SOUTHLAND IS ON THE MOVE, securing more business and welcoming more delegates than ever before.

According to the conference and events marketing manager of Venture Southland Amanda Dowling, a healthy national economy, rapidly developing infrastructure and huge profile gains of Southland as a destination in its own right have all contributed to the region’s growth in business. Ms Dowling says increased competition within New Zealand and internationally has resulted in Southland focusing firmly on the sustainability of the meetings industry and adding value to the delegate experience rather than introducing special offers or financial incentives. “We all recognise that Invercargill has long been accepted as a ‘gateway’ to the natural wonders of Southland like Stewart Island and The Catlins,” she says. “However, there is now real commitment within the city and the region to ensure that Invercargill develops into a destination in its own right through the orchestrated development of facilities, attractions and events that will provide compelling reasons to extend delegates’ stay in the city.” And infrastructure investment is already occurring.

Investment in Stadium Southland, the Te Anau Events Centre, a new cycling velodrome, and the opening of several new properties, including Quest Apartments, are all helping to attract more visitors. “Specific gains have been made in our conference suitable venues such as the upgrade of the Ascot Park Hotel and the arrival of an international accommodation brand in the city – Quest Apartments.” Quest Apartments opened in December 2005 in the city’s old Art Deco post office building. “In addition to this, events such as the Tour of Southland, Bluff Oyster & Southland Seafood Festival, Hokonui Fashion Awards, Mandeville Fly-in, New Zealand’s only Grand Prix at Teretonga and various national and international sports events provide a significant boost to Southland’s range of visitor experiences and the overall profile of the region,” Ms Dowling adds.

“Over the past five years and the next five years more than $30 million has been or will be invested into projects in Southland such as Discover Fiordland, The Curio Bay Natural Heritage Centre, The Southern Scenic Route, The Hump Ridge Track, Riverton Heritage Centre, Croydon Aircraft Museum and the Hokonui Moonshine Museum, to name a few.”

MEET, EAT AND SLEEP

Ascot Park Hotel
The Ascot Park Hotel is currently undergoing a major refurbishment. It offers the largest meeting facilities in Southland – seven meeting rooms and capacity for up to 800. The main conference area is 650 square metres and can be divided into three self contained rooms by sound proof dividers, including the large foyer area. The function capacity suits trade displays and product launches, and there is vehicle entrance to the facilities. All function rooms are supported by excellent food and beverage catering – ranging from private dining for 30 people through to banquets for 500. The property has 72 hotel rooms, including four executive rooms and two deluxe suites plus 24 motel units, and can offer additional accommodation at nearby properties including the Kelvin Hotel, Homestead Villa Motel, and the Balmoral Lodge Motel. For further details telephone (03) 217 6195 or email ascot@ilt.co.nz

Quest Apartments
Quest Invercargill is a boutique apartment hotel which opened its doors in December 2005. Centrally located in the heart of the city it is within walking distance to all that downtown Invercargill has to offer. The property offers a range of air-conditioned studio, one and two bedroom serviced apartments, along with executive studio apartments which come with a spa bath. Studios offer microwaves and cooking appliances, while one and two bedroom apartments feature full kitchens and laundry facilities. All apartments are well appointed with comfortable leather lounge suites along with top quality fixtures and fittings throughout. The property also has onsite meetings facilities. For further details visit www.questinvercargill.co.nz

Kelvin Hotel
Offering 55 deluxe rooms, one suite and one two bedroom apartment, the Kelvin Hotel is ideally located in the heart of the city, just a five minute walk to Queens Park and the Botanical Gardens, Southland Museum and Art Gallery and the Queens Park Golf Course. The conference room is situated on the sixth floor, and offers seating for up to 150 theatre-style and panoramic views of the city. Telephone (03) 218 2829 or email kelvin@ilt.com.au for further details.

Scenic Circle Croydon Hotel
Scenic Circle Croydon Hotel stands among 13 acres of parklike surrounds on the edge of Gore, Southland’s second largest town. Here guests can enjoy the serenity of a true Southland escape as they look out upon the green surrounds towards the Hokonui Hills that dominate the skyline. The property has 36 comfortable guest rooms and six private function rooms of various shapes and sizes, with the ability to cater for up to 500 delegates. For further details telephone (03) 208 9029 or visit www.scenic-circle.co.nz

Te Anau Hotel + Villas
Situated on Lakefront Drive facing Lake Te Anau, expansive, well maintained gardens and grounds surround the hotel and complement the attractive lake and mountain views. Centrally located the property offers 112 accommodation rooms which includes four deluxe suites, 80 rooms, 13 villa suites and 15 villa rooms. In terms of conferencing, The Turnbull rooms seat 220 theatre-style, or 160 for banquets. For further details telephone (03) 249 9700 or email reservations@teanauhotel.co.nz

MUST SEE AND DO

Croydon Aircraft Company
Travelling north from Invercargill the flat plains give way to undulating country and the hamlet of Mandeville and the Croydon Aircraft Company, a place guaranteed to excite the little boy in every bloke. Here, just about on the tip of the world, is a workshop where men employ skills developed over a century to restore and fly aircraft dating from the dawn of manned flight to the 1940’s. The work carried out here is recognised in aviation circles as being of world class standard and there is a small fleet of Tiger Moths and other classic aircraft available for joy flights from as little as $45. The Spruce timber imported from the United States comes from trees over 400 years of age, prized for its lightness and strength. The company recently completed the construction of a large hangar for the storage of its completed aircraft and a comprehensive visitor centre is under construction. There is also an excellent restaurant, The Moth, which completes the complex. The company is known and respected in aviation circles around the world. With its high skills and craftsmanship on display the Croydon Aircraft Company would make an excellent outing for engineers or other technically oriented association meetings.

Bluff and Stewart Island
Bluff is Invercargill’s port town, about 20 minutes by road and renowned for its Bluff oysters. It’s a town with a rich maritime history and offers good fishing, cafes and restaurants. An hour from Bluff by high speed catamaran, Stewart Island, with its population of less than 400, is the southern-most tip of New Zealand and a perfect destination for a pre or post conference tour. This is one of the few places where visitors can enjoy the Kiwi, the national symbol of New Zealand, in significant numbers. There are estimated to be around 20,000 of the flightless birds in and around the Rikiura National Park. Unlike their mainland cousins, the Stewart Island Kiwi are active during daylight hours.