City hums with Easter activity

Eat Streat in Rotorua was buzzing all weekend

Rotorua had a cracker weekend, with events and activities galore for every budget and age.

CBK Craft Bar and Kitchen manager John Knight said Eat Streat was buzzing all weekend.

"We were exceptionally busy, the whole street was exceptionally busy which was really nice to see. We were open on the Friday and Sunday nights and it was just such a good vibe.

"The only bars down here that weren't open were Ponsonby Rd and Scotty's because of the liquor licensing laws. But the street was really quite vibrant and it was lovely to see," he said.

Rotorua Central Backpackers on Pukuatua St was busy and owner Catherine Macdonald said the number of guests was roughly the same as in previous years.

"It was business as usual this Easter weekend. It was really hectic."

Rotorua Association of Motels chairman Barry Mabey said the city's motels were very busy.

"The town was full for the whole weekend. It was a great weekend, it was absolutely frantic, and long may it continue. The school holidays are starting to fill up and next weekend is looking really good."

Rotorua also hosted a Kia Magic v Northern Mystics game at the Energy Events Centre.

Events and Venues Rotorua general manager Peter McLeod said he could not specify the exact number of ticket sales for the event, but could speculate about 2300 tickets were sold.

"From our perspective, there were lots of events on, particularly the netball game, and it helped having the opposing team from Auckland. There was a very good turn-out so it was awesome."

Buddy - The Buddy Holly Story also played to an almost sold-out crowd at the Rotorua Civic Theatre on Friday night.

The Easter Extravaganza speedway meeting held at the Paradise Valley Speedway, had a reasonable turn-out, according to Rotorua Stockcar Club secretary Sonja Hickey.

"It was a good meeting but not the crowd we have had in recent years. There would have been around 1500 on the Saturday night and 2500 on the Sunday.

"There were a lot of other events on over the weekend, though, whereas in past years we have had the privilege of being the only speedway racing. The racing was exceptionally good this year, and the weather held out which was key, so that was great," she said.

Soundshell Market coordinator Liz Davies said the Lake Front had a positive vibe on Saturday and Sunday, with lots of people coming into town.

"It was fabulous, both two days were absolutely roaring. We were very busy, and we had very successful stallholders. It was a constant flow of people. It was looking like it did five or six years ago when things were on the up and it was just a good weekend."