Get to know Auckland inside out
Further afield
One of the most wonderful things about Auckland is that just 45 minutes from the CBD in any direction, you’re in the country. This is Auckland’s backyard; a natural playground where you could believe you were a thousand miles from anywhere. Yet you’re just a stone’s throw from the city centre.
In Auckland, heading out of the city doesn’t mean leaving convenience and facilities behind. In fact, it’s just the opposite – you’ll find unique venues, luxury accommodation and a host of things to see and do.
Country life
From the rolling hills of Clevedon in the south to Matakana’s wine country in the north, a slice of rural paradise is easy to find. Farmers’ markets hint at the quality of produce you’ll find and you can taste the results in some fine vineyard restaurants.
Island time
Waiheke Island enjoys a stunning setting in the Hauraki Gulf. This ‘Island of Wine’ has so much to offer beyond its award-winning vintages: great restaurants, pristine beaches, excellent fishing, walking and watersports. And all just 35 minutes by fast ferry from the city.
The wild west
Wild, black-sand beaches pounded by surf, vast gannet colonies wheeling and diving in search of their prey, pods of Orca hunting stingrays – the west coast is a real back-to-nature experience.
Golfers’ paradise
There are some truly stunning courses on the fringes of Auckland. Formosa at Beachlands, the links course at Muriwai, historic Titirangi and spectacular Gulf Harbour offer world class experiences.
Grape escapes
Sample the fruits of regional vineyards at Kumeu in the west, Matakana to the north, Clevedon to the south-east and Awhitu peninsula south of the Manukau Harbour.
The coast is clear
Auckland is surrounded by spectacular coastlines and clear water. The more sheltered east coast has golden beaches, secluded coves and flowering pohutukawa trees, stretching from Sandspit and Leigh in the north to the Clevedon and Sea Bird coasts in the south. The black-sand beaches of the west are pounded by surf from the Tasman sea and offer a raw, elemental beauty all their own.
Hosting your event
The Trusts Stadium in Waitakere
The Trusts Stadium in Waitakere is an indoor sports complex seating up to 5,000 people.
Ascension Vineyard
Ascension Vineyard in Matakana has conference and banqueting facilities for up to 300 people.
Snowplanet
Snowplanet is an 11,600m2 snow hall for skiing and boarding. It also makes a cool venue.
Heritage Hotel and Spa du Vin
Heritage Hotel and Spa du Vin is just 45 minutes south of Auckland, in the countryside of Mangatawhiri. As well as meeting rooms, you’ll find luxury accommodation, a restaurant with vineyard views, a spa and sports activities on offer around the grounds.
For small numbers, there’s an unlimited choice of
luxurious country and coastal lodges that can pamper
your delegates with a high level of personalisation
and service.
Many golf clubs also offer excellent facilities for conferences, with an obvious incentive angle of being able to play golf on some of the world's best golf courses!
Go wild in the country
- Roam the rainforest. Huge tracts of native forest are preserved in the Waitakere and Hunua ranges. Expect giant Kauri trees, waterfalls and birdsong.
- Go fore it. Enjoy a round on some of the world’s most spectacular golf courses.
- Bike crikey. Have a quad-bike adventure in Woodhill Forest.
- In vino, veritas. Get a true taste of Auckland on a wine trail or chauffeured tour.
- Gone fishing. Book a fishing trip into the Hauraki Gulf and catch fresh snapper for dinner. You can even fish for trout in the Hunua ranges.
- Seek sanctuary. Tiritiri Matangi Island is a native bird sanctuary just a short ferry ride from the mainland.
- Swim with the fishes. Hire a snorkel – or dive gear – and marvel at the sea life around Goat Island Marine Reserve.