Queenstown offers coolest winter holiday escapes

by July 12, 2018

The snow has blanketed Queenstown peaks and the coolest winter escapes are out there for snow lovers of any age, stage and ability. Queenstown’s a mecca for skiers and snowboarders for a host of reasons, not least that its four closest ski areas deliver a wide range of terrain to suit everyone from beginners to…

Crowne Plaza Queenstown’s IHG winter sale ends on July 9 2018 so buyers need to get in quick, although the deal’s valid for stays until the end of October.

The winter sale package is ideal for hungry skiers who can fuel up for the day ahead with a free breakfast, while also saving up to 20% on accommodation.

With the winter package valid until the end of the ski season, a spring skiing trip is also on the cards for those who can’t make it these school holidays.

Queenstown is so compact it’s the perfect spot for a ski holiday. Visitors can be catching some big air in the morning and playing nine holes of golf or sipping on a world-renowned Pinot Noir in the afternoon.

Coronet Peak is perfect for First Tracks – skiing over sweet lines left by the overnight grooming team as the sun rises over the mountain. It’s also the only resort in the South Island with night skiing, meaning guests can enjoy Queenstown adventures during the day, head up in the afternoon to catch the sunset and experience the magic of ‘cheeky’ night ski sessions on Wednesday, Friday or Saturday nights.

Simply put, The Remarkables is just remarkable, for its great on and off-piste options accessed by the new Curvey Basin chair among others. Locals love to stop for a drink at the Ice Bar (halfway down the chairlift) where amazing views make it a great spot for must-have Instagram photos or just to have a beer.

Head ‘over the hill’ towards Wanaka and in less than an hour guests can be sampling the wide-open bowls of family-friendly Cardrona ski resort or having fun sampling classic and ski skating or snowshoeing at Snow Farm, New Zealand’s only Nordic ski area.

At the end of a day of winter fun, Crowne Plaza Queenstown invites guests to kick off skis and boots in their dedicated heated ski locker, relax with a mulled wine or cocktail and settle in for dinner at threesixty restaurant, taking their pick from a hearty new winter menu.

Over the school holidays, some guests just might be surprised with vouchers for hot chocolates at the world-renowned Patagonia Chocolates, or passes to go ice skating at the Queenstown Ice Arena.

If there’s one thing hotel guests rave about, it’s Crowne Plaza’s central location, perched on the shores of Lake Wakatipu with sweeping mountain views and yet less than a minute’s stroll to Queenstown’s bustling main streets.

Back at the hotel, the concierge team has the best advice going to help guests explore Queenstown like a local, and it’s Queenstown Winter Guide has plenty of inspiration for non-skiers too.

Ski shuttle buses stop right outside the hotel front door and daily snow reports keep guests up to speed with conditions throughout the day (and night!).

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School holiday fun at Holiday Inn Auckland Airport

by July 12, 2018

With New Zealand’s July school holidays on the horizon, an airport hotel is inviting families on a ‘mini-break’ before or after connecting to domestic or international destinations. The newly refurbished Holiday Inn Auckland Airport has some ‘big wallet-savings’ on offer for families travelling during the school holidays with the creation of its new Very Important…

There’s no such thing as an ‘I’m booooored’ day when youngsters can choose from paintballing at Lock N Load Adventures, rope climbing at Rocket Ropes, an afternoon of fun at Butterfly Creek or putting their way around Treasure Island Mini Golf.

All parents have to do is plan the day’s activity or activities and show the kids wristbands on arrival to receive the relevant discounts.

Holiday Inn Auckland Airport General Manager Scott Schaefer says the hotel is delighted to offer family-friendly travel solutions that are easy on the pocket.

“The V.I.K. programme gives the kids a great holiday, even before they get on the plane!” he says.

“Travelling during school holidays can be expensive so this, combined with our long-running guarantee that kids stay and eat for free, enables us to offer an affordable ‘fun for all the family’ getaway.

“From check-in to departure, there’s plenty to do to keep the family entertained in comfort while you wait for your next flight, which is why families love staying with us.

