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Fresh from playing host to one of the largest pure incentive events the city has ever seen, Auckland is attracting a greater share of business events, locally and internationally. If anything else, the US Gartner Incentive held recently (see page 52-3) underpins what Aucklanders have been saying for a long time: this city rocks for events! And according to the head of the Auckland Convention Bureau, Maureen Brennan, the future for the city is looking very bright indeed. Ms Brennan says the recent run of hotel refurbishments, updates, upgrades and new facilities coming online shows that there is a real buoyancy in the marketplace right now, none more so because of the growing number of international meetings and events being held in Auckland. Not only is the city winning a growing number of international association conferences it is also attracting more corporate business, particularly from Australia – a key target market of the convention bureau. One of their most recent wins was the 600-person Travelscene American Express conference, taking place in Auckland in September 2006. And events like the Gartner incentive have not only been good for the city but have helped show how business events of this kind can benefit more than one venue. Ms Brennan says while the host venue, SKYCITY did exceptionally well out of the event, others did too.
“Events like this help the whole city. They had a good budget and they used it,” she said.
About a dozen CBD restaurants were regularly patronised by Gartner participants, and a full range of activities throughout the week ensured tour operators received a slice of the pie as well.
“They even had some wonderful turn-down [pillow] gifts that were sourced locally. It all helps the economy,” Ms Brennan adds.
Besides its stunning look, Auckland is popular with meeting and event planners and delegates because of the flexibility of venue operators, according to Ms Brennan.
“Venue operators go out of their way to accommodate the client.
“The other major factor on why people like Auckland is because of the compact nature of the city. The array of accommodation, the range of venues and the activities available are all working in Auckland’s favour.”

What’s new
A number of major refurbishments and new developments are currently underway in Auckland, helping the city keep pace with the growing demand. The new Vector Arena in Quay Park is due for completion in August this year. The $80 million project will seat 12,000 people and will feature state-of-the-art exhibition space. It will be a significant venue for hosting sporting and music events in the city.
Oaks on Hobson is a new development in the central city, offering studios and one and two bedroom apartments. And a new five-star hotel is being developed on Halsey Street, which will be run by a major international hotel chain, to be announced shortly.
In other news, the Langham Hotel earlier this year completed a $12 million upgrade of hotel rooms along with the lobby area and signature restaurant, Partingtons.

Waiheke Island
Waiheke Island Resort and Conference Centre, just 35 minutes from the Auckland CBD, has accommodation for up to 130 guests and conference facilities for up to 100 delegates. Waiheke is renowned for its award-winning vineyards, unique art, stylish cafes and uncrowded beaches. It is well-suited for team-building, with mountain biking, golf, fishing, diving, kayaking, sailing and bush-walking. For those who prefer a more cerebral experience there are plenty of options for wine tasting. Waiheke Island Resort is home to The Lookout restaurant, with spectacular views. The property has a range of accommodation options from luxury villas, studios, chalets, a four-bedroom condominium and a five-bedroom lodge. For further details visit www.waihekeresort.co.nz

SKYCITY Auckland
The five-star SKYCITY Grand Hotel Auckland is fast-becoming the venue of choice for international corporate meetings and incentives. Located in the heart of the city it has 316 accommodation rooms ranging from twin rooms to grand suites. The SKYCITY Auckland Convention Centre opened in July 2004 and has the capacity to cater for up to 1200 delegates banquet style. With the award-winning SKYCITY Auckland right next door there is a wide range of entertainment and leisure options available to delegates. There are 11 restaurants and bars and the 328 metre Sky Tower, which offers 360 degree views of Auckland. A visit to Sky Tower is sure to get any jaded delegate’s heart racing! For further details visit www.skycityauckland.co.nz

Crowne Plaza
Crowne Plaza Auckland, located at the very heart of The City of Sails, is described as being “the place to meet” for those looking for the perfect combination of sophisticated facilities, outstanding service and an ideal location. And now, a series of upgrades are elevating this inner city hotel to a contemporary feel that is providing guests with even more reasons to book a room. New Sony Bravia 40 inch LCD and Sony stereo / DVD players have been installed in all Crowne Plaza Auckland Level 28 Club Rooms, while Executive Suites have Sony 29 inch flat screen televisions. Function rooms have also been upgraded. The Elliot Function rooms have been repainted with Zolatone textured paint, providing a subtle finish and sophisticated surroundings for all manner of events. And new carpet is presently being rolled out, due for completion in September 2006. The gym, located on the 12th floor, has also been completely refurbished, with the majority of equipment replaced and upgraded to state-of-the-art quality. For further details email reservations@crowneplazaauckland.co.nz or visit www.crowneplazaauckland.co.nz

Hotel du Vin
In 1976 a vineyard was established in an idyllic country valley south of Auckland by a New Zealander who, after spending some years in Southern Europe, had a vision for establishing a winery.  In 1987 a lodge was built to complement the vineyard and winery and so began the story of Hotel du Vin.  The vineyard around the hotel presently comprises 10 hectares and a beautiful cedar and river stone winery was added in 1991 after the original owner sold the property. From June 1, 2006 the property joined the Heritage Hotels group. It has been developed to include a world-class spa – Spa du Vin – refurbished rooms, modern conference facilities and offers an enticing array of activities for all guests. It is an easy 45-minute drive south of Auckland (35 minutes from Auckland International Airport) and an hour north of Hamilton. Hotel du Vin not only offers the perfect venue for conferences and team-building, with its modern meeting rooms, state of the art facilities and idyllic location, it also offers the perfect way to reward staff with weekend breaks, spa treatments (including health and wellness programmes) and time out. With access to 12 meeting spaces and extensive dining options, an on-site conference co-ordinator offers all corporate groups flexibility and choice when arranging meetings with the added ability of being able to offer the perfect mix of business and pleasure. The hotel is also the home of award-winning Firstland wine, which can be sampled at the wine shop in the main reception building or in the Vineyard Restaurant alongside seasonally inspired menus for guests and casual diners looking for elegant dining options amongst the vineyards. For details telephone (09) 233 6314, email reservations@duvin.co.nz or visit www.hotelduvin.co.nz

