Surrounded by oceans and islands with spectacular landscapes including volcanoes and black-sand beaches, Auckland is the fastest-growing city in New Zealand. The traditional Māori name for Auckland — Tāmaki Makaurau — means “the place desired by many,” an apt description for this bucket-list destination that welcomed a record number of American visitors in 2025: more than 385,000. That number will likely rise thanks to major investments in airport infrastructure, hotel inventory, waterfront development, the upcoming underground City Rail Link and the recently opened $750 million New Zealand International Convention Centre … all building buzz around Auckland and powering the business events industry.

© NEW ZEALAND INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION CENTRE (NZICC)

“New Zealand has always been appealing to North American travelers for its natural beauty, our culture and our sense of adventure; but with the NZICC, there’s this real sense of momentum,” said Ken Pereira, head of Business Events, Auckland Convention Bureau. “The City Rail Link will be a gamechanger for the visitor experience, improving access across the city center and wider region, enabling delegates to move between venues, hotels, dining and attractions.”

Auckland has boosted its international connectivity, with six airlines flying direct from six major North American cities. The airport lies just 20 minutes from the city center, and a range of transport options includes trains, buses, ferries, rideshares and private transfers.

Readily accessible to delegates beyond the meeting room doors lies a world of culture, sports, culinary delights and outdoor adventures, making it easy to treat colleagues and clients to memorable, authentic experiences.

“Delegates can finish a conference session and be sailing on the Waitematā Harbour, visiting a volcanic island, enjoying world-class dining or experiencing Māori culture within a short distance of the city center,” noted Pereira. “The convention center is connected to three hotels — Horizon Hotel, the Grand by SkyCity and SkyCity Hotel — and we have a strong mix of premium international brands and boutique hotels within walking distance of NZICC and key business precincts.”

More than 8,000 hotel rooms surround the NZICC, including upscale properties perfect for hosting meetings, cocktail receptions or after-hours nightcaps. The 172-room Sofitel Auckland Viaduct Harbour offers breathtaking water views and European glamor, while newly renovated JW Marriott Auckland features themed suites and quiet luxury in the heart of the city.

Start the day with Sofitel’s sumptuous breakfast buffet before encouraging colleagues to explore the “hidden city” with you on an Aucky Walky tour. Take advantage of Auckland’s proximity to the water by kayaking to nearby volcanic islands or booking an America’s Cup Sailing Experience to coast around Waitematā Harbour.

© ALL BLACKS EXPERIENCE

Treat sports-loving clients to the All Blacks Experience, where a team legend leads an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour through New Zealand’s rugby culture. Or head about an hour north of Auckland to hit balls on the two-acre Playground (the world’s largest putting green) or to enjoy golf at the 36-hole Te Arai Links.

For an otherworldly experience, bring clients to the immersive Wētā tours and workshops, from the studios that created Lord of the Rings and other movies. Seeing the creative process behind blockbuster films will wow colleagues.

Home to more than 170 ethnicities, Auckland boasts a diverse culinary scene. On June 30 the inaugural Michelin Guide New Zealand selections were announced, celebrating the region’s world-class cuisine. Colleagues will enjoy browsing the Matakana Village Farmers Market to choose fresh, local items for an alfresco lunch by the river’s edge. Or head to Brick Bay for farm-to-table food and wine surrounded by stunning vistas plus the chance to stroll through a lovely sculpture trail through native bush and open fields.

© TĀTAKI AUCKLAND UNLIMITED

Once plenary sessions let out, Pereira suggests taking clients on a 35-minute ferry ride to Waiheke Island for a ziplining adventure with EcoZip through the tree tops or a wine tour.

“Waiheke Island is quite unique, with 30 vineyards and its own microclimate,” he said. “You can combine attending a business event with other transformational visitor experiences, from Māori cultural storytelling to island escapes. Food, wine and nature is [sic] all within easy reach of our city centre.”

Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy hiking on Rangitoto Island, a dormant volcano, or exploring the black-sand beaches of the west coast and visiting the Hauraki Gulf.

For cocktails and dinner, bring clients to Viaduct Harbour, Commercial Bay or Karangahape Road — all showcase Auckland’s connection to local produce, Māori cuisine and Pacific flavors. For more restaurant ideas, check out the 2026 Iconic Auckland Eats Top 100 list. Chosen by the public, the selection of dishes celebrating the region is only available here.