Rotorua has cemented its place as one of New Zealand's leading multisport destinations, with news that the Rotorua Half Ironman and the Contact Tri Series will combine in 2012 to create a festival of triathlon in the region in December.

The Rotorua Half Ironman is traditionally held in mid-December every year, while the Contact Tri Series usually kicks off its summer season with racing in Rotorua in November.

This year, the two events will be held at Rotorua's Blue Lake (Tikitapu) on Saturday 15 December.

The Rotorua District Council Community and Major Events Co-ordinator, Kylie Lang, says the two events complement each other, meaning that there will be an event to interest everyone, from participants to spectators.

"The area around the Blue Lake is becoming internationally renowned as a leading triathlon and multisport destination that offers clear clean water, quality road and mountain bike rides, and fantastic running trails through native bush.

"The Contact Tri Series offers an event distance to suit every age and ability, while the Rotorua Half Ironman provides a good challenge for those wanting to step up to a greater distance, or to train for some of the longer distance events in the new year.

"We know there are hundreds of participants who come back to both of these events every year, and now they will go away with an even greater experience, surrounded by the buzz and excitement that the expanded festival will bring," says Ms Lang.

Rotorua Half Ironman organiser, Steve Nicholls says the Contact Tri Series events will be an exciting addition for Half Ironman participants and spectators.

"The cycle leg of the Rotorua Half Ironman takes participants on a 90km return ride out of Rotorua and towards Whakatane. Now, supporters of the Half Ironman will be able to cheer on those in the Contact Tri Series while they wait, or even enter an event themselves.

"We think the Half Ironman will also provide a new goal for a number of those participating in the Contact Tri Series. Some of the people who complete the Half Ironman are truly inspiring and we’re sure that others will want to take that next step as a result of watching the event on the day," says Mr Nicholls.

Tri NZ Event Manager, Kate Blood, says the Contact Tri Series team is looking forward to working with the Rotorua Half Ironman to create a festival of triathlon in Rotorua.

"The day will have a race to suit everyone, young and old, new and experienced, including the children's 1:2:1, the 3:9:3, Sprint race and the Half Ironman.

"It's going to be a fantastic day of triathlon, and we’re encouraging people to bring their families and a picnic and to make a day of it," says Ms Blood.

Ms Lang, from the Rotorua District Council's Community and Major Events team, says the council will be working alongside the two event organisers and local community to ensure the festival is a success, both for the organisers, and for the region as a whole.

"This is a good example of a major event that makes a significant contribution to the local Rotorua economy. Last year 600 people participated in the Rotorua Half Ironman, while 350 raced in the Contact Tri Series event.

"A large portion of those racing this year will be coming from outside Rotorua, and will stay, play and shop in our communities while they are here. At the same time, these events offer an awesome opportunity for local residents to make the very most of what our region has to offer."

For further information about the Rotorua Half Ironman, go to www.half.co.nz and for information about the Contact Tri Series, go to www.triseries.co.nz