Duxton Hotel Auckland
The Duxton Hotel Auckland is a luxury hotel with 154 rooms ranging from deluxe rooms to two bedroom apartments. All rooms offer a laundry, kitchenette and private balcony, with views over the city or Myers Park. There are three conference and meeting rooms that can accommodate up to 120 people. All rooms have natural light, high-speed internet capabilities and video conferencing facilities. The property is currently running a winter promotion with a day delegate package of $49 plus GST. The package includes: conference rooms, pads and pens, a projector screen, flipchart and static whiteboard, cordial selection, fruit bowl and sweets, morning and afternoon tea, a buffet lunch in The Grill, and more. The special residential package is $136 plus GST per person twin share or $204 plus GST p/p single share which includes accommodation in a deluxe room, full breakfast in The Grill and the day delegate package. All rates are based on a minimum of 15 pax/15 rooms and are available until September 30, 2006. For details visit www.auckland.duxton.co.nz

THE EDGE®
Auckland Convention Centre at THE EDGE® is arguably the most flexible convention precinct in New Zealand. Incorporating four of Auckland’s finest venues including the Aotea Centre, The Civic, Auckland Town Hall and Aotea Square, THE EDGE® is a one-stop shop for meetings and special events. The Aotea Centre is the primary convention facility. It has a 2256 tiered-seat auditorium and more than 4300 square metres of space. The Civic, one of only seven atmospheric theatres in the world, underwent a $42 million refurbishment in 2000, bringing it back to its former glory and providing meeting and event planners with a unique space for events with a difference. Auckland Town Hall is the city’s most significant heritage building, and has also been brought back to its former glory following a $33 million restoration in 1997. Auckland’s largest open-air square in the inner-city, Aotea Square, is not only a popular meeting place for visitors and locals but can be utilised for outdoor events. For further details visit www.the-edge.co.nz

Volcano views
Take in the views from atop one of Auckland’s 48 dormant volcanoes, all of which have erupted in the past 150,000 years. Among the most prominent is Mt Eden near the central city, which boasts a vast crater and magnificent 360 degree views across to both the Pacific and Tasman coasts. For even more spectacular views head to Rangitoto Island by ferry and climb to the top to look back across the city.

Kelly Tarlton’s
See real live penguins, explore the Antarctic landscape in a snow cat, take a journey beneath the ocean and come face-to-face with ferocious sharks. All that and a whole lot more at Kelly Tarlton’s Antarctic Encounter and Underwater World, one of New Zealand’s leading visitor attractions. Kelly Tarlton’s is just six kilometres from downtown Auckland, on the waterfront along Tamaki Drive. For more information telephone (09) 528 0603, email ktinfo@kellytarltons.co.nz or visit www.greatsights.co.nz/KellyTarltons/contacts.html

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. Email aucklandzoo@akcity.govt.nz or visit www.aucklandzoo.co.nz

Auckland Bridge Climb or Bungy
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-a-half 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. Combo bridge climb and jumps are available. For details phone (09) 377 6543, email info@aucklandbridgeclimb.co.nz or visit www.aucklandbridgeclimb.co.nz

Sky Tower
As the tallest tower in the Southern Hemisphere 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’. At 328 metres (more than 1076 feet) Sky Tower is the 12th tallest tower in the world – taller than the Eiffel Tower in Paris and Sydney’s AMP Tower. You can also jump off the Sky Tower with Sky Jump Ltd. The 192m descent operates daily. For more information telephone (09) 363 6422, email skytower@skycity.co.nz or visit www.skycity.co.nz

In a recent interview with miceNZ.net magazine the head of the Auckland Convention Bureau, Maureen Brennan confirmed Waiheke Island is one of the more popular destinations for group events. And the managing director of Waiheke Island Resort, Robert Webb, is naturally inclined to agree. Just 35 minutes from Auckland the Waiheke Island Resort and Conference Centre is described as being the island’s foremost accommodation and conference venue, featuring the Lookout restaurant, accommodation for up to 130 and meetings facilities for 100 delegates. The ANZ bank recently held a two day conference at the Waiheke Island Resort and were welcomed by a traditional Maori welcome (Powhiri). Delegates from New Zealand and Australia accepted the Maori challenge and settled in to their two day conference. The evening included dinner at a nearby restaurant and ended up with some karaoke singing back at the resort, plenty of local wines and good times had by all. Another of the most recent successful events at the property was the five-day Maersk International conference. Mr Webb said delegates from Australia, China, Hong Kong, Europe and New Zealand attended the event.
“It was great to see so many different cultures here at the resort enjoying good New Zealand cuisine, local Waiheke wines and experiencing the many beautiful attractions of our island,” he said.
For further details visit www.waihekeresort.co.nz.