NZ's second Hilton bound for Taupo
20 May 2009
Taupo, the central North Island’s lake resort and popular tourist destination, is to have a Hilton hotel - only the second in New Zealand to be managed by the famous world corporation.
Hilton signed an agreement this week to manage the property currently known as the Terraces Hotel, saying it will open under the Hilton banner later this year.
The hotel currently has 113 deluxe hotel rooms, suites and apartments and will undergo a NZ$55 million development to include 36 more luxury rooms, a convention centre and conference facilities. The new facilities will open in the second quarter of 2010.
Panoramic views
Hilton Lake Taupo is situated close to Taupo township and has panoramic views over Lake Taupo - the world’s largest volcanic crater lake.
Set in a lush area with a bush backdrop and surrounded by unique thermal springs and streams, the Hilton will also have extensive views of the live volcanoes of the Tongariro National Park and New Zealand’s largest skifield.
The original hotel on the site opened in 1889 and is now the heritage building that will form part of the new Hilton Hotel. The existing hotel, which was extensively renovated in 2003, will undergo further major refurbishment to bring the rooms and facilities up to the Hilton standard.
Breathtaking area
Hilton’s senior vice president - brand management, Dave Horton said once the work was done the property would be a fantastic new addition to the Hilton family.
"Lake Taupo is one of the more breathtaking areas of the New Zealand countryside and the Hilton Lake Taupo will represent an exciting addition to our growing portfolio of international destinations," he said.
Martin Rinck, president Hilton Hotels Asia Pacific said Lake Taupo was one of New Zealand’s most significant leisure and meetings destinations and the new upscale hotel would offer leisure and business travellers superior accommodation and services as well as a central point from which to discover "the glorious Lake Taupo area".
New look Hilton
At the completion of the project, Hilton Lake Taupo will feature:
- 149 deluxe full-service rooms, suites and apartments
- restaurant
- destination bars
- ball room
- convention and meeting facilities
- thermally-heated pools
- fitness centre and flood-lit tennis courts
The hotel has already earned a name for fine food and beverages with Simon Gault, one of New Zealand’s foremost chefs and restaurateurs, employed as executive chef at Bistro Lago.
Background: Lake Taupo
Lake Taupo is a three-hour drive from Auckland, New Zealand’s largest city and 4.5 hours from Wellington, the capital.
The lake is 46km long and has a surface area similar in size to Singapore. Taupo’s central location makes it a popular destination for events and it is well known as a conference and incentive location.
Leisure activities include trout fishing, hunting, golf, bathing in thermal pools, trekking, horse riding, boating and snow skiing.
The area boasts some of the world’s best fly fishing rivers and hunting locations, is a close distance to the famous Tongariro Crossing trek that's rated one of the best one-day walks in the world.
Taupo has two world-rated golf courses - the Wairakei International Golf Course and the Jack Nicklaus Signature course.
Mt Ruapehu is a 60-minute drive from Taupo, and with two ski resorts is New Zealand’s most expansive ski area.
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