\u201cWe wanted to bring something to Rotorua, because Rotorua was missing this kind of dessert option and a late-night hang-out place, so we want to create that space for people.\u201d<\/p>\n
The couple, who also own a cleaning business, said they would always explore different dessert options when they went out of town.<\/p>\n
\u201cOne day we went to Juice Up in Auckland, and this one hit us really quickly. We need this in Rotorua.\u201d<\/p>\n
They contacted the head office and opened six months later. <\/p>\n
Juice Up Rotorua opened on January 7 and is owned by Vrushank and Shruti Shah. Photo \/ Megan Wilson<\/p>\n
Shah said it closed at 10pm most days and 11pm on Fridays and Saturdays, but would consider extending to midnight if demand warranted it.<\/p>\n
He said the opening had been a success: \u201cIn like five, six days, we already served thousands of customers.\u201d<\/p>\n
The most popular menu item had been the acai vanilla soft serve cup with pistachio sauce.<\/p>\n
Secret Spot Hot Tubs Rotorua co-owner Keith Kolver said Rotorua was an \u201cawesome place to stay and play\u201d.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019re ahead of last year, which is great, and our hot tubs are doing really well.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere was a bit of bad weather that came through that maybe deterred people from going to the lakes, so they headed to a hot tub instead \u2026<\/p>\n
\u201cAt the same time, there was less people heading off into the forest next to us to go mountain biking \u2026 so they all came and sat in a hot tub too.\u201d<\/p>\n
Kolver said the business opened two new private saunas one week before Christmas, which were attracting \u201cquite good repeat business\u201d.<\/p>\n
The saunas were built with Japanese hinoki wood and had \u201cfloor to ceiling windows that look over ponds and waterfalls and trees\u201d.<\/p>\n
There were also cold plunge tubs where people could cool off before returning to the \u201chot box\u201d.<\/p>\n
All Seasons Holiday Park Rotorua manager Tracie Thornborough said it had been busy with domestic and international guests.<\/p>\n
All Seasons Holiday Park Rotorua manager Tracie Thornborough in 2023. Photo \/ Michaela Pointon<\/p>\n
\u201cThey are loving the treetop walk, which is one of the big attractions. The lakes – we have a lot of boaters that go out water-skiing and fishing.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere\u2019s a lot of good-sized fish caught this summer, which is a big bonus for our campers because we do a fishing comp.\u201d<\/p>\n
Thornborough said many international visitors were from Germany and Switzerland.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhen they turn up here and we tell them all the stuff they can do \u2026 they\u2019re staying for like four to five nights now.\u201d<\/p>\n
Millennium Hotel Rotorua general manager Pipiana Whiston said visitor numbers had been strong this summer, with international and domestic travellers choosing to stay in Rotorua.<\/p>\n