Copthorne Hotel & Resort Bay of Islands GoesTroppo

NEWS RELEASE 18 May 2001

Copthorne Hotel & Resort Bay of Islands Goes Tropical

A major refurbishment programme is about to begin at one of New Zealand's best-known hotel properties - The Copthorne Hotel & Resort Bay of Islands.

Located in the stunning Bay of Islands in the Northland region, the Copthorne Hotel & Resort is widely recognised as one of New Zealand's best hotel sites, which capitalises on the location.

Copthorne Hotel & Resort Bay of Islands has long been a popular retreat for foreign visitors including countless stars, celebrities and royalty. To maintain its international appeal, a $3 million refurbishment programme is about to begin.

The 145-room resort will close from 1st June to 31st July 2001 while extensive renovation work commences on all the guest rooms. New features will include:

* New decor, carpet and furniture * New bathrooms and fittings * Balconies to be replaced by conservatories, and new balconies added.

The refurbishment will go beyond the guest rooms. All corridors are to be recarpeted and repainted. The exterior will be repainted and there is to be new lighting throughout the resort.

Project Manager Mike Bryan says the refurbishment programme will introduce a consistent theme through the entire resort.

"The changes will focus on a fresh new tropical plantation theme," he says.

"We have chosen new colours, new fabrics, attractive cane furniture and native timbers. There's no doubt the more contemporary tropical look will complement this resort's fabulous location."

BAY OF ISLANDS

The Bay of Islands enjoys an international reputation for outstanding scenery and game fishing. It is the aquatic playground of New Zealand. .

There are more than 140 islands in the area, offering visitors a huge variety of secluded beaches and coves.

Game fishing attracts many visitors. Zane Grey, the great American western writer and big game fisherman, pitched a tent and caught his first Marlin here in 1926.

The Bay of Islands is also considered the birthplace of New Zealand as a bi-cultural nation.

WAITANGI

Waitangi is one of New Zealand's most historic sites - the place where Maori and European leaders signed the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840.

Copthorne Hotel and Resort Bay of Islands is located within the Waitangi National Trust Reserve.

Bush walks and scenic views surround the area. Also nearby are an international golf course, the historic National Treaty House and the beautiful Bay of Islands harbour.

Not surprisingly, the resort has hosted many famous visitors including actors, pop stars and royalty. The Queen Mother was a guest in the 1970's and Prince Charles and the late Princess Diana attended a lavish banquet in the hotel restaurant in 1982.

The Queen and Prince Phillip, the Duke and Duchess of Kent, and Prince Edward have all made visits.

Many other celebrities have arrived over the years...

* Actor Sylvester Stallone (stayed two nights; caught one Marlin) * 80's band Duran Duran * MASH stars Alan Alda and Penell Roberts * 70's TV puppet star Basil ('Boom Boom!') Brush

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:

Michelle Gysberts Vice President Sales & Marketing Millennium Copthorne and Quality Hotels & Resorts New Zealand Phone: +64-9-913 8006 Mobile: +64 21 61 77 61 Email: michelle.gysberts@cdlhms.co.nz

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