“Kids can expend all that energy on their adventure of choice, and of course refuel at Vapor Restaurant, while parents catch their breath with some much-needed ‘time out’.”

The hotel has recently completed a $3million refurbishment to transform the ground floor restaurant and bar, hotel lobby, reception and swimming pool into eye-catching yet welcoming spaces.

The hotel’s Vapor Restaurant is now a destination in its own right, taking diners on a culinary journey of native New Zealand in a Pacific holiday setting, renowned for its selection of buffet dishes suitable for all ages, taste buds and even the fussiest of eaters.

A giant chessboard, arcade games and welcome packages will keep the kids entertained and if they feel up to braving some cooler winter air temperatures, the pool is an oasis of calm amidst sub-tropical gardens.

This year’s Term 2 holidays also happen to neatly coincide with the hotel’s winter sale, so a budget-friendly family getaway is definitely on the cards.

Guests can save up to 20% off accommodation and free breakfast when booking before July 9 2018 for stays until October 30 2018.

Discover more about the V.I.K. programme in the latest campaign video here, or online here.

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Crowne Plaza Queenstown launches wellbeing programmes

by May 22, 2018

A Queenstown hotel is one step ahead of market trends with inspirational mindfulness and wellness packages being offered to its conference and incentive delegates. Crowne Plaza Queenstown is leading the way as a market innovator with three new wellness packages being showcased to domestic and international buyers attending MEETINGS 2O18 next week (May 30-31). The…

The property’s new Yoga, Boot Camp and Mindfulness packages nurture guests’ physical and mental wellbeing, delivered by local fitness experts Peak Mountain Fitness.

Designed to help enhance downtime in Queenstown’s stunning alpine environment, delegates are encouraged to find their zen and workout with peers at a time and place to suit their schedule.

They can even compress the packages into a fun mid-conference ‘shake down’ in the hotel’s varied and flexible event spaces.

The bespoke packages are tailored for all ages and levels of fitness and are flexible to suit time pressures and budgets.

Crowne Plaza Queenstown General Manager Anna Edie says the hotel is “very excited” to bring the exciting new concepts to its delegates.

“We love turning our boardroom into the ‘not-so-bored’ room and offering unique experiences for guests conferencing with us,” she says.

“We work on the basis that the best ideas happen when you’re under pressure but totally relaxed, so we’re encouraging delegates to ‘switch off’ from external noise or pressures and re-centre their minds for the day or afternoon ahead.

“Following the outstanding success of our first ever yoga series, the new wellness packages will re-energise delegates to avoid the common ‘death by PowerPoint’ afternoon lull, and act as a fantastic ice-breaker for building new business relationships.”

Scott and Jen Reynolds of Peak Mountain Fitness are delighted to be delivering the packages with their eight-strong team of fitness experts.

“We’re giving business travellers the chance to ‘hit pause’, so they can strike the right work-life balance, get the most out of their business day, and take away some invaluable tools to help in their day-to-day lives,” says Scott.

“The wellness packages are the perfect way to bring relaxation to the ‘workplace’ or work up a sweat before, or even during, a day of work, perhaps with a mini-bootcamp held in the hotel courtyard or the lakeside park opposite the hotel.

“In-house yoga sessions are set in a calming space overlooking spectacular lake and panoramic alpine views, which is really unique for a meeting venue.

“Essentially it’s fitness when you want, where you want it.”

All that exercise and deep breathing can be thirsty work, so delegates who want to finish the day ‘raising a glass’ to Central Otago vintages can do so with a Masterclass package.

Masterclass is available to delegates enjoying a three-course dinner as part of their conference package, where they’re invited to learn the story of Central Otago’s world-renowned wine region.

The enhanced dinner experience perfectly blends the work delegates might do throughout their business day with the restorative power of a food and wine journey that’s educational while still being fun.

