It's all abuzz at the Junction (and it's not just chainsaws)

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 12, Issue 551, 30 August 1994, Page 4 (Supplement)

It's all abuzz at the Junction (and it's not just chainsaws)

Peak season has arrived, with copious amounts of snow, sunshine and fine weather. But no matter how many hours a day spent on the slopes there will always be those who wish to party on into the night or relax over a quiet meal. Past weeks have seen times when patrons have had to queue outside entertainment venues and even

some restaurants. Ohakune' s Junction area has much to offer the local resident and visitor alike. Those wishing to dine in quiet surroundings or rage on into the small hours are well catered for by a multitude of entertainmentvenues and restaurants. Be it a take-away hamburger to fill an empty gap after a hard day on the

mountain or a multiple course a la carte meal you' 11 find it at the Junction. A quiet drink with friends or party on into the night listening to the best of New Zealand's live bands, it's up to you. Hot Lava Ohakune' s only night club. Open until late Wednesday to Sunday. This venue is a great place to see

some of New Zealand' s li ve bands and acts. At other times there' s everything from Sumo Wrestling to pool competitions. Meals are available for those wishing to dine with nothing over ten dollars. W atch out for bands such as the Exponents, Headless Chickens, Fagan and the Peter Thomley Experience. See the Bulletin for dates and times. Powderkeg Undoubtedly a land mark to most who know Ohakune, the PowderZone is presently undergoing extensive additions. Certainly a notable building and an impressive example of "chainsaw architecture." "A warm timber atmosphere created to blend with the mountain theme" provides the atmosphere for the facilities on offer, according to manager Bill McDonald. Facilities on offer are a restaurant and bar where both an a la carte menu or bar snacks are available. An indoor heated swimming

pool heated to a cosy 36 degrees Celsius is just the thing for those aching muscles at the end of the day. You can even have drinks delivered poolside. Entertainment includes a DJ and large screen video showing ski or boarding videos. Watch out for the "after Peak to Keg" BBQ in the forecourt on 26 September, with the prize giving later in the evening. On 29 September a casino night will be run for all to enjoy. Whilst the Keg already attracts its fair share of visitors, bigger and better is planned and under way for the future. By the middle of next year extensive additions should be completed. The restaurant will be relocated to the first floor and will service the new conference centre along with the 30 rooms providing accommodation. The Keg will be operating as an all year venue promoting not only winter sports involvement but the various activities available year round in the Ruapehu region.

Turoa Ski Lodge The "Lodge" is comprised of a bar, restaurant and accommodation in 28 rooms. This is perhaps one of the few establishments with a restaurant separate from the bar. The restaurant is a la carte with changing blackboard specials, and provides for relaxed dining. Entertainment nights are Saturday, Sunday and Tuesday with live bands and a D J. The bar is a social meetingplace for guests and visitors. Graeme Berry, who has been at the Lodge for the last eight years says that accommodation is running to almost full capacity and all round business seems up on previous years. He attributes this not only to an increase in tourism overall, but due to the extensive development at the junction. Margarita's This is a bar and restaurant with a definite Mexican flair. Recent renovations lend an air of cosiness thanks to the abundance of

natural wood. A la carte dining or bar snacks are available from the kitchen. There' s a kid's menu and vegetarian dishes on the main menu. Games feature prominently at Margarita's. Pin ball, pool, and air hockey all have their competition nights. Prizes vary from a bar tab through to cash. There' s happy hour(s) daily and margaritas on tap ! New facilities for this year include a bottle store. Covote's "We try to promote Coyote' s as a friendly meeting place where people will drop in for a drink or an a la carte meal," says Chris Vernon. Coyote's is one of the smaller establishments at the Junction and has an intimate air to it. The restaurant' s cuisine is of a South Westem American and Intemational style suitable for family dining with a children' s menu available. Stay a while after dining and have a game of pool or pinball on the mezzanine level.