PM should invite William and Kate to honeymoon in NZ

PM should invite William and Kate to honeymoon in NZ says Rotorua luxury lodge operator

A Rotorua luxury lodge operator is calling on Prime Minister John Key to extend an invitation to Prince William and his bride to honeymoon in New Zealand next year, saying Rotorua would be an ideal location for the royal couple to start their post-wedding holiday together.

Diana Moore, who manages the exclusive award-winning Lake Okareka Lodge near Rotorua, said the incredible kudos the country’s international tourism reputation would receive if Prince William and Kate start their married life together in New Zealand, would be “simply priceless.”

She suggested Rotorua would be a great place for the young couple to kick off their New Zealand honeymoon as it had a unique mix of adventure, scenery, geothermal attractions, and cultural activities.

“Rotorua has actually been a popular holiday destination with European royalty for well over a hundred years. One of Prince William’s ancestors, Queen Victoria’s son Prince Alfred, actually visited Rotorua way back in 1870, so historical precedents already exist.

“Rotorua is jammed packed with activities and attractions suited to young active people like the prince and his fiancée. But it also has some amazing world class and very secluded accommodation that would be absolutely fitting for a future king and queen.

“Lake Okareka Lodge, a small ultra-luxurious boutique resort in a secluded private bush clad setting is one of these. We'd love to host William and Kate. We’ve won a raft of international awards and hosted many international celebrities and wealthy travellers for whom only the world’s best is suitable.

“However the list of celebrity guests who’ve enjoyed being pampered at our very private lakeside lodge always remains a well kept secret as that’s the way our guests like it,” says Ms Moore

“Our guests usually book exclusive-use of the entire lodge and gated complex ensuring absolute privacy, seclusion and security. Helicopter pilot Prince William could possibly take the controls of a chopper and fly his bride direct to the lodge and land at our helipad.

“I don’t think the prince would find the $10,000 a night price tag too much of a problem. While it’s a lot of money for most of us, our overseas guests tell us it’s actually good value compared to other luxury properties overseas and when you take into account favourable exchange rates.

Lake Okareka Lodge has won a number of international awards over recent years including NZ’s Leading Resort (World Travel Awards 2010), World's Best Country House (World Luxury Hotel Awards 2009), New Zealand's Leading Luxury Lodge (World Travel Awards 2008) and World's Top 101 Hotel and Resort Suites (Elite Traveler magazine 2008).

“Earlier this year we were chosen as one of the top 10 most romantic places in the world to propose (Hotels.com), and while the young prince has already proposed it would certainly be a very romantic location for the two of them to spend quality time together away from the gaze of the world media.

“Who knows? Perhaps another little prince or princess might even be conceived right here in New Zealand. Wouldn’t that provide a wonderful link with the royals?”

Ms Moore said that the Prime Minister and New Zealand tourism officials should be moving heaven and earth to attract William and Kate to New Zealand and hoped an invitation would be made in the near future.

“There’s no doubt New Zealand would be a perfect honeymoon destination for them.

“And for our economy, the potential value in exposure to New Zealand from being part of this real-life royal fairy tale is beyond imagination – certainly right up there with worldwide exposure from Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit.”

ENDS

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