Auckland is considered the gateway to New Zealand and for many international guests is the first port of call. This city has much to offer business travellers, literally brimming with spectacular venues, team-building activities and incentive opportunities.
Auckland exemplifies the best characteristics of historical architecture and modern design which for event planners offers a bounty of unique venues and function possibilities. Whether you are searching for an early art-deco theatre or a modern convention centre with the latest technology, Auckland’s got the lot.
Often described by out-of-towners as a fast-paced metropolis, Auckland definitely has a quieter side, with native forests, picturesque sandy beaches and sparkling waterways. Drive 45 minutes out of the city in any direction and you will be treated to Auckland’s natural beauty.
And there’s good news for international business delegates travelling to Auckland, with the airport no longer collecting departure taxes from July 1. This will mean less queueing at customs for international guests and less congestion at the airport. The departure tax is being replaced with the Passenger Services Charge (PSC) which will be $13 including GST. The levy will be paid for both departing and arriving travellers and is planned to increase by 50 cents each year for the next two years.
Auckland International Airport chief executive, Don Huse says it will improve facilitation through to departure and will reduce traveller processing time through Customs, giving airline passengers a much easier and more streamlined departure experience.
According to Tourism New Zealand chief executive George Hickton, removing the old departure fee process will help to bring Auckland Airport into line with other major airports worldwide.
In addition to better access, Auckland is also raising its green credentials which could become a drawcard for overseas and domestic event planners. Auckland venue operators, special event practitioners, and suppliers to the industry can now offset carbon in an effort to be environmentally friendly. Many companies may already be recycling, reducing waste and limiting greenhouse gas emissions, however what about the things that can’t be reused? This is where Green Carbon can step in and replace un-recyclables with carbon credits.
Green Carbon has been operating in Auckland for four months and is helping event businesses to become more environmentally friendly. The Orange Group has been working with Green Carbon and this has enabled the event company to become the first in New Zealand to become completely carbon neutral.
The Orange Group director Stu Robertson says they have made an effort to reuse and recycle as much as they can and the things they can’t have been transferred into carbon credit. Not only is The Orange Group the first event company in New Zealand to become carbon neutral, its venue The Wharf has followed suit.
“The Wharf is now completely carbon neutral and we encourage our clients to also host environmentally friendly events by doing things like recycling paper and plastics,” he said.
The Orange Group has found this a rewarding experience and according to Mr Robertson it has been a long process but it is worthwhile making an environmental difference.
Image courtesy of Tourism Auckland.
With so many different venues calling Auckland home it’s important to have the latest technology, the best in accommodation, and the most stream-lined practices to keep enticing event planners to choose this city as a destination tailor-made for business events. The following operators are all doing their darndest to keep Auckland at the cutting edge.
Auckland City Council has plans to upgrade the Aotea Square in conjunction with repairing and strengthening the civic car park. The two-year project will limit large-scale conferences being held in the Aotea Centre, however the Auckland Convention Centre has a strategy in place to maximise its range of venues and will continue to cater for business events in the Auckland Town Hall and The Civic Theatre.
The redevelopment of the Aotea Square will involve repairing the roof to the civic car park while the square will be transformed into a space that will be able to host a greater range of events. Construction is planned to start in November 2008 and will include building a box office and café, as well as centering the front entrance of the Aotea Centre.
Even though the redevelopment will have its challenges for THE EDGE ®, the sales team see it as an opportunity to work closely with stakeholders, and are encouraging clients to use its other venues. Director of conventions, business events sales and operations Mohamed Mansour, says communication during the redevelopment period is important and clients will be given regular updates.
Looking beyond the construction to the completion in October 2010 it seems that development has not put off clients looking to host events at THE EDGE® venues with many large international conferences already booked-in post-development.
“Our client base has been very supportive and understanding of our need to accommodate the necessary redevelopment work,” Mr Mansour said.
“At the end of the project we’ll also be able to reinstate the full use of Aotea Square as the city’s premier outdoor public space.”
The plans for redevelopment will not completely limit events in the Aotea Centre and Mr Mansour says while there will be construction outside, inside the venues are very much open for business.
The Hilton Auckland (pictured above) is currently undergoing a multi-million dollar refurbishment of its 158 guest rooms. The renovations started in April 2008 and are a continuation of work that transformed the hotel’s suites. HBO+EMTB interior designer Catherine Stormont has taken inspiration from the hotel’s location on Princes Wharf and used a modern contemporary style for the new rooms. The décor will compliment the sleek design of the hotel and make the most of the abundance of natural light and stunning water views across Waitemata Harbour. Subtle furnishing changes such as new window dressings and glass-topped work desks will contribute to the feeling of light and space, which will contrast with the dark leather desk chairs and vibrant burnt-orange couches. The rooms will also feature the latest in-room technology including an LCD flat screen TV with PC display capabilities and a DVD player. Business travellers will be able to enjoy the new-look rooms and features by September 2008.
