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AUCKLAND IS GROWING STRONGER every year in the C&I market with plenty of new venues scheduled to be built or expanded in 2006.
Auckland’s conference and incentive industry is on the move, according to Tourism Auckland business tourism general manager Maureen Brennan.
“The whole of the city is in a move up mode,” Ms Brennan says.
“For us, that’s a big positive.”
With 2006 shaping up strong and boasting plenty of incentive group bookings, as well as an even healthier 2007, C&I business in the city is booming and venues in the region are rallying to cater for the demand. One new venue is The Bluestone Room which specialises in cocktail and corporate functions. Set in Auckland’s oldest stone building which dates back to 1861, The Bluestone Room is located on Durham Lane in the central business district. It can hold up to 600 guests in the upstairs function room and the downstairs restaurant and Monteith’s bar.
“It’s an old woolstore with beautiful architecture and really lovely wooden floors,” Ms Brennan says.
“It’s already getting business from corporates. It’s got a bit of a quirky history and is a little bit different.”
Then there’s the Vector Arena, a multi-purpose facility currently being built, which will cater for large and small events. The arena will seat up to 12,000 for events ranging from international netball and basketball to family shows, opera, concerts, business events and exhibitions. Along with large scale concerts and events the arena can also operate as a lyric theatre or intimate concert venue. Vector Arena will also incorporate a tavern and restaurant which will be open to the public seven days a week.
Mainzeal is currently constructing the indoor arena at Quay Park, on Quay Street, which has been funded to the tune of about $60 million by Auckland City Council. The main building is approximately 120 metres long and 100m wide. Access will be via a grand atrium on the west elevation of the building while staircases and lifts will lead from the event level, to the concourse level. Ms Brennan said it is still unclear exactly when the arena will open this year however she said once it is, it will act as another drawcard to the city. Meanwhile Ms Brennan said Waiheke Island remains a popular choice for conferencing and Goldwater Estate winery on the island now offers function facilities in the form of The Tasting Room. There’s seating for up to 60 delegates in The Tasting Room while there are also two other private meeting rooms, Goldie and Zell. The estate has a full commercial kitchen, in-house event manager, and offers personalised vineyard tours, wine tasting, team-building, corporate functions and conferencing. At Matakana, just under one hour north of Auckland, a new conference centre is being built at Ascension Vineyard. To open on July 1, the centre will have banquet capacity for 160. The main room can be broken-down to one capable of holding about 90 guests and three boardrooms of up to 25 each. Other venues to watch in Auckland include the Auckland Showgrounds, which is hoping to expand its exhibition space, and the Auckland Museum, currently undergoing renovations to create an enviable function space. (See separate story within this feature).
MEET, EAT AND SLEEP
Hilton Auckland
Located on Princess Wharf the Hilton Auckland is completely surrounded by water giving every room a terrace or balcony to enjoy the views across the Waitemata Harbour. The five-star hotel has 166 rooms including eight suites and conference facilities for up to 220 people in its biggest of six function rooms. It is just 300m from the central business district and adjacent to the Viaduct Basin, a haven of eateries and bars. Guests can also dine at White, the Hilton’s contemporary restaurant. For more information telephone (09) 978 2000, email sales.auckland@hilton.com or visit www.hilton.com
Crowne Plaza Auckland
With 352 guest rooms and suites including two complete floors dedicated to the Crowne Plaza Club, this hotel offers the ultimate in accommodation in the heart of Auckland city. The hotel’s conference facilities include 10 meeting rooms, with the largest room holding a maximum of 500 for cocktails and 340 banquetstyle. It has dining facilities at Gantry’s Restaurant and the Team Magic Yacht Club and Bar. For more information telephone (09) 302 1111, email banquets@crowneplazaauckland.co.nz or visit www.crowneplaza.co.nz
SKYCITY Auckland
The luxurious five-star SKYCITY Grand Hotel Auckland features 316 rooms ranging from twin rooms to grand suites. Next door is the original SKYCITY Hotel, both of which are located in the heart of vibrant Auckland city just minutes from the central business district. With award-winning SKYCITY Auckland adjacent, there’s easy access to a wide range of entertainment and leisure activities including 11 restaurants and bars, a 700-seat theatre, and the famous 328 metre tall Sky Tower – the tallest tower in the Southern Hemisphere, offering a 360 degree view of Auckland. Meanwhile the SKYCITY Auckland Convention Centre, which officially opened in July 2004, can cater to 1200 people banquet-style and features two levels of exhibition space. For more information visit www.skycityauckland.co.nz
