Kings Court reopens

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 14, Issue 686, 13 May 1997, Page 8 (Supplement)

Kings Court reopens

A new chapter in the colourful history of Ohakune' s Kings Cooft establishment opens this year, with the Armstrpng family nowin residencearid ready toopen. Lorelei andRon Armstrong, from Tauranga, have seaiCd their long-term relationship with Ohakune by buying the lodge. . # The couple knowcfhe area well, having been regular visitors since AHI first built Turoa ski fields. It is basically a new venture for the town as Ihe lodge has been closed all of 1 996 and most of 1995 after the previous owner ran the business into the ground. Kick starting the new venture will be a . family affair, with the couple's eldest son Dale, a City and Guilds qualified Navy chef, running the kitchen; his fiancee Natalie working at reception; and son Damian who will train as assistant manager. As well as reviving the winter trade for

accommodation (with 100 beds) and the restaurant and bar, they plan to boost the summer trade over the long term by offering package deals for various activities including golfing tours. Events in the lodge for the locals will include somethingevery month apart

from winter, with a Bavarian night planned complete with oompah band, a swinging sixtiesandsizzling seventies night (planned soon for the official opemng), murdermySr tery weekends, Halloween parties — - all sorts. , They have' worked tireiessly, carrying , out repairs and redecorating the lodge, which includes an innovative treatment of the tower. 'The tower is such a landmark, biit did not feature on the inside, so we decided to open it up so you can see up inside it to make it a feature of the bar area," said Ron. Lorelei said they pla|n to incorporate somespooky features in tHe tower, to tie in with its character and the legend of the ghost. The couple said they are hearing many, many stories about the history of the lodge — with new stories coming forth almost daily.