The great outdoors

The rejuvenative powers of hot mineral springs make a healthy lifestyle choice for convention delegates.



New Zealand exerts a powerful attraction for Australian conference groups, with its sophisticated appeal and spectacular landscapes.

Australia has become New Zealand’s most important overseas market for conventions and meetings. The attraction between the two countries is understand-able – Australian delegates can jump aboard an aircraft and within the space of a few hours hop off in a place that’s familiar in terms of language and custom, yet exotic in its varied and unique landscape.



New Zealand has some amazing sites, and each of its main meetings destinations has something special to offer. The south island has Christchurch, a city with a decidedly English character; and Queenstown, with its spectacular alpine scenery and incredible ski resorts. The north island has the urban and maritime delights of Auckland, the thermal attractions and Maori culture of Rotorua, the fine fishing and upmarket retreats of Taupo, and Wellington, one of the few places in the world where a national capital can be considered hip and happening.

>> Conference & meeting venues in New Zealand North Island

>> Conference & meeting venues in New Zealand South Island

Getting to New Zealand is easy, with regular flights from such carriers as Air New Zealand, Virgin Blue, Qantas and Freedom Air. There are three international airports at Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch, while some Australian flights also service the regional centres of Hamilton, Palmerston North, Queenstown and Dunedin.

Screen time
New Zealand’s international image has prospered in recent years, with a string of high profile movies being filmed there. The Lord of the Rings trilogy was followed by such films as King Kong, The World’s Fastest Indian and The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe. Themed events built around these movies are popular, as are pre and post-touring of the films’ locations.



This year, major conferences for Auckland include the Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners in August, and the 12th Asia-Pacific Conference on Non-Destructive Testing in November. Wellington hosted such prestigious events as the 25th International Meeting of the Internet Corporation For Assigned Names and Numbers in March, and the Australian Statistical Conference/New Zealand Statistical Association Conference in July.