New Night-time Nature Product ‘Wows’ Visitors
The new ‘Beauty by Night’ product at Rainbow Springs Nature Park, Rotorua is proving to be a hit with visitors and Rotorua residents alike.
Officially launched on 1st October 2005, ‘Beauty by Night’ is a visual extravaganza which showcases Rainbow Springs Nature Park in the evening. Cleverly designed, multi-coloured lights have been used to create an entirely new ambience for visitors. “Our aim is to create that ‘wow’ factor with this evening product”, says Sales and Marketing Manager, Rob Finlayson. By contrast Rainbow Springs Nature Park offers a day-time tour that is more educational and informative.
‘Beauty by Night’ creates an environment for visitors to enjoy the peace, tranquillity and special sounds of the natural setting at night. “We don’t offer headsets or guides, which is a deliberate move so visitors can enjoy the magical lighting array and native wildlife in a tranquil atmosphere,” says Rob Finlayson.
It is the first time lighting of this type has been used in Australasia. Over 700 lights are employed in the Park with the special clarity and colour derived from crystals. “The 1 watt Luxeon Led, with specially developed separate inline driver together emit this unique light”, comments Rob. Known as ‘Prime Lighting’, the lighting layout was completed with the assistance of Murray Baker from Light Industry Auckland.
To date, an open day and evening for locals attracted over 2000 visitors. In addition, a series of agent familarisations resulted in over 20 agents experiencing ‘Beauty by Night’.
The Rotorua chapter of Skål recently attended ‘Beauty by Night’. Wairakei Resort/Chateau Tongariro’s General Manager, Kathy Guy was one of the Skål attendees. “Even though it was a rainy night, the experience was great. The forest takes on a surreal charm, the colours and the smells at night are quite different to the day. It reminded me of Singapore’s Night Safari – a real asset for Rotorua”.
The new product was designed to meet a lack of entertainment in the night market. “Our specific target market is the visitor who stays two nights. They will most likely experience a Hangi and Concert on their first night, but are at a loss for entertainment on their second night. It’s early days yet but the reaction from travel agents and visitors alike has been really positive. It just reinforces the reality that there is an opportunity in that evening market”, concludes Rob.
A premium version of this product includes return transfers from centrally located Rotorua hotels, a welcome drink on arrival and a guide to enhance the night-time experience.
Graham Muldoon
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