improve and find new ways to attract visitors and keep Rotorua on the must-do list. We also want to be a place that locals will be proud of and will want to frequent themselves,'' Mr Thomasen said.
More than 10,000 locals have current annual passes and are regulars at Skyline Rotorua.
Skyline Rotorua is open daily. For further information go to www.skyline.co.nz/rotorua/