New venues for Hamilton and Waikato

Hobbiton Movie Set 

The Hamilton and Waikato region in New Zealand continues to grow in popularity as a business events destination, with a busy calendar of events well underway for 2015. An easy drive from Auckland and the central North Island and supported by a busy regional airport, the Hamilton and Waikato region is attracting strong interest from national and international conference and incentive organisers.

“With world-class venues, international hotel brands and some really unique and exciting attractions, the Hamilton and Waikato region is a strong contender in the business events space”, says the region’s Convention Bureau Manager, Lynn Briggs.

“Well established professional conference and events venues such as the award-winning Claudelands Conference and Exhibition Centre and Mystery Creek Events Centre are a huge asset to our region, with the flexibility and space to cater for large numbers, and creative design teams who work collaboratively with clients to deliver amazing events”, says Briggs.

The Hamilton & Waikato region is also a favourite for incentive organisers. Hobbiton Movie Set continues to be a major drawcard for incentive groups, with the popular attraction regularly hosting functions for large international groups. Hamilton Gardens, ‘International Garden of the Year 2014’, is hugely popular with groups for its beautifully themed outdoor spaces, and Zealong Tea Estate is fast becoming a must-do for meetings and partner programmes.

Teambuilding and leisure activities are plentiful, with the region’s natural assets of Waitomo, Sanctuary Mountain and Raglan offering plenty of opportunities for event organisers to create a truly unforgettable experience. The region’s growth as a hub for high performance sport also offers many opportunities for business events groups wanting something different - from meeting and function venues overlooking Lake Karapiro, training ground of New Zealand’s high performance rowers, to have-a-go sessions on the track at the Avantidrome, home of Cycling New Zealand.

News from the Hamilton and Waikato Region

New Meeting Venue at Hobbiton Movie Set

Hobbiton Movie Set is pleased to announce that the construction of The Millhouse will begin in July 2015. The Millhouse will be a warm and welcoming environment to host intimate gatherings. Situated in the heart of the Shire, the Millhouse is a fully themed standalone venue. Filled with Sandymans flour sacks and exposed cogs that drive the waterwheel, the Millhouse has Middle-earth atmosphere with an industrial twist. An intriguing and exciting addition to Hobbiton, the grand opening of the Millhouse will take place in October 2015. Contact shayne@hobbitontours.com or visit www.hobbitontours.com.

SKYCITY Hamilton Refurbishes Function Centre

SKYCITY Hamilton

SKYCITY Hamilton have recently completed a soft refurbishment of their Function Centre. The conference venue in the heart of the Hamilton CBD has been modernised with a completely refreshed paint scheme, new carpet, updated signage and some upgraded AV equipment. Contact Hamilton.functions@skycity.co.nz or visit www.skycityhamilton.co.nz.

Discover Waitomo Events and Incentives Packages

Discover Waitomo have introduced three new events and incentives packages showcasing the world famous activities and food and beverage options available at this iconic location. The packages include a variety of tour and meal combinations, with performance and cultural experience options available. The packages are completely customisable depending upon client needs and provide a professional and entertaining extra for any conference or meeting. Contact Vincent.Knipmeijer@THLONLINE.com or visit www.waitomo.com.

New Managers for Quest Properties

The managers of Quest on Ward have also taken over Quest Hamilton. Robert and Chern Hunter now manage both Hamilton properties. The managers, who have operated Quest on Ward for the past three years, say “We will continue to operate both and look forward to developing Quest Hamilton, a lovely heritage boutique property”. In 2014, Quest on Ward won 2014 Franchise of the year out of 34 properties in NZ and Fiji.

Michael Eccles Joins Sudima Hamilton

Sudima Hamilton

Michael Eccles has joined the Sudima Management team as Hotel Manager for Sudima Hamilton. Sudima say “Michael joins us with a wealth of experience, holding Senior Management positions with Accor Hotels & Resorts, CityLife Hotel and The George in Christchurch to name a few. He also has completed his Advanced Diploma in Hotel Management at the Pacific International Hotel School. Michael is a strong hotel operator, and resides in Hamilton with his wife and daughter and is very experienced within the local Hamilton market. We see Michael making Sudima Hamilton one of the region’s best with a strong team behind him.”