Rotorua marae to cash in on World Cup | Rotorua News | Local News in Rotorua

Rotorua marae look set to cash in thanks to the Rugby World Cup - with fans looking for accommodation and a cultural experience.

With the Rugby World Cup just over a year away Rotorua marae are looking into ways they can benefit from the global event.

Events organiser Monty Morrison said there had already been some inquiries about accommodation at some of the 13 marae which were dotted around the city.

Mr Morrison said it was early days and no bookings had been confirmed but it was a great idea and a good way for marae in the area to make money.

"When we had the Irish [rugby] team here [for the New Zealand Maori game], the players were very keen to find accommodation for the families. It is ideal, you could book for large groups of people and it's not too dear."

There are three games to be played at the Rotorua International Stadium including Fiji vs Namibia on September 10, Samoa vs Namibia on September 14 and Ireland vs Russia on September 25.

Destination Rotorua Tourism Marketing general manager Don Gunn said marae in Rotorua had an opportunity to cash in on the Rugby World Cup.

"It's a great opportunity to pursue and explore. It would be a key interactive experience where tourists would get more immersed in the [Maori] culture."

Marae in Auckland were charging between $80 to $180 a night, the fee included a mattress, a meal, airport and match transfers and an insight into Maori culture.

Waiariki Institute of Technology Tangatarua Marae kaumatua Ken Kennedy said he would be happy to let people book the marae during the World Cup.

"We get a lot of people using our marae, it is always busy. It is one of the busiest marae in the area. It is used for all sorts of purposes. I can't see a problem with our marae being used in this way." Mr Kennedy said he wasn't aware of any bookings at this stage but would definitely consider it.

Te Papaiouru Marae committee member Terry Morrison said it would be a topic he would be raising at their meeting on Sunday.

"I think it is something we should be seriously considering. It would be a way to bring in some revenue for the marae but also a great opportunity for people to experience Maori culture in a natural setting."