Stay Functioning
- Written by
- Dyani Van Basten Batenburg
Why this year’s work Christmas party’s a win- win for mind, body and soul
With screentime, ZOOM meetings and work-from-home mode firmly planted in our daily to-dos, breaking the new normal and getting out and about with colleagues and workmates has never been so important.
Make for the trees
Celebrating end-of-year successes is a must-do, and there’s no better way to show you care than tuning into natures finest, says Bruce Thomasen of Rotorua’s famous Treewalk – set within the majestic Redwoods Forest.
“It’s a unique experience through and through – day and night. At Christmas, it’s the perfect time to have breakfast in the forest, or perhaps afternoon tea with Redwood themed cupcakes, or canapes and pre-dinner drinks,” enthuses Bruce.
And for those wanting to challenge their team to something a little more adventurous – go out on a limb.
“Our Altitude product on the other hand is for those wanting an extra thrill, big heights and adventure. It is fully guided and harnessed, and looms at 25m high, features two spirals, 25 jungle bridges, three flying foxes and one big jump descent – a great team building option!”
Like many businesses feeling their way through a COVID-19 environment, the opportunity to look at what really matters, is something not lost on Bruce and his Treewalk team. “Being in nature and amongst a 120-year-old forest is inspiring and for some, healing. It’s a great option because all of the team can do it, we cater for two to 250 people.”
Aim for the sky
Branching out and taking your team to new heights are sentiments Andrew Jensen and his team at Rotorua Skyline attest to.
“Company events are a great way to bring your team closer together – break down walls and barriers, and help employees to engage beyond the everyday routine,” he says.
And, the diversity of Skyline Rotorua’s offerings makes it the ultimate player to help businesses achieve stronger ties, says Andrew.
“Skyline Rotorua has something for everyone! Head up the scenic gondola ride – on the side of Mt
Ngongotaha – and then jump into a fun-filled luge ride down the Scenic Track with your team and enjoy the casual and rustic setting of the Hidden Forest venue that awaits you at the bottom,” he enthuses. “Or take a turn at ziplining or on the Skyswing, then meet your group at Stratosfare Restaurant and Bar and enjoy a delicious buffet.”
And, for those wanting a parred back, leisurely get-together, Skyline delivers both the action-packed and the cool, calm and collected.
“The VH wine tasting room is set up so you can pop in and take your senses on a trip around our country,” says Andrew. “We also have the best view in town, so find a spot in our terraced setting or take a stroll on our walking track and say hello to our resident alpacas.”
Take a cruise
Taking time out to share an experience with your team mates, bask in natural beauty and enjoy the bounties of Lake Taupō, is the ticket to signing off a significantly challenging year. So, why not cruise the lake in style and celebrate everyone’s hard work with a little luxe.
“Regal Flyer is Taupō’s premier luxury launch, and our engaging and experienced team onboard are experts at providing a personalised experience for all groups – large and small,” says Adi Walker of Regal Flyer. “The vessel is designed for entertaining, with spacious areas both inside and out, spread over two levels – and we boast an impressive menu, catering to all dietary requirements and budgets.”
A waterway cruise gifts ample opportunity to participate in an abundance of activities – both action packed and laid back.
“Passengers can participate in a friendly bout of clay target skeet shooting, troll slowly for fresh water trout, view the incredible Māori Rock Carvings, or anchor up in a secluded bay for a swim and a paddleboard, and celebrate over a beer and good music,” says Adi.
And, for those with limited boating experience – there’s no sea legs required for a day out on the Regal Flyer.
“A scheduled, catered charter aboard the Regal Flyer provides peace-of- mind that you have a defined start and finish time and everything is taken care of,” says Adi. “Generally, our bookings are three-to-four hours for an all-encompassing experience that doesn’t feel rushed, but if you
prefer a leisurely scenic cruise only – with no extra activities required – we can provide this in a two-hour charter.”
“Drink. Paint. Just don’t drink the paint! What more could you want!? Our team hosts over 1000+ events a year for corporate groups with
Paint the night away
Turning a hand to painting gifts an opportunity to express feelings, emotions and thought-train beyond words, it also helps to sharpen the mind and boost memory skills. And, when paired with a tipple of your favourite drop and good company – it’s a creative winning duo. A combo the team at Taupō’s Paintvine know all too well.
“Paintvine is the perfect blend of creativity and conversation to connect, unwind or celebrate a big win with your group, friends or team,” says Alex Hamilton of Paintvine. “Best of all, you don’t require any artistic experience, we can come to you, or organise your dream venue for you.”
And, to make the whole experience even simpler – and enjoyable – Paintvine provide your team with everything you need, and do all the clean-up.
Unsure about tapping into your talents? Don’t be.
“A corporate Christmas party is the perfect excuse to try something a little different – Paintvine is fast becoming a favourite creative night out because it captures the free spirit in all of us,” says Alex.
endless options tailored specifically to each teams wants.”
Hit the track
Swapping out ZOOM time online for zooming around a track in a kart is a sure-fire way of getting the adrenaline pumping, the face smiling and kicking the competitive edge into action – and Taupo Karts are braced to deliver a fun-filled day out for businesses of all ages, sizes and driving capabilities.
“Karting is a great team building exercise, it can help work mates develop closer ties with each other and an understanding of their competitive nature outside a typical working week,” says Craig Greenwood of Taupo Karts.
And, for those concerned about cornering, speed and safety, there’s no need to fear, a day out at Taupo Karts is focused on gearing everyone up for a great – and safe – ride.
“A typical corporate experience would begin with a sign-in, then a health and safety briefing, then we’d prep everyone with helmets and gloves, this is followed by a practise session, and once everyone was set to go, we’d do an 18-lap race,” says Craig. “And this is followed with a podium presentation with fastest lap times.”
Taupo Karts can easily accommodate groups of five to 100 people, and Craig recommends locking in a minimum of one-to-two hours for a session.
Satisfy the tastebuds
A festive atmosphere gifts positivity and fun – and there’s no better way to bump up the engagement levels than with food and drink! Taupō’s Crafty Trout is renowned for its exceptional fare, handcrafted brews, indoor and outdoor spaces and live music offerings – making it a number one hit with both young and old, and locals and visitors to the region.
“Our décor and ambience is like nothing else in Taupō, which is essential when you are seeking a venue that facilitates the opportunity to meaningfully connect, bond, converse and mingle with your workmates,” says Rebecca Draper- Kidd of the Crafty Trout. “We offer the best pizzas in town and have plenty of gluten-free options on our menu too. And, we serve 14 taps of handcrafted beverages all made onsite.”
Ensuring your work do is a successful one – not just an average one – means choosing a venue that’ll pivot to your own wants and needs, and deliver beyond expectations.
“People want an experience – and options – not just a stock standard two-to-three hour break away from work,” says Rebecca. “So, we deliver above and beyond to ensure they create lasting memories. We have a live stage for bands, we can source and serve multiple beverage and cuisine options – possibilities galore.”