Christchurch has recently been a buzz of activity with events all over the city and some even being held underground.
Exclusive Events New Zealand recently held its launch party in a new and unique Canterbury events venue, The Cave. The recently established corporate management company made the most of this ancient space which was formed by lava flows more than eight million years ago. Located in the beachside suburb of Redcliffs in the 1920s, the cave was discovered by Christchurch Tramways Corporation during the construction of the causeway connecting Redcliffs to the city’s eastern suburbs and was used during World War Two to store munitions. Today it is a venue that can create real impact through the subtle use of lighting and design.
Back on the surface, new Christchurch venues are also popping up with increasing regularity. Another new venue is the Ashburton Trust Events Centre. Located one hour’s drive south of Christchurch, this $7.3 million centre provides state-of-the-art facilities that can cater for up to 680 delegates. This venue can host events of various styles and sizes in a range of function spaces. And, because it’s been designed with events in mind, there is high quality seating, sound and lighting systems, a lift servicing the second floor, and technical equipment for presentations.
The Ashburton Trust Events Centre is proving to be a real bonus to the Ashburton district which already has a solid conventions infrastructure with numerous hotels and resorts in the area that can host large functions. As well as a region that has all the facilities and services that a delegate could need, it also has a serene environment surrounded by mountains and high country lakes which is perfect as an incentive destination or space for team-building activities.
The region is sure to become a drawcard for international and domestic delegates and event planners will be able to get more information about this district at MEETINGS 2008. Ashburton District Council event development executive Debbie McLaren is new to the position and will be representing the region for the first time at the industry tradeshow. She says she will be working hard to ensure the vibrant district continues to grow its conventions and incentives business well into the future.
Further afield, another centre has recently opened which could be a new drawcard for international and domestic delegates.
The $7.5 million Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre at Aoraki Mount Cook was officially opened by Lady Hillary on the 55th anniversary of Sir Hillary’s first ascent of Mount Everest, in late May. Located next to the Hermitage Hotel in Aoraki Mount Cook, the property is just a few hours’ drive from Christchurch.
The Hermitage general manager Denis Callesen says the centre is a truly awe-inspiring experience and has created even stronger reasons for people to visit Aoraki Mount Cook.
“The centre offers an opportunity to explore and connect to the pioneering heart of New Zealand’s natural identity and celebrate the cultural characteristics New Zealanders hold dear,” he said.
The centre has been designed to educate, entertain and takes visitors on a journey through the use of a state-of-the-art 3D cinema, which is New Zealand’s first full dome digital planetarium. The centre also includes a museum, Hillary Gallery, café and bar which specialises in classic Kiwi fare with a modern twist. For more information about the centre, go to www.hermitage.co.nz.
For delegates who may be inspired to get out of the city and into the great outdoors after an experience at the Sir Edmund Hillary Apline Centre, Mount Hutt is the perfect post-conference destination that is now offering more options for corporate groups. Considered Canterbury’s largest ski destination, Mount Hutt has a range of snow-based activities situated in the breathtaking Southern Alps. The Huber Hutt is now home to a new corporate function space which is an ideal winter venue for an incentive or team-building group. The upstairs area can cater for up to 100 guests and offers spectacular views over the Mount Hutt ski area and is available from June to October.
Mount Hutt ski area manager Dave Wilson says the team can organise everything from ski and board rental through to ticketing and catering.
 “This means there’s more time for our guests to enjoy the high country hospitality and scenery and skiing or boarding on amazing terrain,” he said.
To get your team on the slopes go to www.nzski.co.nz.
Millennium Hotels & Resorts New Zealand is gearing up for MEETINGS 2008 and has a real treat in store for buyers. Guests will be treated to the best from the Jimmy Cook’s Kiwi Kitchen at themed lunches in Christchurch which will feature iconic New Zealand fare. Day buyers will also be able to
savour award-winning wines from Pegasus Bar Winery in Canterbury’s Waipara wine region. And guests won’t have to travel far for lunch at MEETINGS 2008, as just 50 metres from the Westpac Centre is Pegasus Place, which is a model version of the complete new township being built at Pegasus Bay. Millennium is inviting day buyers to have lunch here and peruse the new development.
Millennium national director of sales, conferences and incentives, Alison Rogers says these lunches will have a theme of building relationships and increasing awareness of wider New Zealand.
“We have a reputation for original thinking and all sorts of new ideas at a choice of 31 different hotels and resorts throughout the country,” she said.
Day buyers and visitors will be able to see the team behind these new ideas at the Millennium stand at MEETINGS 2008.
Located in the original Sculpture Room of the Old University, this restaurant is an institution for Cantabrians who are proud to take visitors to Annies Wine Bar & Restaurant. Within walking distance of many inner-city hotels, Annies is an ideal place for delegates to meet for a glass of vino after a day conferencing. This bar and restaurant has a cosy ambience and features décor that suits the historic Neo Gothic buildings of the Arts Centre of Christchurch. As well as a substantial wine list with up to 40 wines available by the glass, Annies also has menus that will tempt the tastebuds. The selection includes local specialities that feature lamb, salmon, ostrich, venison, prime beef and fresh fish which are accompanied with seasonal vegetables. As the perfect warm spot for a quiet drink and hearty meal, Annies can also be used as a function space for special events, dinners and lunches for up to 80 guests. To get more details go to www.annieswinebar.co.nz.