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Holiday Inn Auckland Airport completes multi-million-dollar transformation

by May 04, 2018

Media Release from Holiday Inn Auckland Airport Holiday Inn Auckland Airport hotel is now the perfect place to ‘holiday’ before or after connecting to domestic and international destinations, thanks to a multi-million-dollar refurbishment. Drawing inspiration from New Zealand and the Pacific, Holiday Inn Auckland Airport has a contemporary new look following a full renovation of…

The property’s ‘open marae-inspired design’ offers the perfect meeting ground for travellers and Aucklanders alike, giving it a ‘welcoming heart’ with bursts of colour, life and energy.

The stylish new lounge bar sits at the heart of the hotel, where the removal of its original floor and ceiling features has revolutionised the space and opened it up to the sub-tropical gardens and the new swimming pool deck.

The hotel’s restaurant is now a destination in its own right, taking diners on a culinary journey of native New Zealand in a Pacific holiday setting – think hanging plants, bursts of colour and authentic finishing touches.

Ten flexible meeting and function areas have received a fresh new look. The refurbishment reinforced the popularity of these rooms which have a relaxed resort, rather than city ‘feel’. The rooms are known to be particularly spacious, with an airy atmosphere and plenty of natural light.

Delighted with the transformation and the investment in Auckland and New Zealand tourism, Holiday Inn Auckland Airport General Manager Scott Schaefer described the new look as a “runway success”.

“From check-in to departure, there’s plenty to do to keep the family or colleagues entertained in comfort while you wait for your next flight or seminar,” he said.

“We have invested in games and other family-friendly amenities, reinforcing Holiday Inn’s family proposition and what the Holiday Inn brand is known for worldwide.

“A new cultural personality shines from within and it’s pleasing to say we’re now fully open for dining, weddings, ceremonies and family events. It is such a privilege to see the owner’s vision for the hotel come to life.”

New furniture, flooring, light fixtures greenery and artwork throughout has added a modern twist, complemented by injections of Maori wood carvings, gifted by the local Iwi.

The pool is an oasis of calm amidst sub-tropical gardens, although it’s just minutes away from Auckland Airport terminals and all major motorways.

A group of committed stakeholders in the project included owners Cockpit International, InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG), Designworks, JSC Ltd and construction company Format.

The creative Designworks team designed the hotel so all public areas were on one level, with a strong central core.

“Guests gravitate towards the central courtyard and pool area now that a variety of spaces have been opened up and flow into what is the ‘welcoming heart’ of the site,” said Designworks’ Group Head of Spatial Design Clark Pritchard.

“The overall style is relaxed and inviting, using a fresh and natural palette of materials interjected with pattern and colour to reflect the Pacific holiday concept while also celebrating New Zealand and Pacific modern art, flora and fauna.”

Jacques De Lange, Managing Director of construction company Format, said they were “proud” to deliver the transformational project.

“Holiday Inn confirmed the strength in their brand by investing hugely in an improved facility,” he said.

“Hotel General Manager Scott Schaefer, the hotel management and design team were outstanding in the delivery process of this lovely project.”

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New faces at Crowne Plaza Queenstown

by May 04, 2018

Media Release from Crowne Plaza Queenstown Queenstown’s premier lakefront hotel, Crowne Plaza Queenstown, has welcomed two passionate ‘foodies’ to its food and beverage operations. Chilean-born Alvaro Morales has been appointed Head Chef, while Colombian-born Juan Gomez takes the reins as F&B Manager. With culinary experience from across the globe, Alvaro is elated to step into…

Having worked for a number of international hotel chains in South America and Europe, he earlier honed his culinary skills working with renowned chefs Joan Roca and Albert Adrià while interning in three-star Michelin restaurants in Spain.

His passion for delivering banquets stems from fond family memories of enjoying huge feasts with his family in the Chilean countryside.

“Food is family, family is life, and life is family,” he said.

“This is something my grandmother taught me and is still at the heart of my cooking style today.

“Not only is Queenstown a paradise in which to live, it’s foodie heaven, and I’m so excited to be here.

“Food is an integral part of a visitor’s holiday experience and I’m looking forward to creatively showcasing my Spanish heritage, made possible with the exceptional New Zealand ingredients on offer.

