Technical Tours
TAKING TOURISM TO THE NEXT LEVEL
Rotorua has utilised its unique geographical features to position itself as a Mountain Biking mecca. We visit the Redwoods, the base for much of the region's mountain biking and hear from Dave Donaldson, the Chairman of the organising Committee, about the securing, management and success of the 07 World Championships that were held in Rotorua and the huge economic impact of mountain biking on Rotorua's economy.
We also visit Rotorua Airport to preview their plans for Trans Tasman services by mid 2009 and discuss the obstacles that had to be overcome for Resource Consent approval for the airport expansion.
DEVELOPING WORLD-CLASS FACILITIES
The iconic Rotorua Museum of Art and History celebrates its centenary in 2008. The Museum is currently being extended with an extension to the Northern wing with a fuerther stage to follow to extend the southern wing of the building to complete the original 100 year old concept design . Wer look at what is planned with this exciting project.
Right next door is the multi purpose Energy Events Centre opened in 2007 and receiving wide acclaim in the marketplace, reflected in business levels surging past original projections. We will be given a comprehensive tour the building, both front and back of house.
PROTECTING OUR ENVIRONMENT
This visit looks at the recently developed Hannahs Bay lakefront and reserve and the recently restored Otauira wetland site and boardwalk. This area of wetland has been reduced and was under threat by development of Rotorua airport and agricultural encroachment until this restoration was undertaken.
The second part of the visit is to Lake Okaro where EBOP have led a major environmental project including the creation of a wetland for nutrient filtration, the creation of detention ponds for stormwater flows and fencing and plantings to the lake margins and streams.
ENGINEERING SOLUTIONS
The first part of the visit is to the Ohau Channel Diversion Wall project, part of the Lakes Restoration programme which is managed jointly by RDC, Environment BOP and the Te Arawa Trust. Approx 70% of the nutrient input into Lake Rotoiti comes from the Ohau channel and the elimination of this is likely to avoid ther algal blooms of the type seen it recent years within four to five years.
The trip proceeds to the Rotorua Wastewater Treatment Plant. This plant adopts a biological nutrient activated sludge process followed by a Land TreatmentSystem, all designed to reduce the release of nutrients into Lake Rotorua. Recently the Plant has been upgraded to C-dosing and the reticulation extended to include lakeside settlements.
Last updated: August 2008
