Rotorua 'chocka' for Auckland Anniversary weekend

Miheli Fernando, 4, Abraham Somarathne, Madushan Fernando, Pavithra Makawita, Dushani Fernando and Ovindri Makawita, 1, enjoying a picnic at the Rotorua Lakefront. Photo / Ben Fraser

Rotorua was full to the brim with visitors for the long weekend, with people coming to enjoy the heat, lakes and tourist attractions.

Rotorua Association of Motels chairman Martin Althuizen said Saturday night ended up being "chocka for the whole town."

But he said next weekend was not looking to be as busy at his motel, Executive on Fenton.

"I thought maybe people would take the Monday off and take a four day weekend, but whether they don't want to or bosses won't give them that day off - it doesn't seem to be a trend."

He said a few weeks ahead of Auckland Anniversary weekend, bookings were already at 80 per cent capacity, but next weekend was only about half full.

"There appears to be a lot more available places for the next weekend."

Rotorua i-Site manager Graham Brownrigg said he was still expecting quite a few people to take next Monday off.

"People are a little bit worried about the weather with news of possible rain and cyclones, so that can sometimes cause people to stay put and not book anything till the last minute."

He said only higher-end accommodation providers were left available this long weekend, with most motels "solidly" booked out.

"The Redwoods i-Site was really busy. I would say we were on par with last year.

"All in all it's been a really great and really busy weekend for Rotorua."

Dushani Fernando spent the long weekend in Rotorua with husband Madushan, daughter Miheli, 4, and friends.

"There are a lot of things to do in Rotorua, it's the perfect area for a long weekend with all of the lakes and the water was warm as well, so that's good for the kids," she said.

The group stayed in Hamurana, where they were able to have evening picnics by the lake.

"We have been out to the blue lake for a few swims and the kids have had a good play around."

Miheli said her favourite part was playing in the water.

Visitors and locals enjoy the long weekend sunshine at the Lakefront. Photo / Ben Fraser

"It's been quite hot, but that's made it very nice to be in the water and just good weather for being on holiday," Madushan said.

Xtreme Souvenirs owner Hasmukh Lal had a quiet long weekend.

"The city has been busy, but from a business point of view it has been very quiet."

Lal said it was too hot for people to be in town and there were too many events on across the city.

"For smaller independently owned shops they often make a loss over long weekends.

"People tend to be enjoying the weekend, not shopping, so we can probably expect to see the same thing over Waitangi."

Down the road at Tutanekai Souvenirs it was also "very quiet, dead quiet".

Rotorua Chamber of Commerce president John McRae said often on a hot weekend like this retail would be quieter as people swarmed to the lakes and various activities.

"The hot weather changes the way people behave and spend their money.

"There were lots of activities taking place this weekend and although people weren't putting money into traditional retail, money was funnelling into Rotorua in different ways."

Peter, who chose not to give his last name, at the Tarawera Landing Cafe said it had been "a very, very busy weekend and a good summer".

"For us it's the same every year and we'll be seeing the crowds through until about March.

"It's been really good to see all of the families out and even when the storm hit on Friday we could barely get people to come out of the water."

Brew Bar deputy manager Sadie Cooke said it had not been a particularly busy weekend at Eat Streat.

"We've been pretty steady all weekend, but not as busy as we thought we might be.

"With the One Love festival and the concert in Taupo that drew a lot of the crowd."

She said the events on in Rotorua were more family oriented and not as geared towards heading out for dinner and drinks.