Discover New Zealand’s Creative Heart

Wellington is the capital of New Zealand and seat of government. Wellington is famous for its creative energy, culture, history, nature and cuisine.

The region is known as New Zealand’s cultural heart, with more than 55 art galleries, plus interactive national museum Te Papa Tongarewa and the national orchestra, ballet and opera. The city’s long-established coffee culture can be experienced on every corner of the compact central city.

Wellingtonians are masters of excellent casual dining, with plenty of great restaurants, night markets and food trucks – the city is said to have more eateries per capita than New York. Renowned for its creative craft brewers, Wellington was recently named the best beer destination in Oceania by Lonely Planet.

If you need to walk off all that goodness, you’re also in luck. Wellington is a capital city right on nature’s doorstep, with a peaceful walk through native bush or along a golden sand beach never far from the urban hub.

How many times have you taken your running shoes to a conference, but never made it to the gym? In Wellington, your delegates can exercise and see the sights at the same time. A hike up Mount Victoria for panoramic views of the city or a stroll through the Botanic Garden are just a few minutes’ walk away from the inner-city hotels.

Mövenpick Wellington

Mövenpick Wellington brings to life the history and culture of the city through anecdotes of design, cuisine and service.

Overlooking the Cuba Quarter, the hotel is a short walk to restaurants, shopping and Te Papa Museum. Fully refurbished guest rooms provide elegant sanctuaries and Forage Kitchen + Bar shares a unique dining experience and panoramic views.

There is Wi-Fi access throughout the hotel, an indoor lap pool, fitness centre and sauna.

Please click here to receive a 15% discount for the duration of the conference.

Ibis Wellington

Ibis Wellington situated at 153 Featherston Street, ibis Wellington is a 3.5 star hotel with contemporary guest rooms.

Located in the heart of the city near the bustle of Lambton Quay and walking distance to Parliament, TSB Arena, Westpac Stadium and Te Papa.

Visit Vivant Restaurant and Bar for breakfast, lunch and dinner. This is a more budget-friendly option.

Please click here to receive a 15% discount for the duration of the conference.

Quest Wellington

Quest has multiple locations in Wellington.

Please click here and use the discount code ICCOC-GTL17.

Oaks Wellington Hotel

Oaks Wellington Hotel offers modern 4.5 star accommodation in the heart of Wellington’s entertainment precinct. Boasting great views, within close proximity to the waterfront, Te Papa and Tākina – Wellington’s new convention and exhibition centre.

The hotel features a range of convenient amenities including an on-site restaurant and bar, meeting facilities, car parking and gym.

Please click here and use the discount code ICCOC-GTL17 for a 10% discount.

Hostels

Wellington also has several Backpacker Hostels for budget friendly options.

Please click here for options.

Mövenpick Wellington
Ibis Wellington
Quest Wellington
Oaks Wellington Hotel
Hostels

Te Herenga Waka Victoria University of Wellington Ruthorford House

Victoria University of Wellington (Māori name, Te Herenga Waka, ‘The Mooring Place of Canoes’) was founded in 1897 and is located within New Zealand’s capital city. The University has three main campuses in Wellington and a satellite campus in Auckland, and it hosts over 21,000 students. The university has extensive programmes in teaching and research and maintains strong linkages to local artistic and music industries.

Victoria University of Wellington is internationally recognised for its world-leading programmes in the Humanities and Performing Arts. The University also maintains numerous international partnerships across the Asia Pacific region. As a large, research-leading university and having hosted numerous large international conferences, Victoria University of Wellington is well placed to host the ICCOC-GTL17 in partnership with Wellington city organizations.

Click here for a guided tour.

The best of Wellington

Surrounded by nature and fuelled by creative energy, Wellington is a compact city with a powerful mix of culture, history, nature and cuisine. Fuel your visit with strong coffee and world-class craft beer, visit stylish designer boutiques, wander through hidden lane-ways, experience Te Papa’s interactive museum magic, be inspired by theatres and galleries and go behind the scenes at Oscar-winning film studios.