Jump on board the Christchurch Tramway for a culinary adventure. The Green Globe- rated tramway offers custom-made functions space for groups and features a restaurant that can cater for small corporate meetings or dining for a group of 36. A journey on the two-point-five kilometre track takes about 25 minutes and the tram drivers provide a live comprehensive commentary throughout the trip. Guests can hop on or off the trams at leisure. Historically, electric trams were used in Christchurch until 1954 when services ceased. However, the trams have been restored to their former glory and are now considered moving antiques. They are a drawcard for event planners who want to host unique and memorable functions. The Christchurch Tramway circuit links travellers to central city shops and attractions including the Arts Centre, museum, Botanic Gardens, Hagley Park, Victoria Street, New Regent Street and Cathedral Square. For more information about hosting an event on the Christchurch Tramway, go to www.tram.co.nz.
This boutique hotel is the perfect venue for small and medium sized functions and can host business and social events with real passion and individuality. The George Hotel can cater for almost any business event with the ability to host groups from eight to 150. The hotel has a central location in Christchurch and with a parkside setting is a perfect meeting point or retreat for business delegates. For event planners, the use of abundant free car parking is a bonus and is sure to take the stress out of transporting conferencing material. The George Hotel provides a range of six separate function rooms for events such as cocktail parties, meetings, private dinners, seminars and product launches. The rooms feature new soft furnishings, contemporary décor and multi-media facilities. And in terms of catering for events, chef Andrew Brown and his team of 15 are renowned for their work at Pescatore and 50 on Park and offer the same award-winning standard in creating individual function menus. For more information about the function spaces available, go to www.thegeorge.com.
For a place to host a large conference or event the Holiday Inn City Centre and Holiday Inn on Avon are two ideal hotels that provide large venues and a range of conference rooms. The Holiday Inn City Centre is home to seven meeting rooms that can cater for groups from eight to 400. As well as having a substantial range of spaces, this hotel has a central location and panoramic views from three of the meeting rooms. The Holiday Inn on Avon offers business delegates a peaceful and tranquil environment to conference. Situated alongside the banks of the River Avon on the very edge of Christchurch’s busy central business district, delegates can make the most of the fresh air and gardens during break-out sessions, and pre and post-events. The venue facilities available at this hotel are similar to its sister property, however have spaces that suit small to medium-sized groups. There are 11 meeting rooms available that can cater for groups of 10 to 200. Rooms are fitted out with everything a delegate could need, including multi-media technology and conferencing equipment such as lecterns and LCD projectors. For more information about the meeting possibilities available go to www.holidayinn.com.
Located among green rolling fairways and surrounded by crystal lakes, Peppers Clearwater Resort offers the perfect escape for any busy delegate. Even though this hotel is only 15 minutes out of the city guests will be able to feel miles away in the peaceful surroundings and luxurious accommodation. The rooms are made up of modern suites and villas which offer guests privacy and a premium resort experience. Peppers Clearwater Resort Christchurch is an ideal place for the business traveller to unwind and relax. There are a range of activities available at the resort, with an 18-hole championship golf course, fly-fishing, cycling and extensive walking trails. And when guests have had their fill of fresh air, the award-winning Lakes Restaurant is the perfect spot to satisfy an appetite with an impressive menu that has a range of gourmet cuisine and an extensive wine list. For more information book your next night at Peppers Clearwater Resort by visiting www.peppers.com.au.
The Chateau on the Park is built on five acres of lush gardens and is just minutes from Christchurch. With 193 rooms, the Chateau on the Park provides guests with a tranquil escape that is close to extensive city shopping, the Botanic Gardens and the River Avon. Rooms have been designed so that all executive rooms have an outlook of the surrounding gardens while inside the décor reflects the leafy exterior, creating a a calm escape for guests. There are five types of accommodation rooms available which include deluxe king rooms, deluxe twin rooms, premier rooms, executive suites and a presidential suite, and with this extensive range there is sure to be a space to suit the savviest guest.
For more information go to www.chateau-park.co.nz.
As one of the new kids on the block in Christchurch, Hotel SO offers business travellers a unique experience. The philosophy at this hotel is one that is focused on having a great design, up-to-date technology, and quality service at a competitive price. With 283 rooms that come in double, king and twin share, facilities include free wireless internet, 26 inch flat-screen TVs, luxurious beds and an MP3 plug-in so that guests can relax and listen to their own play lists through the room speakers. Guests can also use the gym, sauna, massage room and massage chairs as well as get some work done in the computer room. In addition to being a comfortable and cool place to stay, Hotel SO is conscious of being green. The hotel is functioning using energy efficient light and water systems, and uses environmentally friendly consumables wherever possible. In conjunction with eco practices on-site the hotel also sponsors a wildlife preservation programme that guests are welcome to contribute to. To book your next stay at Hotel So go to www.hotelso.co.nz.
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