On a business trip to Auckland in New Zealand!
As soon as an application comes in to this beautiful country, my heart always starts beating a little faster. From my own experience I, Business Travel Consultant Mariska, can say that New Zealand is one of the most beautiful countries in the world. Should you make a business trip to this country try to combine the trip with a short, or if possible, a longer vacation. In this blog you will find useful tips and information that can come in handy during your next business trip to New Zealand!
Business City Auckland
If you travel to New Zealand, chances are you will arrive at Auckland, on the North Island. Although it is not the country's capital, Auckland (City of Sails) is the most important city in business terms. The city lies between two natural harbors, on and around a narrow strip of land, with the main landmark being the 328-meter-high Sky Tower. The Auckland Central Business District, also abbreviated as CBD is the economic heart of the city. It is home to luxury hotels, world-class restaurants and a thriving arts scene.
Hotels in the business district
A stylish and luxurious 4-star hotel in the heart of the business district, within walking distance of the Sky Tower. Each room is modernly decorated and from the highest floors you have sweeping views of the city center. The hotel also features a great rooftop bar, beautiful restaurant, gym and large meeting and event spaces. A more than fine hotel to stay overnight during your trip and invite business associates for a business dinner or drinks in the rooftop bar!
This 79-room Art Deco-style boutique hotel exudes elegance and is very centrally located in the business district. The hotel's restaurant is known for the most delicious high tea in Auckland. The hotel also features a sauna, jacuzzi and fitness center. A nice place to relax between the busy schedule!
Photos by: Hotel Fable Auckland.
Restaurants & Bars
The perfect place for breakfast with colleagues or a potential client, located in the heart of the CBD. Order the famous three-grain porridge (oatmeal with spiced, roasted pear and pistachio crunch...yum!) with a fresh juice or one of the delicious specialty coffee or teas.
- John & May's
This cocktail bar in the CBD serves Auckland's best cocktails, which are also a feast for the eyes. Imagine yourself back in the 1920s and order one (or two) of the many cocktails with names like Toast of the Admiral, facedown in the sand again & Jewel of Waiheke.
Located in the top of the Sky Tower, this restaurant rotates very slowly, constantly changing the view. Reserve a table just before sunset to make the view extra special. A truly fantastic experience to experience alone or with a colleague or business associate!
Airport transfers
The CBD is 23 kilometers from the Auckland Airport. There are several options for traveling from the airport to the city center. Two of these are:
- A private cab: you can arrange this yourself locally or Uniglobe Alliance Travel can book it for you in advance. This way you can board your own private transfer immediately upon arrival without any worries, you will not have to deal with unexpected costs and you will be at the business district of the city within 25 minutes. How nice!
- The Skybus: A more economical option is the SkyBus, which is a bus service from the airport to downtown Auckland. Several stops are made along the way, making the ride about an hour.
Must-do's besides business appointments
Besides staying overnight in special places and eating and drinking delicious food, the nature around Auckland has much beauty to offer. A few places that should definitely not be skipped I am happy to share below:
- Karekare: Here the mountains of the Waitakere Ranges meet the black sand beach and the sea. From the beach you can take a short walk to the impressive waterfalls.
- Waiheke Island: With emerald green waters, rocky bays and stunning beaches, this is an unexpected island near Auckland. The island is home to some 30 wineries and many restaurants. In addition to relaxing on the beach and eating good food, you can do some great hiking through the natural areas and along beautiful cliffs.
Should you have a little more time, a short road trip is highly recommended. Some highlights you can visit in a few days are:
- Coromandel Peninsula: Take a drive along the spectacular coastline, passing highlights such as hot water beach and cathedral cove along the way.
- Mount Maunganui: A nice place to stop on the way. It is the name of a no longer active volcano that towers high above the city. From this volcano, which can be reached by an easy hike, you have a beautiful view of the entire bay.
- Rotorua: Located in an area with a lot of geothermal activity of volcanic origin. To get a good impression of this area in a short time, it is recommended to visit Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland, here you will find brightly colored volcanic lakes, sinkholes, steam and mud pools, among other things.
- Tongariro National Park: For true hiking enthusiasts, the Tongariro Alpine Crossing is a beautiful trek of over 19 kilometers through an active volcanic area. Along the way, you will be treated to the most beautiful views. These include views of the peaks of Mount Ngauruhoe (2287m and better known as Mount Doom from Lord of the Rings). Then you hike past craters and are rewarded with a view of the clear blue crater lakes: the Emerald Lakes.
- Bay of Islands: At 234km to the north lies a tropical area consisting of more than 140 islets with white beaches surrounded by blue waters. The best base is Paihia, a small tourist town in the heart of Bay of Islands. From here you can take various boat trips, spot dolphins, take the ferry to Russell or relax on one of the beautiful beaches.
If you can stay a week or even longer, you could combine some of the itineraries described above. Another possibility is to fly from Auckland to Christchurch and make a road trip across the South Island, which is beautiful and even more spectacular than the North Island. To get a good impression of this part of New Zealand, however, you will need more time. Actually, the South Island is a chain of highlights, but here are some tips:
- Abel Tasman National Park
- Banks Peninsula
- Wanaka and Queenstown
- Milford Sound
- Mount Cook National Park and Franz Josef Glacier
- Arthurs Pass National Park
If you would like more information about a business trip to New Zealand please contact us. We are happy to help you work out your business travel plans.
Travel Well!
Mariska den Hartogh
Business Travel Consultant