For F&B Manager Juan, his desire to challenge himself and progress his career led him to Queenstown.

Joining InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) in 2012, Juan has spent the last five years working in InterContinental Wellington’s Lobby Lounge, working his way up from host to supervisor to managerial positions.

His passion for drinks has naturally progressed into a love for exceptional food experiences, and he’s looking forward to being mentored by general manager Anna Edie.

“I’m really inspired by Anna’s comprehensive international hotelier experience and look forward to working under her leadership,” he said.

“I’m delighted to have the opportunity to lead my team to offer unique guest experiences for visitors and locals dining at threesixty restaurant, as well as conference delegates and business groups.”

General Manager Anna Edie is “delighted” to welcome Alvaro and Juan to the property.

“It’s an exciting time as we’re heading into a busy winter, and I look forward to watching our food and beverage operations grow from strength to strength under their leadership.”

Conveniently located in the heart of Queenstown’s visitor, retail and business district, Crowne Plaza Queenstown’s ground-floor threesixty restaurant is the perfect place to sit back, relax and enjoy breakfast, lunch and dinner, High Tea, or a good coffee.

About Crowne Plaza Queenstown
Located in the heart of Queenstown with superb mountain and lake views, Crowne Plaza Queenstown offers a rejuvenating, friendly and enjoyable experience.

As a 4+ Qualmark rated hotel, rooms provide a peaceful place to stay and are furnished in neutral tones. The chic bar area and award-winning threesixty restaurant enables you to connect with friends, family or colleagues in a modern and contemporary environment.

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Business has never looked more inviting at Crowne Plaza Auckland

by November 27, 2017

Media release from Crowne Plaza Auckland Crowne Plaza Auckland is turning the boardroom into the ‘not-so-bored’ room and put the excitement back into ‘experiences’ for meetings, incentives, conference and events guests. The 352-room city centre hotel launched its latest video campaign today (Monday November 27) to help take bookers on a visual journey of the…

The video also showcases hotel facilities such as the Club Lounge – an exclusive area with all the ‘bells and whistles’ available to guests who stay the night in a Club room.

The changes have come from Crowne Plaza’s new brand tagline ‘we’re all business, mostly’ and a recognition that delegates and guests are looking for unique spaces and experiences coming into 2018.

Based on the modern business traveller, the campaign also recognises that delegates want to make the most of every opportunity when travelling for work to make time inside AND outside the boardroom really count.

It’s in line with a new European study that recognises meetings built around ‘all work and no play’ makes for a dull Jack or Jill.

The IHG study has revealed business travellers admit work trips are more fun and enjoyable than they let on, with nine out of ten making the most of downtime by getting out and about to explore the city, ticking off their personal travel ‘to do’ list.

Crowne Plaza Auckland is conveniently located in the heart of the city’s business, entertainment and waterfront district, and General Manager Tim Pollock said it was the perfect base for guests to “do business and get out to experience the best of the city”.

To help guests do just that, the hotel’s created an online guide to Auckland business travel featuring ‘must-do’ activities for their downtime, dining hotspots and team building exercises around the city.

“Business trips have somewhat changed,” said Tim. “The new video campaign reinforces to the MICE market that work and downtime can be mutually productive.

“We do the fundamentals extremely well but in today’s market it’s about creating unique experiences to excite and delight delegates, so we’re continuing to work on new projects coming into 2018.

“We’re proud to have been named Leading Business Hotel in the World Travel Awards again this year, for the third time. It confirms what we know, but also creates confidence in guests that Crowne Plaza Auckland’s exceptional high level of service has been maintained over the years.”

The hotel is home to ten flexible function rooms catering for everything from an executive boardroom meeting for 12 to a presentation or gala event for up to 460 guests.

All meeting and conference rooms are fully equipped with modern sound and visual systems, complimentary Wi-Fi and interactive projectors. The hotel’s audio-visual specialists supply all the presentation needs from a data projector to staged events and widescreen presentations.

Many of the function rooms are bathed in natural light, with all rooms providing bespoke flexibility. The hotel’s renowned Aria Restaurant and Bar also creates the perfect venue for a business lunch or group celebration.

