Tourism New Zealand Global Manager Business Events Penelope Ryan says: “When you add this new conference infrastructure to New Zealand’s innovation and experiential content possibilities, the opportunities for unique perspectives from its Māori culture, the growing schedule of direct flights, and, of course, the country’s ‘bucket-list’ destination appeal, it really makes New Zealand an attractive proposition.”
Auckland’s positive pipeline
When it opens in February 2026, the New Zealand International Convention Centre (NZICC) will put New Zealand firmly in the bracket of premier destinations for conferences of 500-4000 pax.
The largest of the country’s three new convention centres, the NZICC will boast adaptable, multi-purpose event space in the heart of central Auckland, with a vast choice of hotel rooms, dining options, shopping, and entertainment within walking distance.
NZICC General Manager Prue Daly says the convention centre will add capacity to the existing mix of versatile venue options in New Zealand’s largest city. “The NZICC is aiming to hold 500 events a year, 80% of which would be business-focused,” she notes.
The NZICC already has nine confirmed major conferences announced publicly, which will attract some 15,500 people to Auckland. In 2026 these include the International Coral Reef Symposium (2500 pax), the International Confederation of Principals Convention (1600 pax), and the International Dairy Federation World Dairy Summit (1500 pax).
More conferences are expected to be formally announced soon; Daly says NZICC currently has 20 international events confirmed and more than 200 proposals pending in the pipeline until 2033.
Wellington exceeds attendance expectations
Capital city Wellington has 22 international conferences booked in 2025. The influx follows a flurry of bidding activity post-pandemic that is finally reaching fruition, says Business Events Wellington Manager Irette Ferreira. “Tākina Wellington Convention and Exhibition Centre is nearly two years old and going from strength to strength.”
Earlier this year the venue hosted the 8th World Conference for the International Council for Traditions of Music and Dance, attracting more than 500 delegates from 85 countries.
Local Arrangements Chair, Brian Diettrich, Associate Professor in Ethnomusicology at the New Zealand School of Music at Victoria University of Wellington says the appeal of Wellington and New Zealand drove higher than expected turnout.
“We had more than 1,000 people put in proposals for the conference programme. We were successful in getting a lot of performers to come, far more than any recent ICTM conference,” he comments. “Coming here was much further away for most people. So, it seemingly would be more challenging, but it actually worked very, very easily. Everyone was very excited to be in Wellington; the venue was beautiful, everyone loved being able to walk around the city, and people were raving about the food.”
“What we did in terms of programming—with the Indigenous focus and all the amazing performing groups—really re-energised the conference in exciting ways.”
Notable upcoming conferences at Tākina Wellington Convention Centre include the International Conference on Urban Health 2025, the International Council for Open and Distance Education’s 30th World Conference, and the International Conference on Digital Preservation.
Christchurch rates highly for return visits
Meanwhile in Ōtautahi Christchurch, Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre is exceeding expectations. The venue attracted an estimated 80,200 guests across 217 events in the year to November 2024, with international guests from Australia, North America and Asia making a significant economic impact.
Te Pae Christchurch General Manager Ross Steele says: “Our whole team are exceptionally proud of what has been an incredible three years since opening in May 2022.”
Te Pae Christchurch represents a unique drawcard, with over half of delegates surveyed having not previously visited New Zealand. Respondents said Christchurch is a great place for business events, with friendly locals, a highly walkable inner city, and an attractive natural environment; 95% plan to return to the region for a holiday in the next five years. Steele notes that, thanks to the wider appeal of New Zealand, 18% of international delegates were accompanied by a partner, friend or family member who didn’t attend the event.
“It’s pleasing to see most delegates surveyed were very satisfied with their experience at Te Pae Christchurch, and almost all (99%) said they would recommend Christchurch to friends, family and colleagues as a place to visit.”
Steele says a strong pipeline of events includes UN event the 8th International Adaptation Futures Conference this October, the International Society of Arboriculture, and the International Cool Climate Wine Symposium.
Find out more about strategic funding and support to bring your conference to New Zealand on Tourism New Zealand Business Events