The latest news at the Novotel Auckland Ellerslie is a boost to its conferencing facilities. The new additions include two more conferencing rooms and an executive boardroom which will take the total to five meeting spaces. The Novotel Auckland Ellerslie is located 10 minutes’ from Auckland’s CBD and 20 minutes’ from the airport, and offers 147 spacious and modern rooms overlooking Ellerslie Racecourse. The rooms have a variety of amenities to suit business travellers including broadband internet, a desk, mini-bar, in-room safe and onsite parking. For more information about the types of meeting rooms available go to www.accorhotels.com.au.
Located in Auckland’s CBD, The Quadrant now has two new room types available that would suit any savvy conference delegate. The room styles include a one-bedroom executive apartment and a penthouse. The one-bedroom apartment was designed with the executive business traveller in mind and offers a large living space with separate study, dedicated work desk, plasma screen TV, cordless telephones, large separate kitchen and two lounge areas. For an even more luxurious experience, the penthouse apartment on the 23rd floor has breathtaking views from the museum to Waiheke Island and Devonport – said to be some of the best views in town. The apartment itself is in an open-plan style and is furnished with a king size bed, dining table for six, lounge area and two LCD TVs.
 
This hotel is a great meeting point for conference delegates as it has a central location, is only minutes from Viaduct Harbour, ferry terminals and the Britomart transport centre. Situated in central Auckland with picturesque views of Waitemata Harbour, the hotel is in easy walking distance to the waterfront, shopping, restaurant and nightlife districts. The Mercure Hotel Auckland provides event planners with a range of seven meeting rooms that can cater for up to 250 guests. The rooms range in shape and size from the Hobson Room which can cater for 100 guests theatre-style to 20 classroom-style in the Waverly Room. Delegates can also stay on-site with 189 rooms available which all feature broadband internet, comfortable beds and great views. The hotel also provides a valet service and gym facilities. The Mercure Hotel Auckland’s Vertigo Restaurant and Bar located on the top floor has a remarkable vista of the city and harbour and would be the perfect venue for pre or post-event drinks and dinner after a day of meetings. For more information about the meeting spaces available go to www.mercure.com.
This venue is more than just a meeting space, but a unique functions centre. Located at Mt Eden, historically this building was Auckland’s telephone exchange built around 90 years ago. The structure has changed over the years and now includes a courtyard which was constructed by removing a large section of the roof. The interior includes a large dining room, open kitchen, two private spaces and a lounge that features a high ceiling and décor that is a mix of antique pieces and modern furniture. This function centre boasts of being the perfect space for corporate functions, product launches and meetings as well as cocktail parties and private soirées. The team at Mantells have everything covered and provide a venue, food and staff, without BYO corkage or glass hire. In terms of a menu, event planners can select gourmet food items to create their own carte du jour. To plan your next event here, go to www.mantells.co.nz.
Located at the Hilton this restaurant is all that its name suggests with chic yet classic white décor and classic stylish food to match. For a truly luxurious experience White will not disappoint with a selection of fine wine, great service, an impressive menu as well as breathtaking water views. The menu is as remarkable as the scenery, with fresh, local and international cuisine. The dinner menu includes carpaccio of wild venison, mussel and crab cannelloni, and char-grill pineapple tart tatin with white pepper ice-cream. And if it’s just too hard to choose from the delicious selection, why not try the five-course degustation menu. For a closer look at the menu, go to www.whiterestaurant.co.nz.
As one of the newer properties in the city, The Westin Auckland Lighter Quay provides an escape to a superbly comfortable space. Located in the heart of the city overlooking the Viaduct Harbour, this hotel makes the most of its waterfront location with extensive marina views and rooms that are a welcome retreat from the bustling metropolis. The accommodation has been designed with tranquillity and rejuvenation in mind. Each room offers an environment which is modern and welcoming and will have guests waking feeling refreshed. Each type of room offers a different view, whether it’s from the Deluxe Terrace which features an outlook of the internal courtyard and water feature, or the Harbour View Corner room which offers a vista of the Viaduct and Auckland Harbour.
The Westin Auckland Lighter Quay has 172 rooms or suites available, all of which feature comfortable beds and amenities that will ensure delegates have a sound night’s sleep. Guests can also make the most of the hotel’s facilities which include the Senses Spa & Wellness Centre, as well as the Westin WORKOUT powered gym which offers health-conscious guests a 20-metre indoor heated pool, exercise equipment and a map of a local jogging track. For more information about the room types available go to www.starwoodhotels.com.
Located just 45 minutes’ south of Auckland, the Heritage Hotel & Spa du Vin is more than just accommodation, it is a hotel, vineyard and spa sanctuary. Nestled in the heart of a green valley and surrounded by expansive native bush, vines and manicured gardens, staying at this hotel is the perfect way to escape the fasted-paced city. The accommodation is made up of 48 private chalets set in lush gardens that feature spacious bathrooms, subtle furnishings and offer a warm and intimate space to unwind. To book your next weekend away here go to www.heritagehotels.co.nz.