Langham Hotel Auckland
Rebranded as a Langham hotel 12 months ago, Langham Hotel Auckland has just undergone a $12 million refurbishment incorporating a ‘traditional’ décor approach.The 410-room five-star hotel has opted for an elegant and classical feel for its rooms aiming at both leisure and corporate travellers. The refurbishment includes the transformation of the hotel’s 70 club level rooms while the number of executive rooms have been increased. The hotel, located on Symmonds Street, also features 15 diverse meeting rooms including a pillarless ballroom which can hold 600 banquet-style. For more information on the hotel telephone (09) 379 5132 or visit www.langhamhotels.com
Carlton Hotel Auckland
The Carlton Hotel Auckland is a five-star, 455-room luxury hotel set within the central business district on the corner of Mayoral Drive and Vincent Street. The atrium-style hotel can host functions for between 10 to 1000 people with one of the city’s largest capacity ballrooms along with 13 other more intimate meeting rooms. The Grand Ballroom incorporates five venues and can set 600 banquet-style or 750 theatre-style. The hotel also features an indoor heated swimming pool, saunas, a fully equipped health club, and an outdoor pool deck set in a Japanese garden. Dining options include traditional Japanese cuisine in the award-winning Katsura Japanese Restaurant, Pacific restaurant and The Atrium Lounge. For further details on the Carlton Hotel Auckland telephone (09) 366 3000 or visit www.carlton-auckland.co.nz
Ellerslie Events Centre
Set in the superb park-like surroundings of Ellerslie Race Course, the Ellerslie Events Centre has a host of improved facilities following a dramatic renovation last year. From small intimate gatherings to some of New Zealand’s biggest indoor and outdoor events, the Ellerslie Events Centre features a staggering 22 rooms. The centre can cater for up to 1400 people including banquet dinners of 900, conferencing for 1200 and tradeshows. Close to the city and easily accessed from major motorways, with marquee options and plenty of carparking the Ellerslie Events Centre has got it all. There is also a nine-hole golf course onsite, the opportunity to build horse-racing meets into events, team-building options, and even the country’s largest big screen television at 90sqm onsite. For more information telephone (09) 520 6329 or visit www.ellerslie.co.nz
TelstraClear Pacific
Located just off the Southern Motorway at Manakau, the TelstraClear Pacific events centre is 30 minutes from the Auckland central business district, and about 10 minutes from the international airport. The venue represents a new age in event centres by combining theme, iconic architecture and functionality to showcase events. TelstraClear Pacific offers tiered seating for up to 3000 delegates, along with the Sir Woolf Fisher Arena which can seat 1500 banquet-style, The Genesis Theatre, capable of seating up to 700, and a number of smaller meeting and function rooms. The exclusive caterers are well known Austin’s Food Design Events. For further details visit www.pacific.org.nz
Britomart Precinct
As part of the Britomart Group’s development called Britomart Precinct, Heritage Venues consists of four historic buildings in the heart of downtown Auckland. Three of the venues are named after their origins; Captain Cook, Union Fish, and Kiwi Tavern while the purpose built permanent pavilion in the centre of the precinct is simply known as the Britomart Pavilion, great for large events. The venues are true blank canvases and are perfect for a number of different styles of events. There are few restrictions or requirements with no ‘preferred supplier’ contracts to be bound by except security. For more information on the venues including capacities telephone (09) 914 8431 or visit www.heritagevenues.co.nz
 Hyatt Regency Auckland
Located just a few minutes from the city centre, Hyatt Regency Auckland affords stunning views of the Auckland harbour and parks. The hotel added 120 new rooms in 2003 to its 17-storey Residences tower. These studio suites, one and two bedroom all suite apartments and penthouses each with balconies, complement the existing 274 rooms. Guests also have access to Spa at the Hyatt – a health club, lifestyle and fitness centre with a fully equipped gym, 25m heated pool, jacuzzi, steam room and sauna. The conference and banqueting facilities can host up to 700 guests at a banquet dinner in the Princes Ballroom and an additional 550 guests in the Regatta room. The hotel also has a full range of business facilities, a Regency Club lounge, Lobby Bar, Top of the Town Lounge Bar, outdoor dining area and a delicious range of local and international cuisine in its restaurant – The Café. For more information telephone the hotel on (09) 355 1234.
