Multi-million dollar development gets green light

News Release

Multi-million dollar development gets green light

Rotorua, 29 April 2011 –

One of New Zealand's favourite tourist attractions, Rainbow Springs Kiwi Wildlife Park in Rotorua, is about to embark on a multi-million dollar project that will change the face of the park.

Work is due to begin within the next month on 'Project Big Splash', a high-tech water ride flowing through the ecological evolution of New Zealand.

Stewart Brown, Rainbow Springs Project Director says, "It will be a unique attraction unlike any on offer in New Zealand. The ride will be highly interactive and will both inform and excite park visitors."

The $10 million-plus project also includes construction of an outdoor 400-seat, free-flight bird show auditorium, an interactive children's playground and a new reptile enclosure. Due to open early 2012 the development is the largest single investment made in the park since it opened in 1932.

"The new Rainbow Springs will appeal to a broader audience and be more fun. However, our fundamental values of conservation and sustainability absolutely remain at the core of everything we do," Mr Brown says.

John Thorburn, Ngai Tahu Tourism Chief Executive, owners of Rainbow Springs says, "It's not only great news for Rainbow Springs, but also the whole of Rotorua as a tourist destination. The development will heighten both domestic and international interest in the region as a place to visit.

"While the tourism market is ever changing and presents continual challenges, Ngai Tahu Tourism is investing for the long term. As one of the integral hearts of New Zealand tourism, with its strong culture and New Zealand history, Rotorua is a key focus for us."

Until the new look Rainbow Springs opens it's ‘business as usual’ at the park. In preparation for the development some changes have already taken place, with the popular ‘Kiwi Encounter’ Kiwi hatchery and nursery now being included as part of the Rainbow Springs entry price.

Visitors now have an opportunity to contribute to Kiwi conservation and observe the 'save the Kiwi project' first hand through an intimate guided tour into the incubation, hatch and brooder rooms.

“During the Kiwi season, visitors may see the beginnings of a Kiwi hatch and baby Kiwi chicks on display, a truly unique New Zealand experience," Mr Brown says.

The Kiwi viewing will soon be complemented by the addition of another New Zealand endangered species, the 11 baby tuatara born at the park over the last couple of weeks. They are expected to move to a public viewing enclosure in about 6 months.

Rainbow Springs Kiwi Wildlife Park is an icon of New Zealand tourism and has been open since 1932. Spread over 22 acres of Rotorua parkland, Rainbow Springs is a conservation and breeding haven for endangered New Zealand species such as Kiwi and tuatara. The park offers a unique wildlife experience for visitors, who can see animals in their natural environment, both during the day and night. Features of the award winning tourist attraction include New Zealand's only 'open to view' Kiwi hatchery, and a range of wildlife including trout, tuatara and native birds.

Rainbow Springs, Fairy Springs Road, Rotorua.

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