Crowne Plaza Auckland also recently launched three new packages – Mostly Energised, Mostly Inspired and Mostly Social – to ensure downtime is as productive as work time.

Whether guests are in Auckland for business, an event, need some much-needed rest and relaxation, or are looking for a weekend escape, the packages are designed to leave them feeling inspired, energised and connected.

Tim Pollock said the packages tied in perfectly with meetings and conference business.

“We want delegates to stay the night and enjoy everything Auckland has to offer. Whether they want to stay active in the city, be social or relax with a massage at the end of the day, we have all bases covered.”

See the video campaign here and find out what’s on offer for the Auckland business traveller this summer here.

Picture caption:

1/ Crowne Plaza Auckland’s Aotearoa-themed gala dinner is a unique experience for MICE guests

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Queenstown student awarded tourism scholarship

by November 06, 2017

Media release from AccorHotels Queenstown One lucky Queenstown student has been granted a scholarship to give her the ultimate kickstart in New Zealand’s booming tourism industry. Wakatipu High School (WHS) student Harriet Dennison, 18, will study a Diploma in Hospitality Management at the award-winning Queenstown Resort College (QRC), thanks to an inaugural partnership between four…

The four properties driving this scholarship are Hotel St Moritz, Novotel Queenstown, Sofitel Queenstown and Mercure Queenstown Resort.

Hotel St Moritz General Manager Jo Finnigan presented the scholarship at the high school’s Senior Prizegiving on Thursday afternoon (November 2 2017).

A delighted Harriet said it was “quite incredible” to receive the scholarship.

“I’m very excited to be able to gain further knowledge in the tourism industry through QRC, especially here in Queenstown, my home town,” she said.

“I’m thrilled to have received this scholarship because AccorHotels is such a well-known global brand, and I’m looking forward to learning here in the environment that QRC provides.”

The scholarship was a collective vision from AccorHotels and QRC to open up the world of hotel business to Queenstown students, exposing them to a compelling career path in tourism with the option to travel worldwide.

Students applied for the grant by submitting responses to several questions, including an inventive 100-word response to “the secret of their success if they ran a world-renowned Queenstown hotel in 2028”.

Harriet’s ‘thinking outside the box’ approach led her to create a 100-word mind-map to visually explain her success, outlining every element of running a successful hotel including facilities, customer experience and management.

She also came up with a catchy motto “we deliver what you want, before you know it”.

Hotel St Moritz General Manager Jo Finnigan particularly loved Harriet’s creative application.

“It’s fantastic to see the next generation excited about a career in New Zealand’s dynamic hospitality and tourism industries,” she said.

“Harriet came across as a natural leader and I look forward to watching her career unfold.

“I’m hopeful this inaugural scholarship inspires a pipeline of high school students in the future.”

Queenstown Resort College Chief Executive Charlie Phillips said the scholarship was a “great opportunity” for Harriet to work within New Zealand’s largest export industry.

“Gaining a recognised qualification in the tourism and hospitality sector provides a competitive advantage when it comes to maximising employment opportunities,” he said.

“We look forward to welcoming Harriet to QRC early next year.”

Harriet will begin her Diploma in Hospitality Management at Queenstown Resort College in January 2018.

Picture caption:

1/ Tourism kickstart – Queenstown Resort College Chief Executive Charlie Phillips (L) and Hotel St Moritz General Manager Jo Finnigan (R) presented a tourism scholarship to Harriet Dennison

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Crowne Plaza Christchurch pays tribute to the past with pianist Peter Lewis at Christmas

by November 01, 2017

Media Release from Crowne Plaza Christchurch Crowne Plaza Christchurch is throwing a festive, family Christmas this year all wrapped up with oodles of fun, a glass or two of festive bubbles and the return of the hotel’s legendary ‘piano man’ Peter Lewis. For 23 years Peter played the piano in the original Crowne Plaza Hotel lobby before his…

“Many of the local guests today still enquire from time to time as to where I might be playing.

