Accor Premire Vacation Club (APVC), the Australian joint-venture holiday ownership company, has broadened its acquisition trail from Australia to New Zealand, with the signing of an agreement to buy for a non-disclosed amount, but in excess of NZ$10 million, the renowned Resort The Grand Mercure Puka Park, situated on the Coromandel Coast. The property was purchased from Puka Park Resort Ltd, (a wholly owned subsidiary of Tainui Group Holdings Limited, and ownership will take effect June 1, 2006 with bookings for APVC Members to commence immediately.

The purchase is the eighth APVC owned Grand Mercure, and is indicative of the 4.5 star level of comfort and convenient locations in Australia and New Zealand expected, and offered to its 15,000 strong Membership.

The destination is seen as ideal for New Zealand Members for weekend indulgent getaways, and for short haul Australian Members, maximising air capacity between major ports in Australia and New Zealand.

The Grand Mercure Puka Park joins other NZ properties owned by APVC at St Moritz in Queenstown, and in Australia, Grand Mercure Basildene Manor (Margaret River), Mercure Grand Hotel Melbourne, Mercure Grand Forest Villas (near Daylesfod Vic), and at the newly opened Grand Mercure Vintage Golf Resort in the Hunter Valley. (see www.apvc.com.au for full inventory).

New Zealand is seen as a priority for expansion for APVC, before Asia and the Pacific offering Members an overseas destination in a clean, green and safe environment, according to Marty Kandel, CEO for APVC.

Holiday ownership is a growing trend in Australia and New Zealand, and APVC is leading the way, and now the industry is tightly regulated, it offers a great secure opportunity to invest in a holiday product that offers value and flexibility.

With record growth in 2005, and predictions for 2006 looking stronger again, we can expect to increase our investments on behalf of our members, therefore offering them more choices and destinations, Marty continues.

Set amongst 25 acres of New Zealands most beautiful bushland near Pauanui on the Coromandel Coastline, Puka Park boasts 48 superbly appointed chalets that are completely in harmony with their idyllic location.

The resort is surrounded by some of the most magnificent scenery in New Zealand, with white sandy beaches, sparkling waters and secluded bays on its doorstep as well as excellent hiking country. Activities on offer, in close proximity, include excellent fishing, diving, 4WD tracks, golf, canoeing, horse riding, scenic flights and much more.

Extensive leisure facilities include a new tennis court, outdoor spa, sauna, solar-heated swimming pool, new al fresco dining facilities by the pool and the new Wellness Spa Centre adjacent to the newly appointed workout room.

The Resort also features an intimate a la carte contemporary fine dining restaurant the award wining Miha Restaurant and Bar, with conference facilities for up to 100 delegates.

The Resort is situated on the Pacific Coastline, only minutes away from 3km of picturesque golden sands and swirling surf. The region has plenty to offer with an abundance of water activities, horse riding, 4 wheel driving, and frequent ferry trips to Tairua, famous for art galleries and cafs, plus the thermal Hot Water Beach.

Puka Park Resort is less than two hours drive from Auckland or alternatively a 30 minute flight by light aircraft from Auckland Domestic Airport.

Accor Premire Vacation Club is a joint venture established between hotel operator Accor Asia Pacific and property developer Becton Corporation and has been operating in Australia since 2000, with over 15,000 members who utilise the benefits of flexible Holiday Ownership system in Australia and around the globe.

The Mercure brand is Accors largest, with some 750 hotels globally in 44 countries. Mercure is also the largest international hotel brand in Australia, with over 40 hotels. Mercure Grand is the flagship of the brand. Joint venture partner, Accor is already well established in New Zealand, with a total of ten properties in Auckland, Wellington, Hamilton, Rotorua, and Queenstown.
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