Hotel du Vin
Ideally located 45 minutes south of Auckland Hotel du Vin, Spa du Vin and Firstland Vineyards is a very special destination. Hotel du Vin features 48 spacious chalets located around the vineyard property. With 12 meeting and venue options catering for groups of two to 100, including an executive boardroom and two breakout rooms, Hotel du Vin provides great meetings flexibility. The property enjoys a diverse range of leisure activities plus award-winning Firstland wines, fine dining cuisine and Spa du Vin, a world-class health and wellness retreat. For more information telephone (09) 233 6314, email conference@duvin.co.nz or visit www.hotelduvin.co.nz
MUST SEE AND DO
Outdoor markets
In the heart of the city the Aotea Square markets are open on Fridays and Saturdays with a range of organice food, arts and crafts, pottery and fashion for sale. The weekend markets at South Auckland’s Otara on Saturdays, and in West Auckland’s Avondale on Sundays, offer Asian, Indian, Pacific Island and European fruit and vegetables, alongside fresh seafood, baked goods and readymade foods. Pacific Island and Maori arts and crafts including printed cloths, carvings and jewellery are also available.
Auckland Zoo
There’s plenty to see and do at this spectacular zoo. Journey through New Zealand’s unique coastal habitat. Experience the fragile eco-system of New Zealand’s coast complete with little blue penguins, sea lions and shore birds. Visitors can also experience the expanse of the African plains with Pridelands. Watch the graceful movement of the giraffe and see zebra, rhino and springbok quietly grazing. Meanwhile daily zookeeper encounters allow you to come eye-to-eye with some of the country’s native and the zoo’s most exotic animals. Auckland Zoo is located at Western Springs, and can be contacted on telephone (09) 360 3800, or visit www.aucklandzoo.co.nz
 Auckland Bridge Climb or Jump
Climb to the summit of the historic Auckland Harbour Bridge or jump off it – it’s up to you. The climb takes in spectacular views of Auckland city, the harbour, and surrounding islands. This two-and-ahalf hour adventure is open to anyone aged seven and over. Specially designed walkways provide a safe, enjoyable and easy going climb. Meanwhile AJ Hackett’s Auckland Harbour Bridge Bungy is a world first being the only harbour bridge based jump. Opened in April 2003 jumpers leap 40 metres from the jump pod to sea level with a range of splash options available. For more information telephone (09) 377 6543, email info@aucklandbridgeclimb.co.nz or visit www.aucklandbridgeclimb.co.nz
Sky Tower
At 328 metres (more than 1076 feet) Sky Tower offers unparalleled, breathtaking views from above central Auckland. Sky Tower’s three unique viewing levels each offer a distinctly different perspective of the Auckland metropolis and its natural splendour spread below. Or try standing on the glass ‘concrete-strong’ floors for an entirely new sensation of having Auckland city ‘under your feet’. You can also jump off the Sky Tower with Sky Jump Ltd. For more information telephone (09) 363 6422, email skytower@skycity.co.nz or visit www.skycity.co.nz
America’s Cup Sailing
Experience the thrill of sailing or match racing on an America’s Cup yacht. Clients can be as involved as they wish and the activity is suitable for all ages and abilities. Daily from the Viaduct Harbour, each boat can carry up to 30 pax while the match racing capacity is up to 60. For more information telephone (09) 359 5987, email nzl40@sailnewzealand.co.nz or visit www.sailnewzealand.co.nz
 Auckland Museum Atrium
A huge atrium being built in a previously open courtyard at the back of the Auckland Museum will be an events centre with a difference.