“I have lots of fond memories of meeting an amazing range of people including celebrities such as George Harrison from The Beatles, John Cleese and the list goes on.”

In recognition of the many hours he spent tinkling the ivories at the hotel, he was gifted the piano he used to play after it closed its doors.

So it’s only fitting that on the new hotel’s first Christmas Day, he’ll be back to add a touch of nostalgia to the celebrations as a guest performer welcoming diners to their lunch or dinner celebrations.

The menu is groaning with Christmas classics such as stuffed turkey and cranberry sauce, honey-glazed champagne ham, roast beef and Yorkshire pudding, and it wouldn’t be Christmas without kiwi favourites including oysters, prawns in cocktail sauce, Canterbury leg of lamb or Akaroa salmon amongst others.

On the basis that guests are never full enough on this celebratory day, they can top it all off with traditional Christmas pudding, Eton Mess, macaroons or trifle. Or all of the above!

Crowne Plaza General Manager Reinier Eulink is looking forward to the hotel-playing host to a fun-filled family Christmas.

“We’re bringing back a little bit of the old ambience with the hotel’s beloved piano man Peter, tying this in with our past and present,” he said.

“For us it’s also a chance to highlight the wonderful first year we’re having and raise a toast to how far we’ve come.”

Adult diners on Christmas Day will receive complimentary bubbles on arrival with Social Wine Bar open from midday. Festivities can begin on a high note with soft drinks for the kids and even a dedicated television and games room for younger family members!

Meanwhile for businesses looking to kick off the silly season in the office with a Crowne Plaza hosted Christmas work party, the hotel’s function packages are sure to get staff rocking around the Christmas tree.

Custom events start from $40 to $79 with a range of catering offers, each including a welcome glass of bubbles on arrival, so businesses can rest assured it will be no silent night.

Function capacities range from small groups of 10 to 35 guests, to larger scale parties up to 140 guests. Package highlights include festive theming, special accommodation rates, Christmas crackers and of course a menu to make your heart sing.

Essential booking information

Christmas Day lunch seating times are from 11.30am to 1.30pm or 2pm to 4pm, and dinner buffet times run from 5pm to 7pm or 7.30pm to 9.30pm.  Bookings are essential by contacting [email protected] or calling 03 741 2810.  

The Christmas Day buffet menu starts at $49 for children from six to 16 years old and $129 for adults. Children aged five or younger dine for free. 

To find out more about Crowne Plaza’s event venues or book your Christmas party contact [email protected] or call 03 741 2810.  

Picture caption:

1/ Peter Lewis is looking forward to recreating Christmas magic at Crowne Plaza Christchurch

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Champagne breakfast starts Cup and Show Day at Crowne Plaza Christchurch in style

by October 18, 2017

Media Release from Crowne Plaza Christchurch Crowne Plaza Christchurch has partnered with fabulous Bollinger Champagne for one of the most glamorous and highly-anticipated social events on Canterbury’s calendar. Crowne Plaza’s Cup Day Bollinger Breakfast on November 14 promises to be a delicious way to get the prestigious Christchurch Casino New Zealand Trotting Cup Day off to a racing start. The…

As it’s the new hotel’s first Cup Day event, it’s promising to pull out all the stops, with ‘whispers’ of a decadent chocolate fountain to delight guests.

Lovers of fashion, fascinators, food and fun will be well catered-for, with the gourmet food spread featuring continental and full breakfast options and a ‘cooked-to-order’ egg station.

There will be something to fill everyone’s appetite from bliss balls to pretzel hot- smoked salmon sliders and a Belgian waffle station, meaning guests will have no trouble fueling up for the day’s action. They can also try new breakfast items including a classic kiwi bacon and egg pie.

Cup Day is considered to be Australasia’s most prominent harness racing event, drawing crowds from all over the country.

Crowne Plaza Christchurch General Manager Reinier Eulink said he couldn’t wait to see Market Place buzzing with colour and laughter.

“Cup Day drew over 20,000 people last year so it’s not only a favourite in the hearts and minds of locals but attracts crowds from all around the country,” he said.