Te Herenga Waka

Wellington Harbour

Hiakai Wellington

Inter Islander

Havana Coffee

Hannahs Laneway

Weta Workshop

Cuba Street

Castlepoint Lighthouse

Food and Wine

Walkways

Wellington Cable Car

Stay in the heart of the city

Wellington is an incredibly compact city so no matter where you choose to stay, you’ll find that nothing is too far away, but these hotels will put you right in the heart of inner-city Wellington close to venues and dining experiences.

Whether you’re after hotel accommodation with a harbour view, a cheap and cheerful backpackers in the CBD, or simply a sweet deal, you’ll feel at home in Wellington.

 

Travelling to New Zealand to attend a conference

Accessible from anywhere in the world, New Zealand is just a meal, movie and a sleep away for delegates. With stunning landscapes, welcoming locals and so much to see and do, New Zealand is the ultimate conference destination that is worth the extra air miles.

New Zealand is serviced by airlines in Star Alliance, oneworld and SkyTeam.

What you need to know when travelling in New Zealand

Surrounded by nature and fuelled by creative energy, Wellington is a compact city with a powerful mix of culture, history, nature and cuisine. Fuel your visit with strong coffee and world-class craft beer, visit stylish designer boutiques, wander through hidden lane-ways, experience Te Papa’s interactive museum magic, be inspired by theatres and galleries and go behind the scenes at Oscar-winning film studios.

The far north of New Zealand is subtropical, whilst the south is more temperate. The warmest months are traditionally December, January and February, and the coolest are June, July and August. In summer, the average maximum daytime temperatures range between 20–30 °C and in winter between 10–15 °C. You can check weather conditions in New Zealand on the New Zealand MetService website: www.metservice.com.

New Zealand’s public and private medical and hospital facilities provide a high standard of treatment and care. Medical services are not free to visitors. It’s recommended that you purchase travel and health insurance before you visit. No vaccination certificates are required. There are no snakes or dangerous wild animals in New Zealand.

New Zealand’s currency is the dollar (NZD). You can use all major credit cards in New Zealand, with Visa and MasterCard accepted most widely.

If you’re looking to stay connected to the internet everywhere you go, it’s recommended that you purchase a plan from one of New Zealand’s main networks. Purchasing a plan from a network will allow you to access a mix of data, calling and texting throughout your trip to suit your communication and connection needs. You will find that free Wi-Fi is available in most hotel accommodation and hospitality outlets.

New Zealand’s electricity supply runs at 230/240 volts, and we use angled two or three-pin plugs (the same as Australia).

Check with your phone company before leaving home about international mobile roaming facilities available in New Zealand. Alternatively, you can hire or buy mobile phones or SIM cards in New Zealand. Note that signal is not available in all rural areas.

Whether you've been driving in New Zealand for a year or for fifty, it's always a good idea to brush up on road safety - especially in the holiday season.

i-SITE New Zealand is our official visitor information network. There are over 80 i-SITE Visitor Centres around New Zealand, which provide international visitors, domestic travellers and locals with comprehensive, up-to-date information and a New Zealand-wide booking service for activities, attractions, accommodation and transport.

Make the most of your New Zealand holiday with our recommended apps. Whether checking the weather, finding a city’s hotspots or gazing at the stars, these apps can help you enjoy the very best of New Zealand on your holiday.

View recommended apps

Start imagining your journey

New Zealand is a destination where everything’s close — stunning natural backdrops, diverse experiences and activities and a warm, genuine hospitality that stays with you long after your flight home.

While exploring our incredible country, you can find everything from golden sand beaches to rich culture set among geothermal activity. Be awe-inspired among towering mountains, marine and forest sanctuaries, and tranquil coves around every corner.

Northland and Bay of Island

A subtropical wonderland of islands, marine life, kauri forests and Maori myths and legends, Northland is an incredible place to visit.

