A busy Easter weekend for Rotorua despite the threat of rain

i-SITE's Graham Brownrigg says tourists still flocked to Rotorua over Easter, despite the wet weather.

Rotorua had a busy Easter despite soggy conditions threatening to spoil the weekend.

i-Site and Visitor Centre general manager Graham Brownrigg said it had been quite a busy weekend.

"Despite the weather coming in, the holidaymakers still came," he said.

"Accommodation was booked out in advance. There were a few people who delayed their travel coming in on Friday morning instead of Thursday night."

Mr Brownrigg said the majority of interest had been in geothermal activities and the Redwoods.

"There has been a growing interest in the geothermal sites and walks around Rotorua," he said.

"The Redwoods i-Site was incredibly busy."

Mr Brownrigg said there was all indication the town would stay busy, with the school holidays running through till May.

"Next weekend with another short week I'm sure we'll stay full," he said.

"We're definitely on the map for domestic visitors."

Ryan Holmes from the Motion Entertainment group said the weekend had gone "very very well".

"There's a lot of people in town, and it's been as busy at it was opening weekend," he said.

Mr Holmes said he hoped the momentum would continue through to the Lions tour.

"It sounds like there's going to be a lot of people around that weekend too," he said.

Rotorua Association of Motels chairman Mike Gallagher said he thought the weather had slowed down a few people.

"The weather is only going to get better this week, so I think it will be a good one," he said.

"The week after is looking a bit quieter but I'm confident it will pick up."

Sheryll O'Dwyer, owner of Geneva Motel said she thought most motels had been full over Easter weekend.

"A few people got cancellations with the storm, but then a few of those also filled up again," she said.

"Next weekend isn't looking very busy, that is to say there are still a lot of vacancies."

Mrs O'Dwyer said it might well be the last blow out before the Lions tour.

"It's surprising that there are quite a few vacancies actually," she said.

"Maybe people will wait to see what the weather is going to do."