“With Cup Week on the calendar it’s great news not only for our hotel but for the region’s tourism industry.

“We have some fantastic partners lined up our event and we’re looking forward to it really kicking off our summer season with a bang!”

Tickets for Crowne Plaza’s Cup Day Bollinger Breakfast are $75 per person. The event starts at 10am and coaches leave at midday, just in time to catch some of the first races.

The ever-fabulous Canterbury Cup Week will also mark the launch of Crowne Plaza’s delightful High Tea experience. Hosted in Social Wine Bar, groups can enjoy a three-tier assortment of high tea classics such as finger sandwiches, macarons, mini salmon quiches and a glass of bubbles. Dining in the fresh, contemporary downstairs space is a very reasonable $38 per person.

Executive Chef Mirco Turtschi has been busy refining the details of the Bollinger breakfast and High Tea packages.

“This is Crowne Plaza’s first Cup Day in our new premises so we’re excited to showcase what we do with some stunning gourmet breakfast canapés and summer fruits for the breakfast,” he said.

“Our High Teas will be the cherry on the cake, so to speak, and with the fresh seasonal produce that comes with the warmer summer months we’re very much looking forward to inviting guests to sample that taste of summer.”

Social Wine Bar seating for High Tea is limited and tickets for the Cup Day Bollinger Breakfast event are sure to be in hot demand. Bookings are essential by contacting [email protected] or calling (03) 741 2810.

Picture caption:

1) Enjoy a delightful High Tea experience at Crowne Plaza Christchurch’s sophisticated Social Wine Bar

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Crowne Plaza Auckland – all business, mostly

by October 16, 2017

Media Release from Crowne Plaza Auckland New Zealand’s leading business hotel, Crowne Plaza Auckland, is helping guests ‘switch off’ from the daily grind. Located in the heart of Auckland’s CBD, the award-winning hotel has launched three new packages – Mostly Energised, Mostly Inspired and Mostly Social – to ensure downtime is as productive as work…

Stay active in the city with a Mostly Inspired Package, aimed at outdoor enthusiasts, runners, or the health conscious who want to achieve fitness goals or enjoy a slower-paced scenic walk.

This fantastic package saves guests up to $55 and includes a night’s accommodation for two and a ‘refuel breakfast’ at Aria Restaurant to get the day off to the perfect start.

Thoughtful extras include a personalised Yeti cooling towel (when wet it cools up to 15° below outdoor temperature), an Auckland running map and a bottle of New Zealand’s finest spring water.

A Mostly Energised Package is available for those who need to recharge the batteries.

The package includes a $50 voucher for a treatment of choice at the award-winning Bliss Reflexology & Massage Spa, a rejuvenating night’s stay for two with late check out, the obligatory spring water and a healthy buffet breakfast for two at Aria Restaurant.

The Mostly Social Package is the perfect weekend escape for girlfriends or couples hitting the city for a shopping trip, theatre experience, sports game or an overdue catch up with friends.

This deal is available on all room types and combines accommodation, breakfast for two at Aria Restaurant, a premium bottle of New Zealand wine, parking and late checkout, with savings up to $90.

Crowne Plaza Auckland General Manager Tim Pollock said these unique packages had been created to live true to our new brand tagline “we’re all business, mostly”.

“Our guests seek innovative experiences and we’re providing the perfect base where they can feel productive, connected, rested and restored,” he said.

“Our city has so much to offer and in people’s time-pressured lives a glass of New Zealand pinot, or a run along the waterfront is just as important as the daily grind.”

All packages are subject to booking availability and must be booked one day in advance.

For bookings or more information go to crowneplaza.nz/auckland_mostly.

Picture caption:

1/ Crowne Plaza Auckland is the perfect base for a weekend escape

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Crowne Plaza Christchurch wins silver in national award

by October 11, 2017

Media Release from Crowne Plaza Christchurch The design team behind the stunning new Crowne Plaza Christchurch has won a silver award in a national competition. New Zealand design agency Designworks received the silver accolade in the Best Design Awards for its innovative and fresh design approach for the hotel. The company was a finalist in…

Designworks architect Naomi Rushmer said there was an extremely high standard of entries in the category.

