Travel

Bethells Beach Cottages is thrilled to announce that despite recent roadworks, this beautiful paradise remains as accessible as ever. Although Bethells and or Te Henga roads are temporarily reduced to one lane, they are otherwise open to normal traffic, ensuring a smooth and uninterrupted journey to this stunning location. Check Waka Kotahi Journey Planner for any updates. Or just arrive by helicopter!

The beautiful beaches, Bethells and O’Neil’s, along with the tranquil Lake Wainamu, are open as usual, ready to offer visitors the serene escape they deserve. These natural wonders provide the perfect backdrop for relaxation, adventure, and rejuvenation, making Bethells Beach Cottages the ideal destination for the next getaway.

Bethells Beach Cottages offers a variety of accommodation options to suit every traveller’s needs. Whether seeking a romantic retreat, a family holiday, or a solo adventure, the three are each unique. The cottages are designed to provide comfort and tranquillity, while breathing in the healing salt sea air, ensuring a memorable and restful stay.

The cottages are not just a place to stay but an experience with the breathtaking beauty of Auckland’s west coast – 40 minutes drive directly west of Aucklands CBD and airport. From the moment you arrive, you are greeted with the warmth and hospitality that Bethells Beach Cottages is renowned for. Hosts, Trude and John are committed to making each stay as enjoyable as possible, offering personalised service and local insights to enhance the visit.

Experience the magic of Bethells Beach and create unforgettable memories with loved ones. Book on their website now and let the adventure begin!

www.bethellsbeach.com

Contact Bethells Beach Cottages

+64 9 810 9581

info@bethellsbeach.com

www.bethellsbeach.com

Contact Phillip Quay

Media PA

phillip@mediapa.co.nz

027 458 7724

www.mediapa.co.nz

Centennial House Taupo is excited to experience the magic of winter at the Taupo Winter Festival, an event that transforms the stunning landscape of Lake Taupo into a winter wonderland from 5th to 21st July. This much-anticipated festival promises an array of family-friendly activities, live performances, and mesmerising displays that highlight the beauty and vibrancy of winter in Taupo.

The Taupo Winter Festival is packed with exciting activities for all ages. Visitors can glide on the spectacular ice rink, race down thrilling ice slides, and marvel at creative art installations. The festival’s food stalls offer a variety of delicious treats, perfect for warming up on a crisp winter day. In the evenings, captivating light shows illuminate the surroundings, creating a magical atmosphere. Interactive workshops provide opportunities to learn new skills, while live music and theatre performances add to the vibrant cultural experience.

One of the festival’s highlights is the Mercury Light Hub, an enchanting spectacle located at Tongariro North Domain. This hub features an array of illuminated installations and light displays, transforming the night into a luminous wonderland. With creative displays designed by talented artists, the Mercury Light Hub provides a visual feast that captivates visitors of all ages. It’s an experience that combines art, light, and imagination, creating a perfect setting for memorable moments and stunning photographs.

Special Winter Deal

As visitors plan their trip to the festival, Centennial House Taupo offers a convenient and comfortable accommodation option. Located just a short drive from the heart of the festival, Centennial House provides a cosy retreat after a day of winter fun. They are currently offering a special winter deal: book two nights and receive an extra night for free, or book four nights and enjoy two additional nights on them. This offer is valid until the 31^st of August.

Centennial House’s newly restyled rooms offer modern comfort, and their new outdoor furniture creates a charming setting to enjoy the crisp winter air and beautiful garden views.

Don’t miss out on the Taupo Winter Festival’s enchanting experience. Book your stay at Centennial House Taupo today and take advantage of their fantastic winter deals, ensuring your festival visit is both enjoyable and affordable. The team at Centennial House looks forward to welcoming guests and making their winter escape truly unforgettable.

