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Greetings from winter in Rotorua. While it has been very wet, the mild temperatures have resulted in the spring bulbs making an early appearance. The helleboras and daphne are in full bloom adding colour and perfume. But at last, the temperatures have dropped, the snow has arrived on Mt Ruapehu and both ski fields are open. With only a 2-3 hr drive from Rotorua, it makes sense to base yourself at Nicara Lodge or Cottage, explore Rotorua culture, geothermal, adventure and other attractions, then pop down to the mountain when fine for a day's skiing.
Once again we enjoyed a busy season (Oct-Apr) in both Nicara Lodge & Cottage. We really are blessed with wonderful guests. While the cottage buzzes along all year, winter is quiet in the Lodge, allowing us to recharge our batteries, read books by the cosy fire and travel.
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| Wine tasting at Craggy Range |
In May, we ran our successful 5 Star Accommodation NZ conference in Napier. This is a group of 30 Qualmark 5 Star accommodation properties throughout New Zealand, working together to promote our great country. In addition to Qualmark Enviro, we now have our own Sustainable Charter, endorsed by all members.
It was exciting to share ideas and marketing plans. Our last day was spent sampling Napier's grape produce & food. Rotorua & Napier make a great dual stay vacation.
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| Mike with Moriah |
We continue to support Operation Nest Egg at Kiwi Encounter. What a thrill to get close to our chick, Moriah, before its release back to Mt Ruapehu from whence the egg was taken to Rotoura for incubation, hatching & rearing. Last year we were finalists in the Westpac Business Excellence Awards. This year we have been awarded a Certificate of Excellence by Trip Advisor. This is based on the number of 'excellent' reviews posted, so thank you so much to our guests who enabled this. If you haven't written a review on Trip Advisor, it is not too late. Simply go to www.tripadvisor.com and click on the top tab 'Write a Review'. Select 'Hotel' & type in Nicara Lodge (or Vacation Rental for the cottage) - it's that simple.
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In May we had the pleasure of seeing both our girls graduate from Victoria University with a Teaching Diploma. Sara now teaches in Auckland & Nikki in Rotoura.
In addition to the Nicara Lodge Facebook page, we have now launched a Facebook page for Nicara Cottage. Please visit them & 'Like' us. You won't be inundated with postings and it's a great to keep in touch.
We are also upgrading our websites, www.nicaralodge.co.nz and www.nicaracottage.co.nz, to be launched very soon. So visit them and post your comments on facebook.
Enjoy your summer if in the northern hemisphere. For those in colder climes, it will soon be summer again. We hope to welcome some of you back again soon.
Best wishes,
Heather, Mike, Nikki & Hardy(enjoying life as top cat!).
Lastly, if you do not wish to receive these newsletters from Nicara Lodge, please send a reply email with the subject 'Unsubscribe'. Do NOT use the 'Unsubscribe' button. Make sure I know your name.
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