“Our entry for Crowne Plaza Christchurch was in the notoriously tough hospitality category with large entry numbers,” she said.

“To win a silver award on the night was a great result.”

The Best Awards are run by The Designers Institute of New Zealand, and Ms Rushmer said Designworks had a “very successful” night with wins across Spatial, Graphic, Best Effect, Product and Ngā Aho categories.

“The awards are a wonderful opportunity to showcase the new hotel design to a wider audience and we’re delighted with the end result,” she said.

Designworks focused on delivering a creative guest experience for Crowne Plaza Christchurch based around being welcomed into the property, and how that flowed into relaxation, eating and working across the entire hotel.

“As the city’s largest hotel, attracting locals and those from across the globe, the design needed to deliver an exciting and unique experience maximizing the 360-degree views of the Port Hills, Southern Alps and Pacific Ocean,” said Ms Rushmer.

Eye-catching features around the 204-room upscale hotel include a lobby space featuring timber slats wrapping the walls and a large freeform mesh ceiling feature, inspired by the winding Avon River, glowing over the reception pods.

The space connects to the adjacent lobby bar through a striking doubled-sided central fireplace, and a grand open staircase connects to first floor dining, library and meeting rooms.

Full-height windows flood the ground floor with natural light during the day, and dramatic lighting brings the spaces to life at night. The design detail even drills down to feature carpets and rugs drawing inspiration from the braided rivers and topography of the South Island.

Standout design features in rooms include glazed bathrooms (with privacy blinds) that are open to the rooms and changing vistas, and large window seats in every room framing expansive views.

Crowne Plaza Christchurch General Manager Reinier Eulink said the hotel team and owners were “delighted” with the world-class design and congratulated Designworks on the silver award.

Picture caption:

1/ Members of the winning Designworks design team (L-R) Sebastian Negri, Naomi Rushmer and Clark Pritchard

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Internationally-experienced marketer embarks on key role for IHG New Zealand

by October 04, 2017

Media Release from IHG New Zealand  IHG New Zealand has welcomed internationally-experienced Kelly Eichholtz to the position of Area Director of Sales and Marketing New Zealand. Based at Crowne Plaza Auckland, Kelly is responsible for building and developing InterContinental Hotel Group’s (IHG) New Zealand-based sales, marketing and revenue teams. Kelly has joined the Auckland team…

Christchurch-born Kelly launched her IHG career in London, spending a total of six years working in sales and marketing for flagship properties, including Crowne Plaza London – The City. She also worked as a key account manager representing 68 properties throughout the UK and Ireland.

Before returning ‘home’ to IHG and New Zealand, she was Director of Business Development at the five-star Hilton London Bankside, as an executive member of the opening team.

Commenting on her appointment, Kelly said she was thrilled about overseeing the company’s New Zealand portfolio.

“It’s an exciting time to be working for IHG in New Zealand as we are fortunate to have a great mix of brands across the region,” she said.

“We have other key developments planned, new properties coming on board and growing markets in Auckland and Christchurch.

“I want to continue to grow and evolve our leading sales, marketing and revenue teams to build a proactive and innovative vision.”

Outside of work, Kelly has a passion for travel, and following her return from the UK is keen to explore the holiday destinations of Asia Pacific.

IHG Area General Manager New Zealand Tim Pollock said Kelly possessed outstanding leadership qualities.

“Kelly’s expertise and experience at an international level, along with her ability to integrate top line strategies, is a substantial asset for IHG,” he said.

“It’s a time for development and growth across the country, and we’re delighted to welcome talent like Kelly at such an exciting time.”

IHG operates six properties in New Zealand including InterContinental Wellington, Crowne Plaza hotels in Auckland, Queenstown and Christchurch and two Holiday Inn properties in Rotorua and at Auckland Airport.

Picture caption:

1/ IHG New Zealand’s new Area Director of Sales and Marketing Kelly Eichholtz

 

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