Click here to book directly

Contact Centennial House:

021 912 743

info@centennialhousetaupo.co.nz

www.centennialhousetaupo.co.nz

www.facebook.com/Centennialhousetaupo

Contact Phillip Quay:

Email: Phillip@mediapa.co.nz

Mobile: 027 458 7724

Website: www.nzbusinessconnect.co.nz

On 8th June 2024, the world will unite to celebrate World Ocean Day, a global initiative dedicated to honouring and protecting our oceans. Pacific Resort Hotel Group is embracing this opportunity by organising and participating in various activities across their locations, significantly contributing to environmental well-being.

Rarotonga Initiatives

In Rarotonga, the Pacific Resort Hotel Group, including Pacific Resort Rarotonga, Te Manava Luxury Villas & Spa, and Little Polynesian Resort, will launch their own initiative on Friday, 7th June. All departments will take part in the “Clean Beach Initiative,” focusing on Muri Beach and Enua Manea’s Beach. This effort underscores their commitment to maintaining the beauty and cleanliness of the environment. Guests are invited to join in, offering a hands-on experience that contributes to environmental health and provides a unique connection to the local community and the natural beauty of Rarotonga.

Aitutaki Efforts

At Pacific Resort Aitutaki, the ongoing coral restoration project exemplifies their daily commitment to ocean health. This initiative involves planting and restoring corals to rejuvenate the reefs around Aitutaki. Guests can participate, learning about the importance of coral ecosystems and contributing to their preservation. Additionally, the team annually cleans up the beachfront and roadside of Amuri, further demonstrating their dedication to the environment.

Activities Supporting World Ocean Day

In line with the 2024 theme, “Catalysing Action for our Ocean & Climate,” Cook Islands Tourism has organised several activities around the Pacific Islands to support World Ocean Day, including:

• Walk the Trash Beach Clean-Up: On Friday, 7th June, gather a team, bring your own sacks, and spend an hour cleaning up the beach. This simple yet impactful activity helps remove rubbish and debris from the shores.
• Korero O Te Orau Beach Clean-Up & Operation Taramea: Join volunteers in collecting crown-of-thorns starfish, which are then buried to provide valuable nutrients for the soil. This initiative aims to protect coral reefs and enhance marine biodiversity.
• Pacific Divers Ocean Clean-Up: Certified scuba divers and free-divers can participate in cleaning up Avarua Harbour. This activity focuses on removing debris washed into the harbour, helping to restore and protect the marine environment.
• Dive Rarotonga Staff Ocean & Coral Frames Clean-Up: The team at Dive Rarotonga will scuba dive outside the reef to collect debris and clean coral frames, ensuring the continued health and safety of the ocean.

Pacific Resort Hotel Group is proud to be part of these efforts and encourages guests to participate. By joining hands, they can make a significant impact on the environment, preserving the natural beauty of the oceans for future generations.

Explore more about these initiatives and join us in celebrating World Ocean Day 2024:

• Learn about World Ocean Day Activities 2024 
• Discover our Coral Restoration Projects at Pacific Resort Aitutaki
• Explore our Commitment to Sustainability

Contact Pacific Resort Hotel Group

reservations@pacificresort.com

Contact Media PA

027 458 7724

phillip@mediapa.co.nz

www.mediapa.co.nz

Like most Hotels and Resorts, the back of house at our resorts often takes a back seat to the public spaces that the guests see. In this behind-the-scenes look, we are happy to share changes to the loading bay at Pacific Resort Rarotonga. A space frequented daily by staff and often seen by suppliers and tradespeople.  This area has undergone a stunning transformation, captivating the attention of staff and visitors alike.

Rejuvenating the Loading Bay

The loading bay, while always clean, lacked vibrancy. Recognising the need for a refreshing change, Regional Manager Ani Thompson commissioned Kaia Dearlove for the task. Kaia is a prodigious young artist with deep familial ties to Pacific Resort Hotel Group. What began as a modest endeavour quickly evolved into an ambitious project, driven by Kaia’s boundless talent and unwavering dedication.

The Importance of Colour

Adding colour to the environment was essential.  University of Pennsylvania research highlights that positive emotions and attitudes at work are linked to better job performance, increased creativity, stronger teamwork, higher job engagement, also improved job satisfaction and organisational commitment.

