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10 of the Best Bay of Plenty Meeting Venues

by Raashka Mannie | 21 Jul 2022

Bay of Plenty has so much to offer in the way of meeting spaces. This coastal region, so beloved for its characterful collection of venues - embracing everything from the love of theatre to the love of opulent hotels - has a series of meeting venues that bring with them familiar ocean views. Kitted out and designed to maximise productivity, these meeting venues boast the best of the Bay of Plenty region. After all, nothing says efficiency like an environment tailored to spur it on. Below, we have a collection of some of the best meeting venues Bay of Plenty has under its wide wing. If you’re after the complete guide to the region, click here.

Arawa Park Hotel Rotorua

Image by Arawa Park Hotel Rotorua

As part of the esteemed Rydges Hotel collection, Arawa Park has an uncompromised commitment to quality events. The Hotel has seven event spaces, including conference rooms, pre-function areas, breakout spaces, boardrooms and the Atrium Restaurant. 

Hilton Taupo


Image by Hilton Taupo

Hilton Taupo, surrounded by verdant greenery and boasting clear views of Lake Taupo, is one of Bay of Plenty’s favourite meeting venues. This elegant hotel is here to offer their world-class facilities for your upcoming meeting, conference and more. It was built in 1889 and carefully refurbished in recent years, their space combining Victorian charm and modern comfort, a mere 10 minutes from the city and featuring everything from tennis courts to fitness centres. Hilton Taupo provides a myriad of spaces for your meeting, including The Terraces, Cellar Lounge, Library and Study, accommodating anywhere from 8 to 260 guests. With fantastic on-site catering courtesy of talented chefs, on-site accommodation options and more, this Bay of Plenty meeting venue can cater to everything you need and more.

 

Longfords Estate


Image by Rambo Estrada Photography

Longfords Estate is a bespoke Bay of Plenty venue with diverse and overarching facilities designed to make planning and running your meeting extra easy. This Bay of Plenty venue does it all, from corporate to personal events, and is only 15km from the airport. Set on a 2000-acre farm and family-owned since 1937, this meeting venue can host anywhere from 160 to 320 guests, perfect for your upcoming meeting no matter the size or style. Longfords Estate is a serene 10-minute drive from the centre of Rotorua, settled at the end of a long beautiful redwood-lined driveway. Their facilities are endless, including everything from tailored on-site catering to a quirky caravan bar, Lola, for added character. Managed by local wedding and events planner, Nicolle Hannah, you can rest assured that your meeting at this Bay of Plenty venue will go off without a hitch.

 

The Orchard


Image by The Orchard

A business and events hub, The Orchard brings you a multitude of spaces and rooms for your next Bay of Plenty meeting. They can host up to 100 guests, with their facilities including high-speed WiFi and state-of-the-art audiovisual technology. Their meeting spaces include: Mahi Tahi, seating up to 80; Puawai, seating up to 40; Poipoi (can be combined with Tupu), seating up to 12; Tupu (can be combined with Poipoi), seating up to 8; Kakano, seating up to 6; and Hono, seating up to 6. All of these meeting rooms come with refreshments upon request, ensuring that you and your delegates are well-taken care of. The Orchard’s rooms have plenty of natural light and air conditioning, with external catering options available. With the professional atmosphere and helpful team on hand, you’re promised a successful Bay of Plenty meeting.

 

Trinity Wharf


Image by Trinity Wharf

Few event and conference venues can match the outlook at Trinity Wharf. Trinity Wharf is a premium hotel and conference venue owned by a local family whose dream was to highlight the beauty & spirit of the Tauranga harbour and surrounds with this stunning over-water hotel.

Built on three piers that stretch over the water’s edge, the hotel’s panoramic water views framed by floor to ceiling glass bring the tranquil elements of the outside world in. Coastal décor elements such as white walls, flowing curtains and interiors layered with neutrals, blues and sandy tones impart the type of tranquil ambience needed for a relaxing weekend escape,  business meeting or work trip away. 


Whether for work or play, our guests come to relax from the hustle and bustle of city life, and to soak up the relaxed, laid-back atmosphere.

