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Lake Tekapo attraction launches ultimate winter experience

Thursday 18 June 2009, 2:38PM

By Alpine Springs/Spa & Winter Park

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Ice skating rink
Ice skating rink Credit: Alpine Springs/Spa & Winter Park
Alpine Springs hot pools
Alpine Springs hot pools Credit: Alpine Springs/Spa & Winter Park
Hot pools in snow
Hot pools in snow Credit: Alpine Springs/Spa & Winter Park
Snow Tubing
Snow Tubing Credit: Alpine Springs/Spa & Winter Park

CANTERBURY

A leading tourism attraction in the heart of the South Island’s majestic Mt Cook Mackenzie region will launch its eagerly anticipated Snow Tubing Park on 4 July.

Alpine Springs, Spa & Winter Park, located on the shores of Lake Tekapo, will open a state-of-the-art 100m long by 50m wide snow slope, dedicated entirely to snow tubing and playing in the snow.

Early snowfalls have already provided good cover and snow guns will top up the base with man-made snow as needed.

Snow tubing will be a valuable addition to the Winter Park which also features an international size rink for ice skating, ice hockey and curling. The Winter Park complements Alpine Springs’ outdoor hot pools and boutique day spa, making it the ultimate winter experience for all ages.

Alpine Springs director Karl Burtscher is excited about the new stage of the development.

“We’re offering an affordable one-stop relaxation and recreation package for visitors and locals and I believe the Snow Tubing Park will be a big drawcard, particularly for families.

“Snow tubing is hugely popular because anyone can do it. You don’t need any special skills or expensive equipment, you just sit on the tube and go, its fantastic fun.

“We’ve got thirty snow tubes available – some fast, some slow – as well as snowmaking and floodlighting to provide the best possible conditions,” he says.

Alpine Springs/Spa and Winter Park will celebrate the launch of its new Snow Tubing Park with a grand opening day on Saturday 4 July. There’ll be games on the ice rink, a sausage sizzle and a range of spot prizes.

With the opening of the Snow Tubing Park, Alpine Springs has introduced a range of great value packages, including a new Super Combo deal which includes the hot pools, ice rink and Snow Tubing Park.

In line with the rest of Alpine Springs, which was recently endorsed by Qualmark, the Snow Tubing Park has been developed with a strong focus on sustainability. The snowguns are hooked up to the complex’s sustainable, energy-efficient refrigeration and heat regeneration plant which cleans, recycles and cools water from the hot pools and the ice rink.

Hours of operation are the same as the rest of the complex – 10am to 9pm, Monday to Sunday.

Alpine Springs developments still in the pipeline include private hot pools and a cooler pool which will be used during the summer months.

For more information about Alpine Springs/Spa and Winter Park visit www.alpinesprings.co.nz.

ENDS


More about Alpine Springs/Spa and Winter Park
Alpine Springs has three hot pools shaped in the configuration of the local glacier lakes, Pukaki, Ohau and Tekapo. The pools are fed by underground spring water and are nestled amongst New Zealand natives typical of the local alpine area, and terraced to provide majestic views of the surrounding Southern Alps and Lake Tekapo. Pathways from changing rooms to bathing areas are heated for maximum guest comfort.

The boutique day spa is a peaceful haven within the complex which has views over the pools and out to Lake Tekapo. It encompasses four treatment rooms and offers a full range of treatments including massage, hot rock massage, reflexology, facials, body wraps, manicures, and pedicures. The main complex also features a large sauna, steam room and plunge pool.

The international size outdoor ice rink operates from early April to late September and is a stunning setting for skating, ice hockey and curling.

Snow Tubing Park prices
Child (5-12 yrs) $11.00
Youth (13-18 yrs) $13.00
Adult $15.00
Senior (60+) $13.00
Family Pass (2 adults, 3 children) $58.00
Super Combo $127.00