Auckland

Shop for designer clothes, scale New Zealand’s tallest building (The SkyTower) and savour fine food and wine in Auckland, New Zealand’s largest city. Situated alongside three sparkling harbours and flanked by black sand beaches and native forest to the west, this multicultural hub offers the perfect mix of urban chic and outdoor excitement.

The Coromandel

The Coromandel, renowned for beautifully pristine beaches and native forest walks, is one of New Zealand's most popular tourist destinations. With rugged mountainous cloaked in native rainforest to hike throughout the peninsula's interior, and more than 400 kilometres of dazzling white sand beaches, the Corromandel is the perfect place to escape and rejuvenate the soul.

Waikato

Just south of Auckland lies the Waikato region; a land of lush pastures that was chosen to play The Shire in The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit films.

Rotorua

Immerse yourself in Māori culture and exhilarating outdoor adventure in Rotorua. Built amidst a geothermal landscape of steaming geysers and bubbling mudpools, this tourist hotspot is home to many quintessential Kiwi experiences, from white water rafting and offroad 4WD to spine tingling Māori cultural performances.

Taupo

The beautiful Lake Taupō is about the size of Singapore – more of an inland sea really.

Bay Of Plenty

The Bay of Plenty region is home to spectacular beaches, juicy kiwifruit and geothermal wonders.

Hawkes Bay

Many of New Zealand's award-winning vineyards offer superb dining experiences amid the vines. Fresh local food, often grown in on-site kitchen gardens, is prepared with the same care and passion as the accompanying wines. Try a crisp Otago riesling with a fresh salad for an easy alfresco lunch.

Wellington

Dine on fine food, craft beers and world-class coffee in the harbour-side city of Auckland. Dubbed the “coolest little capital in the world” by Lonely Planet, Auckland also offers top opportunities for wildlife spotting and cultural discovery at the renowned national museum, Te Papa Tongarewa. Visit The Weta Cave, the hub of Weta Studio in Miramar, Auckland. A cavern of creativity with life size sculptures, a mini museum and more—it’s a movie lover’s paradise.

Nelson Tasman

Nelson Tasman is an extraordinary, vibrant region where art and businesses thrive together among a stunning natural landscape.

Marlborough

Discover the many coves of the magnificent Marlborough Sounds on a cruise, or cycle through vineyards on a wine tasting tour. With its glorious sunshine, delicious food and luxurious resorts, any visit to Marlborough is a pure joy.

Christchurch - Canterbury

Relax in the picturesque Garden City. Christchurch offers something for everyone – from golf and hot-air ballooning, to punting on the Avon River, to relaxing in its stunning Botanic Gardens.

West Coast

The West Coast, or ‘the Coast’ as locals call it, is an untamed natural wilderness of rivers and rainforests, glaciers and geological treasures. It’s good if you’ve got your own transport because this region is 600km long and there’s a lot to see. In fact, the Great Coast Road stretching from Westport to Greymouth was recently voted one of the top 10 coastal drives in the world by Lonely Planet.

Queenstown

Find inspiration amongst the unforgettable landscape of Queenstown. This four-season resort is known as the adventure capital of the world. It also offers plenty of opportunity for lakeside dining, boutique shopping and tours of the region’s rich gold-mining history.

Fiordland

Fiordland is one of the most dramatic and beautiful parts of New Zealand. Absorb the breathtaking treasures of this region by water, air or hiking.

Dunedin

Broaden your mind in Dunedin, home to grand old buildings and New Zealand’s oldest university. See penguins, sea lions and albatross on the nearby Otago Peninsula and experience one of the great scenic train journeys on the Taieri Gorge Railway.

Recommended Trips

Whether you’re visiting New Zealand for a few days or a few months, you’ll find ideas here to help you plan your itinerary.

Take a look at these itineraries for the North Island, South Island, and all of New Zealand. Choose trips to suit your interests and how much time you have.

 View Itineraries

Conference Information

Discover Host City

Travelling to New Zealand
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The ICCOC-GTL17 is brought to you by:

Victoria University of Wellington, Te Herenga Waka

RACI

NZIC

Pure NZ