Popular ice rink to return

A temporary outdoor ice rink will return to Rotorua this winter after it proved to be hugely popular last year.

The outdoor ice rink, at the Village Green at the Rotorua Lakefront, will be back as part of Fire and Ice - Rotorua's Winter Festival.

This is the second year of the festival, which will feature three new events - a Mid-Winter Christmas at the Night Market, an outdoor movie at the Village Green and an exciting lights trail called Luminite at the Government Gardens.

Fire and Ice co-ordinator Kylie Lang said she was thrilled to have the ice rink returning again this year.

Last year the outdoor ice rink attracted about 20,000 visitors in just 31 days of business, with the popularity far exceeding expectations.

"Having the ice rink return allows us to produce new events within Fire and Ice and create an exciting festival in a usually quiet time of year.

The ice rink will be open from June 29 to July 28, with most of the winter festival events happening in the final two weeks of the month in conjunction with the school holidays.

She said the festival was about getting people into town and enjoying themselves despite the cold weather.

"We don't want people hibernating - we want them having fun."

Ms Lang said Luminite was something which had never been seen in Rotorua before.

It will have a lights trail that weaves throughout the Government Gardens and will incorporate local businesses such as the Rotorua Museum and Blue Baths. It will include a stage with performers and also feature a fireworks and laser show.

The outdoor movie planned for the Village Green is Ice Age 4.

Ms Lang said none of the events would be held too late in the day and, coinciding with the school holidays, would mean children got the chance to take part too.