Client News

And it’s the sale that keeps on giving — each hotel is running an Easter competition on their individual Facebook page to win free accommodation and a unique local experience, tailored to each property.

The five competition* prizes are all uniquely different. Holiday Inn Rotorua is offering a two night stay with a family pass to AMAZEME and Holiday Inn Auckland Airport a two night stay with family pass to Rainbow’s End.

The Crowne Plaza Auckland prize includes a two night stay with a couples massage at Bliss Reflexology while Crowne Plaza Queenstown is offering a two night stay with half day e-bike hire.

The lucky winners at InterContinental Wellington will be gifted a free one night stay with an indulgent high tea for two.

Entering the competition could not be easier – guess how many Easter eggs are in the image pinned to each hotel’s Facebook page to go in the draw to win.

The competition closes at 9am on March 14 and winners will be announced in an online video reveal on each page at 5pm.

Crowne Plaza Auckland General Manager Tim Pollock said the flash sale was the perfect excuse for New Zealanders to take some leave between the upcoming public holidays and book their next getaway.

“I’m sure guests will enjoy a delightful city weekend getaway with everything on their doorstep at Crowne Plaza Auckland, or they can add an extra stop-off at Holiday Inn Auckland Airport before jetting away for leisure or business,” he said.

“Perhaps a shopping trip to New Zealand’s capital is on the cards, an adventure weekend away to Rotorua with the family, or an escape to Queenstown to experience the yellow, gold and hot oranges of New Zealand’s spectacular autumn landscapes.”

For flash sale bookings or more information go to ihg.com/easterinaflash

*Competition terms and conditions apply

Photo caption:

1/ Holiday Inn Rotorua guests take advantage of the world-class mountain bike trails

The fantastic deal is available on all room types and combines accommodation with a daily complimentary full buffet breakfast for two at threesixty restaurant and skiing for four-days at the world-class ski fields.

Snowsports enthusiasts keen to secure the exceptional early bird rates must book by March 30 2017. Prices start from NZ$385 per night.

Crowne Plaza Queenstown General Manager Anna Edie says the superb value package offers visitors all the skiing and riding they can handle in four days.

“There’s nothing like the feeling of zipping down a snow-covered mountain under gorgeous blue skies, especially in Queenstown where the views are absolutely breathtaking,” she says.

“As summer slides into autumn we know we have plenty of guests who are already looking forward to their value-packed and fun-filled winter holiday, so now there’s no need to wait.

“With up-to-the-minute snow reports, hearty breakfasts and take-away lunches, in-room massage options, in-hotel ski rental service, a ski shuttle stop outside the hotel, and secure and heated ski gear storage, we’re the perfect home-away-from home for that ski break.”

Widely known as Queenstown’s chic, friendly and cosmopolitan downtown hotel, Crowne Plaza Queenstown is the perfect ski base, enjoying the best in-town location overlooking stunning Lake Wakatipu and the spectacular Remarkables mountain range.

“After an adventurous day up the slopes, guests are invited to slip into après-ski mode, relax and unwind with a warming mulled wine, an ice-cold beer or sample a signature cocktail in our city-style Martini Bar,” says Ms Edie.

“Our restaurant threesixty has a mouthwatering winter menu that’s sure to please hungry skiers, or if guests wish to venture out for the evening we’re on the doorstep of Queenstown’s vibrant nightlife.”

Upgrade options are available subject to availability, and additional nights can be booked directly with the hotel. Bookings for the early bird deal must be made by March 30 2017.

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

Photo caption (The Remarkables/NZSki):

1/ Crowne Plaza Queenstown guests can enjoy perfect snow conditions at The Remarkables

The announcement comes as Southern Discoveries celebrates impressive growth, with significant investment over the past eight years in its Milford Sound and Queenstown operations.

CEO Tim Hunter said the company prided itself on its exceptional customer service and was always looking for new ways to improve products and services to enhance the customer experience.

“With visitor numbers to Milford Sound continuing to rise, we’re expecting strong demand for our new coach and cruise day trips from Queenstown,” he said.

“The road to Milford Sound is a tourism experience in itself, and these new coaches will enable us to offer a seamless service from Queenstown, on vehicles and vessels that are purpose-built for sightseeing.

“We’ll provide multi-lingual commentary en route and ensure we have a number of day trip options to suit the needs of a wide range of visitors.”

Southern Discoveries is Milford Sound’s original cruise operator and has been owned by the Queenstown-based Skeggs family since 2008. The company now operates six cruising vessels and has 130 staff members in Queenstown, Te Anau and Milford Sound.

The company’s range of new experiences introduced over recent years include kayaking in Milford Sound, scenic cruises on Lake Wakatipu and cycling and high country farm experiences in Queenstown.

Southern Discoveries will launch its new coach and cruise products from Queenstown to Milford Sound from August 2017.

Click here to visit Southern Discoveries’ website.

“I could not be more thrilled to lead a hotel and team of this calibre into the future,” she says.

“I am looking forward to connecting with Queenstown’s vibrant business community and being part of a large hotel that’s perfect for leisure, business and conference and incentive guests all year round.

“It’s certainly going to be a shock adapting to Queenstown’s cooler winter temperatures in particular, but I’m looking forward to getting stuck into the great outdoors, learning how to ski and spending time with the family.”

Anna’s extensive hotel career has seen her overseeing rooms division and food and beverage operations for new and established IHG hotels, including Intercontinental Fiji Golf Resort & Spa, pre-opening at Holiday Inn Gwangju in Korea, Crowne Plaza Darwin and Intercontinental Shenzhen in China.

Her international experience, keen eye for continuous improvement in guest experience and financial expertise is welcomed by IHG’s Area General Manager – New Zealand Tim Pollock.

“Anna is recognised as an articulate leader and has extensive experience with different cultures, brands and owners throughout luxury hotels and resorts,” he says.

“Diversity is hugely important at IHG and we’re pleased to welcome young talent like Anna, with her adaptable and resilient character, to lead the Queenstown team.

“We wish her every success in her role.”

IHG currently operates six properties in New Zealand including Crowne Plaza hotels in Auckland and Queenstown, three Holiday Inn properties in Queenstown, Rotorua and at Auckland Airport, and the InterContinental Wellington. It will also operate Crowne Plaza Christchurch which is due to open later this year.

Click here to visit Crowne Plaza Queenstown’s website.

Photo caption:

1/ Anna Edie joins Crowne Plaza Queenstown this week as its new General Manager