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Nelson Convention Bureau recently surveyed professional conference organisers who conferenced in the South Island city during 2005 and early 2006. The results showed the most important factors in choosing Nelson as their destination were an appropriate, quality venue, geographical location and accessibility. These are all points which Nelson does well as a destination – so its sunny climes, delicious food and wine, outstanding visual arts, and stunning scenery are an added bonus.
“It is easy to be swept away by the lifestyle and ambience that the region offers,” says Astrid Fisher, Nelson Convention Bureau manager.
“But what we really want conference organisers to know is that we can do conferences well.”
Nelson’s geographical location at the centre of New Zealand coupled with frequent flights, make the destination extremely accessible and time-efficient for colleagues from the furthest reaches of New Zealand to meet in. Ms Fisher experienced the benefits of this first-hand in May when she organised a meeting of New Zealand Convention Bureau managers in Nelson.
“Inbound flight schedules allowed for on-the-morning travel from 12 separate New Zealand destinations in time for a 10am start.”
Once in Nelson, associations in particular find the compact central city to be conducive to the varying requirements of up to 400 delegates for conferencing or meetings. A large plenary and four additional breakout rooms at the Rutherford Hotel Nelson – A Heritage Hotel, provide a central base, while a range of nearby accommodation supplement the hotel’s own 114 rooms.
“While this makes Nelson particularly strong in the association market, several venues in the surrounding region are also particularly attractive to the corporate market,” Ms Fisher says.
“As the new Hotel Monaco develops and grows at its large site near Nelson Airport, it is increasing in popularity with corporates.”
In addition smaller venues in the Abel Tasman National Park provide water transport for delegates using the conference facilities at boutique retreats. The perfect spot for incentive rewards, Abel Tasman National Park is home to one of the most scenic incentive activities in the country – sea kayaking. With Abel Tasman Wilson’s Experiences, groups of all abilities can enjoy the sea kayaking on offer in this pristine and safe environment. The company offers accommodation at Torrent Bay Lodge and Meadowbank Homestead at Awaroa. The lodges deliver beachfront accommodation of 11 and 13 ensuite-rooms.
“It’s all in an unforgettable environment a million miles from the office.

”For more information on conferences and incentives in Nelson, telephone Ms Fisher on (03) 545 6850 or visit www.conferencesnelsonnz.com

Awaroa Lodge
A two-hour drive from Nelson and situated in the inspirational Abel Tasman National Park is Awaroa Lodge. Featuring 12 superior suites, 10 deluxe rooms and four family rooms, the lodge offers accommodation for 66 guests in the serene environment of Awaroa Bay. The Harakeke conference room holds 52 theatre-style and has views of native wetlands. For more information telephone (03) 528 8758, email events@awaroalodge.co.nz or visit www.awaroalodge.co.nz

World of WearableArt & Classic Cars Museum
Experience the spectacle of World of WearableArt, along with the history of one of Australasia’s most prestigious classic car collections. Located in Nelson this venue can accommodate up to 280 delegates. It specialises in
evening functions where delegates can even dine among the cars or watch a World of WearableArt awards mini-show in the museum’s contemporary exhibition spaces. For more information telephone (03) 547 4573, email functions@wowcars.co.nz or visit www.wowcars.co.nz

Rutherford Hotel Nelson
Rutherford Hotel is a four-star property located in Nelson’s Trafalgar Square, offering 113 accommodation rooms. The property also features five conference rooms and a range of breakout options catering for up to 400 delegates theatre-style. There is an in-house team dedicated to providing support while the hotel is a one-stop-shop for audio visual and entertainment requirements. For more information telephone (03) 546 3001, email enquiries@rutherfordhotel.co.nz or visit www.rutherfordhotel.co.nz

Monaco Hotel & Resort  
Monaco Hotel & Resort is just 15 minutes from Nelson. This charming hotel features 20 rooms plus 34 one and two-bedroom cottages overlooking a village green and colourful gardens. Located on the village green is a medieval style marquee suitable for functions of up to 200 for cocktails, or 140 banquet-style. It can also seat 200 theatre-style and hosts trade exhibitions. The hotel has three smaller meetings spaces including the Executive Cottage, the hotel function room, and the French restaurant which opens this summer. Upstairs there will a be space for up to 40 people theatre-style or 30 banquet-style. By mid 2007 an additional 16 cottage rooms will be available and there are also plans to build The Quiet Woman Pub. For more information telephone (03) 547 8233, email reservations@monacoresort.co.nz, or visit www.monacoresort.co.nz

Höglund Art Glass Studio & Gallery
Take a visit to Höglund Art Glass for a guided tour of this glassblowing studio and museum. If there’s time, visitors can try their hand at the glass making workshops where participants can create their very own glass paperweights or glass beads. Or simply stroll around the Glass Gallery shop for something a little more sophisticated. Höglund Art Glass also has a wide range of gift ideas for keynote speakers or delegates, can make special awards or trophies for conferences and takes partner programmes. For more information telephone (03) 544 6500, email artglass@höglund.co.nz or visit www.nelson.höglund.co.nz

Happy Valley Adventures
Established in 1994 and only 10 minutes from Nelson, Happy Valley Adventures features quad biking, Skywire, Paintball, Argo rides, horse-trekking, and rifle shooting. Skywire is a unique high-speed wire suspension ride designed to thrill, reaching speeds of up to 100kph, while revealing the striking natural environment of Happy Valley. There is also the Tree Tops café with its panoramic views over local bays. Happy Valley Adventures also cater for groups of up to 150. For more information telephone (03) 545 0304, email info@happyvalleyadventures.co.nz, or visit www.happyvalleyadventures.co.nz