Weekend visitors bask in city hot spots

Rotorua's warm weather over the long weekend has prompted people to extend their stays and flock to the city's attractions, lakes and parks.

For some Rotorua businesses, it has been the busiest trading period for some time.

Beautiful weather brought people out in droves to attractions around the city and the lakes and parks were bustling.

Blue Lake Top 10 owner Jack Timmer said the lake had been pumping.

"The weekend has been very good, the weather has been fantastic and the Blue Lake has been pumping along. Everybody has been pretty happy," he said.

This year's Anniversary Weekend had been slightly busier than last year and people had extended their stays into the week.

"They've extended their stays because the weather is so good and the lake looks so inviting."

Over the weekend Rotorua's temperatures reached 25C on Friday, 23.5 on Saturday, 26.5C and 26C on Monday - and according to the Metservice 10 day forecast the fine weather is expected to continue until Saturday.

Lime Caffeteria owner Judi Hepburn said they had a great weekend and customers had been sitting outside to enjoy the sun.

"The weather has been very kind to us, we've been very busy. I would have thought it was busier than last year, which isn't a bad thing."

The Redwoods have also been well used by locals and out-of-towners.

Redwoods Gift Shop and Visitor Centre employee Heather Willis said the carpark had been full for most of the weekend.

"It's been a lovely, busy weekend, there have been lots of people out and about using the forest in all shapes and forms from horses to push bikes."

Skyline Rotorua activities manager Dean Johnson said their weekend had also been busy.

"It has been good, with school heading back this week I think everyone is doing their last bit of travelling before the reality of school sets in again."

Rotorua weatherman Brian Holden said temperatures over the long weekend had ranged from 23.5C to 26.5C. He said the long run of fine weather was unusual.

"It hasn't rained for a couple of weeks, since the 17th, and it's just looking to continue ... . we're going to get more of the same for probably another week."