Art&Soul In the Park, Rotorua

Hamurana Lodge Boutique Hotel has a well-deserved reputation for the highest standards in hospitality, welcoming visitors from around the world to enjoy the finest accommodation and cuisine. Its park-like setting creates the perfect venue for outdoor activities and summertime enjoyment. Combining these features has culminated in Art & Soul, a pre-Christmas event to take place throughout the afternoon of Saturday 17 December. The event has been designed to attract visitors and locals from around the region, showcasing local entertainment and art.

An Art Trail, wending its way throughout the estate, will feature art pieces and sculptures from some of New Zealand’s top artists, including Bruce Young , Chris Moore, Duncan Leask, Trevor Nathan and Joe Kemp. Added to this will be superb jewellery creations from Brenda Art, Wendy Whitehead and Joanne Gessler. Local Rotorua musicians and bands will entertain the guests who are invited to bring a picnic and relax in the immaculately manicured grounds. Wine will be available for purchase, provided by a local New Zealand winery and there will be food stalls to cater for all tastes as well.

In an effort to encourage families to attend, the adult ticket price of $35 also includes entry for one child. Tickets are available now and must be pre-booked as there will not be any gate sales on the day (tickets sales are online on the lodge website top right corner BOOK NOW www.hamuranalodge.com or can be purchased from our sponsor in Rotorua, Rotorua Florist, Design House and Advocate Printing). In true community spirit a portion of each ticket sold will be donated to the Ronald McDonald Family Retreat. Hamurana Lodge Manager, Fred Novella, says that the Retreat is their charity of choice, and they have been supporting it throughout its 24 months of operation. “The Retreat is based within the Ngongotaha community and brings happiness to families from throughout New Zealand, who have had to face the challenge of children with a serious illness or disability. We’ve been actively involved with several initiatives to support this very worthy cause.”

The Lodge’s Ngongotaha location makes it easily accessible for guests from throughout the Bay of Plenty and Rotorua region. “We’ve tried to incorporate a local theme throughout, by involving local artists, musicians and fresh, locally grown produce,” says Mr Novella, “It’s the perfect opportunity for those who are looking for a day to unwind and enjoy the surroundings, and escape from the hectic pace of life leading up to Christmas.” The event is already generating a lot of interest, as is the big blue sculpture at the front of the property, which is a main feature of the Art Trail.