Major New Convention Centre to be Developed in Auckland, New Zealand

An international convention centre is to be developed in Auckland, New Zealand.

The New Zealand International Convention Centre will be designed, built and operated by SKYCITY Entertainment Group. The NZ$315m development includes public convention and exhibition space capable of accommodating 3,500 convention delegates at one time.

It is expected to open in mid/late 2017 and is located in the heart of Auckland’s vibrant CBD, within walking distance of more than 4,700 hotel rooms and numerous shopping and restaurant precincts.

Tourism New Zealand’s Chief Executive Kevin Bowler says with the development of the NZICC it’s time for conference organisers to put Auckland and New Zealand firmly on their radar.

“Holding an event in New Zealand would exceed all visitor expectations. Where else in the world do you find world class conferencing facilities close to crystal-clear waters or where you can be exploring a stunningly rugged rainforest one hour and sailing on an America’s Cup yacht in a glorious harbour setting the next?,” said Mr Bowler. “All of this natural beauty, unspoilt by the country’s equally impressive cosmopolitan flavour makes New Zealand the perfect place for business and pure leisure.”

ATEED (Auckland Tourism, Events and Economic Development) Chief Executive Brett O’Riley said that with the establishment of a world-class facility at SKYCITY, Auckland is now open for business and poised to host large international conferences.

“Auckland has the people, places and conferencing facilities to make your conference experience not only magical, but memorable and we look forward to welcoming delegates from around the globe to our world class city,” Mr O’Riley said.

Auckland is New Zealand’s largest city, with a population of approximately 1.5 million people.

The city is easily accessible with direct flights to 33 international and 22 domestic destinations. It is a three-hour flight from the eastern seaboard of Australia, a direct overnight flight from the west coast of North America and an approximate ten-hour flight from most places on the Pacific Rim, including Singapore, Hong Kong, Shanghai and Tokyo.