PARADISE SPRINGS: Up close and personal with the animals.

However, in my haste to book a HOT DEAL weekend escape to Rotorua, which I might add included a ‘no cancellation, no change, no refund’ clause, I totally overlooked the big pink invitation which said “wedding.”

Within minutes of my gaffe, I was on the phone and after much wheedling on my part, the manager at Novotel Rotorua took pity and made a rare exception. Despite the explicit rules I was allowed to move my booking forward a weekend. And what a very nice weekend it turned out to be.

With the Novotel undergoing an upgrade, inconvenienced guests (who really weren’t too inconvenienced at all) were treated to extra niceties such as a complimentary house wine at dinner – muchly appreciated by moi!

Close to both the lake and the restaurant precinct, the Novotel enjoys a great location. The complex includes heated pool, Jacuzzi, sauna, fitness centre and day spa – all very congenial.

As it turned out we were settled in for two very comfortable nights and from the hotel were well situated to explore a goodly portion of Rotorua. That’s the nice thing about hosting an overseas visitor, it means weekend getaways become a regular thing and they don’t have to prove costly.

Our Advantage Plus price deal of $122 per night (for two) was excellent but I’d have to say our previous overnighter at neighbouring Ibis was just as pleasant if not more so and a tad cheaper.

Most readers will know the sights and sounds of Rotorua well so no need for me to wax lyrical especially as this visit took in the tried and true. However, those folk with young children should visit Paradise Valley Springs Trout &Wildlife Park. There, youngsters get a close up view of a pride of lions but even more appealing is the opportunity for them to hand feed trout, birds and animals.

Little ones usually love close up encounters with soft, furry friends even if they are only sheep and goats although, at this time of the year, the sight of ducklings and other young, may also prompt a few squeals of delight. But best of all they can view trout at eye level from an underground cave and pat a lion cub too – not as soft as some animals but definitely more thrilling.

An attractive venue with well-formed paths, pristine grounds and easy walking, this is not a place for thrill-seekers but it is ideal for family outings.

Those who have skirted Rotorua for years because they’ve “been there, done that” could well do with taking another look. New developments have changed the face of shopping in the city and there are more adventure and fun activities, albeit at a price – freefall xtreme, zorb, the shweeb, swoop, the ultimate jump and white water rafting are among those that come to mind.

Upmarket eateries abound and there are many lesser known and less costly attractions to explore such as Tikitere Gardens or perhaps the beautiful Redwoods Whakarewarewa Forest.

What’s more, for those thinking about a Christmas break in that direction, Jambalaya, the New Zealand Festival of Rhythm and Dance takes place January 4-6, 2008 and is a carnival event not to be missed. It will feature international and national acts, workshops, theatre shows, international dancers, street performers, market stalls, children’s programme, huge carnival parade and more. Now that’s something to keep in mind.