March 04, 2022
Hope of local buyer for Rainbow Springs
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There could be hope for an iconic Rotorua tourist attraction.
The 90-year-old Rainbow Springs, which has been owned by Ngāi Tahu Tourism in 2004, is set to close because of high operating costs and uncertainty about when tourism can return to pre-pandemic levels.
But another Rotorua tourism icon, Trevor Maxwell from Ngāti Rangiwewehi, says he understands Ngāti Whakaue is in talks about the venture.
“They’re one of the most successful here in Rotorua in the business area, the spa development are, all kinds of things and I have a good feeling Ngāti Whakaue might come to the party. I hope so, they have some good people running their organisation,” he says.