We don't mind the rain, sing outlets

By Kristin Macfarlane and Alanah May Eriksen

Wintry weather over the long weekend has worked in favour for many Rotorua businesses.

Saturday's downpour saw many people look for entertainment under cover whether it was swimming, cinemas or other indoor activities.

Rotorua weatherman Brian Holden said the long weekend has been a cold one, marking the beginning of winter.

The coldest day was Sunday. Mr Holden said the 8am temperature was 2C rising to only 13.4C; 23mm of rain fell on Saturday.

Reading Cinemas had been extremely busy over the three-day weekend.

Shift assistant Greg Johnson put the popularity of the movies down to the wet, colder weather combined with the screening of the Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End.

"We were absolutely hammered this weekend," Mr Johnson said.

Basement Cinema and The Wall manager Jimmy Lowe said people had taken advantage of the long weekend and flocked to both attractions.

While it was a lot busier than a normal weekend, Mr Lowe said both the cinema and The Wall have a good turnout whenever it rains.

This appears to be the same situation at the Rotorua Aquatic Centre. Receptionist Margo Hancock said the centre had a normal Queen's Birthday weekend, which was always extra busy.

"If it rains people come in and they love getting their kids out in an environment like this," she said.

Saturday's incessant rain did not put people off shopping.

McLeods Booksellers' owner David Thorpe said the store was very busy on Saturday.

"[We were] Busy Saturday because people were expecting a wet weekend so they always think books and magazines," Mr Thorpe said.

However, Sunday and Monday were quieter days for the Rotorua store.

The manager of Rebel Sport said his store had been as busy as it always was during long weekends.

Although the weather didn't work in favour of all businesses, having the long weekend meant extra foot traffic and visitors to Rotorua.

Motel Association of New Zealand Rotorua chairman and Alpin Inn owner Steve Osborne said most motels in the city had been "steady" but not full.

However the rainy weather may have deterred some domestic tourists, he said.

"Most people were generally happy with the numbers. [Alpin Inn] was full on Saturday and Sunday. You can always do better but you can't complain, the weather is better now and the birds are chirping."

Mr Osborne joked that it was a shame the next public holiday is not for another four months - Labour Day in October.

"We should create another holiday in August, one in the winter, to attract more visitors."

Photographer at The Zorb, Rachael Helsby said the attraction was the busiest it had been in the last month.

"We've had heaps of New Zealand people come through but also lots of overseas tourists too. Public holidays are always like this, our busiest day was on Sunday."

Skyline Skyrides' restaurant and tourist attraction said they had also been "extra busy".

Freo's front house supervisor Santani Flavell said the restaurant has been so busy they had to send some diners to have a drink somewhere else while they waited for a table to become free.

Gayleen Smith, who works in the Agrodome's reception area, said the attraction had had a lot of Taiwanese, Korean and Filipino people, as well as a large number of New Zealand families. However, she expects July to be even busier - it's the peak month, when Americans traditionally visit.