Corporate Combat
Take your team out of the office and onto the battlefield to experience team-building army style with the National Combat Simulation Centre. With three course options available that are specifically designed for the corporate market, organisers can choose from the team leader course, team member course and the combat elite course. Each activity has a specific outcome in mind and is targeted at giving your team a competitive edge. The first course is specifically designed for business owners, management staff and supervisors and takes participants through advanced tactical training and scenarios to test organisational skills in a fast-paced battle environment. This session is completed before the team member course so that management can maximise results of their team with their new leadership skills. The objective of the team member course is to create a dynamic team atmosphere and involved multiple problem-solving scenarios, weapons training, tactical training and combat. The problem solving scenarios include diffusing bombs, VIP protection, ‘capturing the drug lord’ and weapon demolition. The final course is considered to be more of a refresher course and involves getting your team out of the office and competing against another successful company team.
Described as a team-building phenomenon, the military style set-up is designed to break down psychological barriers within an individual and allow them to function as part of a team. The courses are run by authentic military personnel and everything is supplied including equipment, food and
 refreshments. For more information, go to www.ncsc.co.nz.
Treasure Island Team-Building
Take your team out on the water for a day of sailing with a pirate twist. Instead of relaxing on the deck with a cocktail your team will be working together to solve problems and ultimately find the treasure! The day involves morning tea onboard your pirate ship while sailing down the harbour to Treasure Island. Your team of buccaneers will arrive on the island by way of inflatable boat transfer, where the pirate games will begin. Teams must work together to complete activities involving communication, trust, brainstorming and leadership. Activities include the treasure hunt where teams race to locate pieces of the map and clues to find the hidden loot. After the bounty is found, the pirates head back to the yacht, not to walk the plank, but for a barbeque feast and cruise back to Auckland. This activity is fitting for groups from six to 24 pirates and runs for eight hours. For more details, go to www.staffevents.co.nz.
Archery team-building in the vines
You may have already spent a leisurely day with your team wine tasting on Waiheke Island, however there are many more energetic activities your troops can do amongst the vines. Archery is a great team-building activity for those who may have done it all before and is a fun way for teams to compete while feeling like modern-day Robin Hoods! The archery targets are set up between the lines of green vines and participants test their skills at hitting the target. Wild on Waiheke is responsible for this fun activity and provide equipment plus experienced instructors who can offer target archery, challenge circuits and novelty archery which are suitable for all ages, individuals and groups. To book an exciting team-building experience among the vines go to www.wildonwaiheke.co.nz.
Night canyoning
For a team-building experience that will leave your crew with an appreciation of Auckland’s breathtaking backyard, night canyoning is a must. This is an activity that will get the adrenalin pumping while all the while experiencing the nocturnal environment. AWOL Adventures depart Auckland every evening at six pm and return just before midnight, and can cater for groups of six and up. Decked out with wetsuits, harnesses, helmets and headlamps the journey begins with the group heading into the bush at sunset. The first test involves abseiling under a waterfall into a canyon. Once here, your guide will take you exploring through the nearby caves, pools and narrow canyon. For more information about this nocturnal adventure, go to www.awoladventures.co.nz.
So many of us work long hours and an incentive reward is just the thing to leave you feeling refreshed, revitalised and raring to go. Incentive rewards are a great way to reward a whole team or individual for great results and here are some ideas to consider for your next incentive programme.
The Formosa Golf Resort has panoramic views of Waiheke Island, Rangitoto and the distant Coromandel peninsula and the course covers an area of 440 acres. Designed by Bob Charles, the par 72 course is New Zealand’s longest championship course at 6650 metres off the pro tees. However, if you are just a novice player don’t be disillusioned by its substantial size, as each hole has four tees which range from forward, regular, championship and professional, so everyone can play and enjoy the course. For more information about the Formosa Golf Resort, go to www.formosa.co.nz.
There is something about private yacht charters that scream Hollywood star, and Generation Yacht Charters can make you feel famous with half and full-day sailing charters. The yacht in question is the Generation 5 which is an 11.3 metre Jeanneau Sun Fast 36 which was designed in France and built in Australia and can cater for a maximum of six guests. Generation Yacht Charters are flexible about sailing routes and are willing to accommodate special requests. To set sail with Generation Yacht Charters go to www.gosailing.co.nz.
For a luxurious experience a treatment at East Day Spa is a must for any stressed business traveller. Described as an urban sanctuary and a haven of calm, wellness and beauty this day spa offers a range of treatments that are a combination of eastern holistic healing tradition and premium western beauty therapies. Located on the ground floor of the SKYCITY Grand Hotel, East Day Spa offers a full array of restorative beauty treatments and spa therapies using natural products and is renowned for its unique brand of eastern-inspired holistic treatments, which are designed to relax the body, calm the soul and clear the mind. For more information about the treatments available go to www.eastdayspa.com.
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