Rapids Jet Helisika corporate charter and transfers that takes groups to view the Māori rock carvings at Mine Bay, which are only accessible by water. Other on-water options include private boat charters and guided hiking and cruise options. Rapid Jets Rapids Jet has launched a new transformative team-building half-day experience, where groups can forge stronger bonds amidst the exhilarating thrills of jet boating. It includes a 35-minute jet boat experience, the opportunity to learn about the history of the Waikato River and Aratiatia Dam, with light morning or afternoon tea provided from the kitchen at Te Pā Tū. The Rapids Jet Boardroom is also available for use before or after the jet boat ride. It features a balcony for indoor/outdoor flow and scenic views of the Rotokawa/Aratiatia area, and a BBQ is available in the summer. The boardroom features a large Smart TV for presentations with HDMI and wireless connectivity, guest wifi, and a modern kitchenette and bathrooms. Taupō Motorsport Park One of New Zealand's premier motorsport parks and event centres, Taupo International Motorsport Park and Event Centre is home to some of New Zealand's biggest The region has seen some challenges. Earlier this year, Destination Great Lake Taupō lost 20% of its annual funding from Taupō District Council in the latest Long Term Plan. In its draft Long Term Plan, Taupō District Council proposed to cut funding to $1.7 million over the next financial year, having contributed $2.1 million in the past financial year. Tourism contributes substantially to Taupō’s economy, with an annual impact of between $730m and $1 billion. DGLT released its Statement of Intent 2024-2027, which said while the recovery of New Zealand tourism following the Covid-19 pandemic had been “remarkable” and demand had proven to be “resilient”, the sector would now face a new set of challenges. “Like businesses in many other industries, New Zealand tourism operators are navigating challenging economic conditions while adapting to new and evolving consumer travel trends and behaviours post-pandemic,” the report said. DGLT said domestic visitors were the “backbone” of the Taupō visitor sector, however, domestic visitation had started to slow and recent figures indicated a “declining visitor spend” due to cost-ofliving pressures. “Although domestic spend is still up 19% on pre-Covid levels, it has now started to decline with spending down 9%, compared to the same period last year,” the report said. Despite this, tourism continued to deliver strong benefits to the Taupō region and remained the number one employment sector locally making up 32% of all filled jobs. TOURISMCHALLENGES motorsport events including the Historic GP. It’s also the new home of Supercars Championship in New Zealand. Located on the Volcanic Plateau, the facility offers a range of meeting rooms to suit a variety of events, all overlooking Pitlane. The suites offer tables and chairs, wifi, projectors and screens, as well as the help of a dedicated events coordinator. There is also free parking. A range of team building experiences is offered, including an outdoor Go Kart Track and Fun Drive Challenge group packages. New to the park's offering is the Subaru WRX Experience. Originally created by Highlands and first launched there in 2016, it’s now available at Taupō International Motorsport Park. Guests can get behind the wheel of one of four Subaru WRXs and hit the track for a range of thrilling activities, all led by the park's pro-drivers. Whether groups are looking for the full experience or a teaser, this is the perfect choice for those seeking high-performance driving in an exceptional setting. Updates: • Ohakuri Rise is a new venue opening in summer 2025 with capacity for 240 people banquet style. • AJ Hackett Bungy Taupō’s office revamp has brought a fresh, new look – in line with the AJ Hackett Bungy NZ brand. • At Suncourt Hotel & Conference Centre, the newly rebranded Lionel’s restaurant has undergone a major renovation. Its menu features Mediterranean flavours. • The refurbishment at Huka Lodge, scheduled to re-open 1 March 2025, is set to be a game changer for the region in the incentive market. [TAUPŌ [46] meeting newz [september october] 2024
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