Choosing Orange and Midnight (Mana Blue)

Orange, chosen based on insights from ‘Inspired Spaces,’ radiates warmth and happiness, combining the energy of red with the cheerfulness of yellow. Focussing minds on physical comfort, known for its optimistic and uplifting qualities. Midnight, or Mana Blue, is a key colour in Pacific Resort Hotel Group and Pacific Resort Rarotonga branding, framing the loading bay, and creating a visual effect that enhances the overall aesthetic appeal.

Birds of Paradise and Pareu Prints

Kaia needed to incorporate Birds of Paradise from the company logos into the floral design. She carefully studied the logos for Pacific Resort Rarotonga, Te Manava Luxury Villa’s and Spa, and Pacific Resort Hotel Group, seamlessly integrating them into her artwork. The result beautifully captures the brand’s essence, creating a visually stunning and meaningful mural. Additionally, Pareu prints reflect an integral part of Polynesian culture. Replicated on the wall, this brings cultural heritage and visual interest.

About the Artist: Kaia Dearlove

Kaia Dearlove, a well-known local artist, was the ideal choice for this project. Her grandfather, Neil Dearlove, supplied coffee beans to Pacific Resort Rarotonga for over a decade. And her grandmother, Janet, was renowned for her wedding cakes. Kaia’s artistic journey began with henna tattoos at local markets, becoming one of the most renowned young artists in Rarotonga.

As the owner of Henna Raro, Kaia worked on the mural during the afternoons when the loading bay was less busy. Asked to incorporate elements of the Birds of Paradise from the company logos into her floral design, Kaia seamlessly integrated these elements into her artwork, beautifully capturing the brand’s essence. Her paintings and prints are available at the coffee shop. Kaia has a studio in Rarotonga, located in Matavera across from Kaps store. Follow her on Instagram @kopi_art.studio.

Bringing the Project to Life

Throughout the project, staff members, suppliers, and visitors frequently stopped to chat with Kaia about her art. She enjoyed the experience and was impressed with the positive interactions she had with the team. Kaia’s beautiful contribution to the space is greatly appreciated. It brings a vibrant, welcoming, and culturally resonant atmosphere to the Pacific Resort Rarotonga loading bay.

The Pacific Resort Rarotonga loading bay project is a testament to the power of creativity and the impact of thoughtful design on everyday spaces.

Contact Pacific Resort Hotel Group

reservations@pacificresort.com

At Pacific Resort Hotel Group, we offer a culinary journey reflecting the rich traditions and flavours of the Cook Islands. Our menus are crafted with fresh, local produce and Polynesian flair, ensuring a memorable dining experience. Here, we share the recipe for Ika Mata, along with other popular dishes and their wine pairings from our resorts.

Ika Mata: A Polynesian Delight

Ika Mata, a traditional Cook Islands delicacy, translates to “raw fish” in Cook Island Maori. This refreshing fish salad features freshly squeezed coconut cream, finely chopped vegetables, and raw fish. The coconut, often called the “tree of life,” plays a crucial role in this dish, from the milk to the grated garnish.

Ingredients:

• 400g fresh yellowfin tuna, cubed
• 200ml thick coconut cream
• 80g red bell pepper, diced
• 80g cucumber, diced
• 60g carrot, diced
• 60g tomatoes, chopped
• 20g chives, chopped
• 70g red onion, diced
• 50ml lime juice
• 2 tablespoons sea salt

Instructions:

1. Make a “sea water bath” by adding 1½ tablespoons of sea salt to 600ml of cold water; soak the cubed tuna in this salt water bath for 30 minutes.
2. Drain the tuna.
3. Place the tuna in a glass or ceramic mixing bowl, add all the other ingredients except lime juice, and gently combine well.
4. Add the lime juice and mix gently.
5. Optionally, adjust salt and lime juice to taste. Serve in coconut shell bowls garnished with fresh lime slices.