Standing majestically in the heart of the Auckland Domain and occupying one of New Zealand’s finest heritage buildings, the Auckland War Memorial Museum provides an elegant backdrop for events. The Grand Foyer with dramatic doric columns and ornate stained glass ceiling is a stylish location for cocktails and seated dinners. The Oceans Gallery, APEC Room, Mezzanine Floor and Centennial Street can also be used for functions. But it is level four of the new Grand Atrium currently being built that is set to wow the events industry in Auckland and beyond. The rooftop Events Centre as it will be known, will offer panoramic views of the Auckland Harbour, Hauraki Gulf, Parnell, Remuera, the Domain, and the city and Harbour Bridge. On top of this sensational location, the Events Centre will be equipped with full prep and finishing kitchen, bars and back of house and will cater for 400 banquet-style and 700 theatrestyle. Terraces which open out on to the rooftop will allow guests to move out into rooftop gardens while three passenger lifts and a goods lift will access the circular space. The rest of the Grand Atrium will feature museum collection storage, a special exhibitions centre, a learning centre, registration offices and a two-storey car park.
The atrium is the largest addition to the Auckland Museum building in 75 years, and the second largest expansion in its 153 year history. It provides 60 per cent more museum space in a seven-storey, domed courtyard building, plus the 204 extra car parks underground. It is being designed to complement the classical architecture of the existing building, while also creating an extraordinary interior. Other facilities within the atrium include public amenities, large meet and greet spaces, entertainment areas, a café, theatre and retail facilities. Auckland Museum commercial manager Scott Ashton said the opening of the Grand Atrium is a highly anticipated event. “The New Zealand events industry is very excited about the developments at the museum. Character spaces of this size are scarce in Auckland. We’re already taking provisional bookings for 2007,” Mr Ashton said. He said the Events Centre offers clients the ability to host events at Auckland Museum during the day whereas currently events can only take place after hours. “It also offers a contiguous space with clear sightlines for 450 guests banquet-style as opposed to the Grand Foyer which only seats 350 on two levels with difficult sightlines. And of course the views are breathtaking.” The project is due for completion by December with a tentative opening date set for December 8, 2006.
COEXISTENCE at britomart
AUCKLAND’S BRITOMART Precinct was home to an exhibition encouraging tolerance and understanding in February and March.
Developed by Jerusalem’s Museum on the Seam, the Coexistence exhibition has been travelling the world since 2001. From February 10 to March 5, 2006 the exhibition made its home in the Britomart Precinct in Auckland. As the site of the 45-piece giant poster exhibition, Britomart provided a welcoming and relaxing outdoor space for the 50,000 visitors attracted to the area during the event, and a place for people to congregate, and discuss and think about the issues the exhibition raises. The philosophy underlying the exhibition is that dialogue creates understanding and enables coexistence. It encourages people to think about issues of tolerance and understanding, and raises questions that must be answered about ourselves, and our communities. A local Coexistence art competition being run in conjunction with the international exhibition was held in the Britomart Pavilion next door. The Pavilion and heritage buildings around the precinct were key venues for performance and other activities which coincided with the exhibition. There was also a number of unique options for corporate hosting. For more information on Britomart’s capacities telephone Sarah Hull at Bluewater on (09) 914 8431 or email sarah. hull@bluewaterco.com
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