Cambridge Raceway


Image by Cambridge Raceway

Cambridge Raceway is a go-to venue in the Bay of Plenty region for all kinds of functions - including meetings. Established in 1919, this meeting venue offers a series of event packages, hire items and spaces for your upcoming event. They know how to go the extra mile for your meeting, whether it’s through their service or their facilities. Their amenities include it all, such as free on-site parking, audiovisual equipment and assistance, tailored catering options and more. Cambridge Raceway boasts a multitude of rooms for your meeting, including the Skyline Lounge, Presidents’ Lounge, Eastern Lounge, Members’ Lounge, Grandstand, and even their manicured lawns. You’ll be hosting your meeting in classic style with this Bay of Plenty venue, fully-equipped to make planning and running everything a breeze.

 

Hotel Armitage


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A versatile hotel venue in Bay of Plenty, Hotel Armitage features a total of 4 main function rooms to choose from and an expert events team on hand to help with everything from start to finish. Their spaces include the Washington Room, with a capacity of 150 guests and able to be combined with Domain Room; Domain Room, with a capacity of 80 guests and able to be combined with Washington Room; Harbourview Function Room, overlooking Tauranga Harbour and with a capacity of 80 guests; and, lastly, Gallery Function Room, overlooking the busy city and with a capacity of 50. Hotel Armitage offers on-site catering, audiovisual equipment and assistance, high-speed WiFi, and so much more - everything you need to host a perfect Bay of Plenty meeting.

 

Hamurana Lodge


Image by Expedia

Hamurana Lodge is a luxurious space that offers boutique accommodation and a cushy corporate experience for you and your guests. With state-of-the-art technology on hand, helpful staff and various areas to choose between, this Bay of Plenty venue can be the ideal location for your next meeting. Hamurana Lodge can host up to 20 guests indoors, making it perfect for meetings and other intimate gatherings. If you’re looking to add on a team-building event, they offer everything, from wine-tasting to adventure activities and tours for you and your colleagues to unwind. As an award-winning hotel, Hamurana Lodge specialises in tailored, impeccable service, boasting 15 acres of surrounding land and customised itineraries for you and your lucky guests, just 15 minutes from the airport.

 

Mount Maunganui Lifeguard Service


Image by Mount Maunganui Lifeguard Service

Mount Maunganui Lifeguard Service is a Bay of Plenty venue like few others, sitting on one of the best beaches in the world and serving as a functional but stylish space to host your meeting. Their main space can seat up to 110 guests, with a sprawling deck to enjoy the ocean air and sunshine. Mount Maunganui Lifeguard Service also boasts meeting rooms, an upstairs function room and accommodation facilities, making it a more comprehensive and multi-purpose venue in the Bay of Plenty. No matter the scale or purpose of your Bay of Plenty meeting, Mount Maunganui Lifeguard Service can be the ideal venue for you. They also offer catering options, as well as audiovisual equipment and high-speed WiFi to ensure your meeting runs perfectly is as productive as the view is pretty.

 

Classic Flyers


Image by Tourism Bay of Plenty

Classic Flyers is a Bay of Plenty venue that loves accommodating meetings, seminars and other corporate events. This museum is all about preserving the varied and rich history of aviation in New Zealand; there is no venue more unique than this, offering education and elegance in equal spades. Choose from the Rotary Room, Armoury Room, Boeing Room and Museum Hangar, all available for exclusive or partial hire. Each space is flexible and offers plenty of natural light, hosting up to 1000 guests in the biggest option. Classic Flyers has a stellar team on board to assist you with all your organising, planning and audiovisual needs. They also boast a ton of on- and off-site parking for your meeting, as well as their much-loved café and bar open throughout the day. Dine inside or out at their Garden Bar or cosy interior, with a myriad of menu options and an extensive selection of local beers, wines and more.

 

Waverly on Wairoa


Image by Waverly on Wairoa

A purpose-built venue in Bay of Plenty, Waverly on Wairoa is seated right above the serene waters of the Wairoa River, offering peaceful views and surrounded by the natural beauty of the Bay of Plenty. This meeting venue features natural polished floors, neutral tones, vast sliding doors and an enormous deck to soak up the sunlight. A handful of minutes from Tauranga’s centre and an hour from Bay of Plenty, Waverly on Wairoa hosts meetings of every size, equipped with an expert events team to help with the organising of your Bay of Plenty function. They also offer team building activities for you and your guests. Waverly on Wairoa can accommodate anywhere from 60 to 140 guests; their main events space adapts to whatever layout you please. With a commercial kitchen for your caterer’s use, this Bay of Plenty venue is a wonderful option for your upcoming meeting.