Wine Pairing:

A crisp Sauvignon Blanc with bright acidity and citrus notes enhances the flavours of Ika Mata.

Omakase Sushi and Sashimi at Pacific Resort Aitutaki

Start your holiday at Pacific Resort Aitutaki with the Omakase Sushi and Sashimi platter, featuring fresh fish and vegetable rolls, wakame seaweed salad, wasabi, pickled ginger, and tamari soy sauce.

Wine Pairing:

A dry Riesling’s crisp acidity and mineral notes complement the sushi and sashimi, balancing the wasabi’s heat and the pickled ginger’s tanginess.

Pacific Sizzler at Pacific Resort Rarotonga:

The Pacific Sizzler at Pacific Resort Rarotonga features locally caught fish on a sizzling platter with sautéed vegetables, drizzled with coconut lime sauce.

Wine Pairing:

A vibrant Chardonnay with creamy texture and tropical fruit notes enhances the coconut lime sauce and balances the fish’s oils and vegetables.

Lemon & Fennel Braised Pork Belly at Little Polynesian Resort

At Little Polynesian Resort, the Lemon & Fennel Braised Pork Belly is a standout. Served with avocado puree, chilli onion jam, popcorn crackle, and tamarind glaze, it offers a complex blend of flavours and textures.

Wine Pairing:

A full-bodied Shiraz with bold flavours and spicy undertones complements the pork belly’s richness and the tamarind glaze’s tanginess.

At Pacific Resort Hotel Group, we take pride in sharing our Cook Island cuisine and local produce with our visitors. Enjoy these delightful dishes and their perfect wine pairings at our resorts, where every meal celebrates the Cook Islands’ vibrant culinary heritage.

Find our Sharing a Little Paradise magazine at this link: Click Here

View our Menus here: Click Here

Contact Pacific Resort Hotel Group

reservations@pacificresort.com

Wedding bands are much more than mere pieces of jewellery; they symbolise the unbreakable bond and eternal commitment between two people. At Centennial House Taupo, choosing a special wedding band can add profound meaning to your marriage and serve as a constant reminder of your love and vows.

Firstly, the process of selecting or designing a unique wedding band allows couples to reflect on their relationship and personal tastes. Customisation options are virtually endless, from selecting the type of metal, such as platinum, gold, or silver, and combination metals like rose gold and white gold, to incorporating precious gemstones like diamonds, sapphires, or emeralds. Engraving personal messages, significant dates, or even fingerprints on the inside of the band adds an intimate touch that makes the ring truly one-of-a-kind.

Moreover, special wedding bands can incorporate cultural or family traditions, enhancing their sentimental value. For instance, Celtic knots, Claddagh symbols, or ancestral stones can be integrated into the design, creating a connection between past, present, and future generations. This not only honours heritage but also adds layers of significance to the band.

At Centennial House Taupo, there the opportunity to have custom wedding bands, and engagements rings, made by renowned jeweller John Elliot. Known for his exceptional craftsmanship and attention to detail, John works closely with couples to create bespoke rings that perfectly capture their love story and personal style. This special service adds a unique and memorable touch to the wedding experience at Centennial House Taupo.

 The emotional resonance of a specially designed wedding band extends beyond the couple. It becomes a tangible symbol of their love story, shared with friends and family. The uniqueness of the ring often sparks conversations and reminiscing, serving as a beautiful reminder of the wedding day and the journey the couple has embarked upon together.

In conclusion, special wedding bands are far more than decorative accessories. They encapsulate the essence of a couple’s relationship, commemorate significant moments, and carry forward traditions and personal meanings. Investing in a unique wedding band, especially through the exclusive service at Centennial House Taupo, is investing in a lifetime of memories, making it a cherished keepsake for generations to come.

Contact Centennial House Taupo

www.centennialhousetaupo.co.nz

021 912 743

info@centennialhousetaupo.co.nz

www.facebook.com/Centennialhousetaupo

 Contact Phillip Quay

phillip@mediapa.co.nz

027 458 7724

www.mediapa.co.nz