Hawke’s Bay is famed for its idyllic beaches, wineries and art deco architecture. If you’re looking to host a corporate event in this region, we’ve got you covered with a list of the 13 best corporate event venues in Hawkes Bay. From charming and unique spaces with a rich history to modern and sleek event centres, there is bound to be an option that hits the spot. For more venue options, check out our guide to Hawke's Bay venues here.
A purpose-built venue dedicated solely to conferences and corporate events, Napier Conference Centre ticks all the boxes when it comes to a modern and extensive space for your upcoming event. With 8 diverse and malleable event spaces spanning 2 floors, they cater for business meetings, launch parties and everything in between. Equipped with the latest technology, on-site catering and stunning waterfront views, Napier Conference Centre is conveniently located on Napier’s Marine Parade, a 10-minute drive from the airport and a stone’s throw away from the CBD.
Porters Boutique Hotel
In the heart of Havelock North Village, Porters Boutique Hotel is designed to give guests a sense of modern luxury and comfort. Surrounded by the majestic hills of Hawke’s Bay, it has 3 function rooms of varying size: The Triple Peaks Room, largest and able to host up to 70 guests, The Exchange Room, an elegant space that leads into a sunny courtyard and with a capacity of 30; and, finally, The Redwoods Room, ideal as a small, breakaway or meeting room for intimate gatherings for up to 10. Porters Boutique Hotel offers a host of services and facilities for conferences and meetings, audiovisual equipment included, and is delighted to cater on-site.
National Aquarium of NZ
You won't go wrong hosting your Hawke's Bay conference at the National Aquarium of NZ. With a duo of flexible spaces - an exhibition hall for larger parties, as well as a function room for more intimate affairs - this Hawke's Bay venue has everything you need and more. In the bustling city, they offer plenty of parking, external catering options, a helpful and knowledgable team and more. They cater to cocktail parties, conferences, seminars and more in their extraordinary space, boasting views that few others can: thriving ocean life, from penguins to octopi. The National Aquarium of NZ accommodates anywhere from 50 to 120 guests, making it one of Hawke's Bay's favourite conference venues. Factor in their Qualmark gold status, and you've found yourself a winner with this function space.
Moana Park
A boutique winery in the western hills of Hawke’s Bay, Moana Park pride themselves on being a rustic, outdoor event centre for all manner of events, corporate included. With flexible and attentive staff, they tailor packages to their guests’ needs and have a team dedicated to event management and planning. Resting on the rolling Puketapu hills, they are a 5-minute drive from Taradale and are fully-equipped to handle both outdoor and indoor events. Moana Park is a stunning venue settled in a valley, offering a wide, open space for your next corporate event.
Mangapapa Hotel
Located right outside Havelock North Village and a 20-minute drive from Napier, Mangapapa Hotel is a central event venue that offers peace and privacy. Their professional and helpful staff can cater to any business needs, from catering to private rooms for conferences and smaller meetings. They also provide corporate accommodation costs, complimentary WiFi, as well as any audiovisual equipment that should be required during the event. Mangapapa Hotel can host anywhere from 15 to 40 guests, with tailored menu options particular to corporate events.
Greenhill Lodge
Greenhill Lodge rests in the countryside of Hawke’s Bay, making for a picturesque and charming option for a corporate event venue. They have a team committed to planning, organising and helping you to host your event, allowing for the exclusive use of the lodge if needed, and are happy to provide all equipment, audiovisual included. Greenhill Lodge also offers on-site catering and corporate event packages for your consideration. Discerning, elegant and centrally located amidst the stunning greenery of Hawke’s Bay (a 15-minute drive from Hastings and Havelock North; 25 from Napier), Greenhill Lodge is an event centre with personality.
A Place To Be
Resting on 2.3 hectares in the countryside of Hawke’s Bay, A Place To Be specialises in conferences and retreats. It’s located 10-minutes from Hawke’s Bay Airport and Napier’s CBD, as well as 20-minutes from Hastings. There are two main rooms to choose from for corporate event venues: The Pohutukawa Room, with a capacity of 40, natural light and the option of extending outdoor for more space; and The Round Room, with a capacity of 40, with high ceilings, clear acoustics and space for flexibility. A Place To Be has both indoor and outdoor dining options, as well as a skilled team dedicated to event management and planning.
The Old Church
As its name suggests, The Old Church is a testament to the beauty and architecture of old, with high ceilings and a dazzling chandelier. It has 3 separate spaces (The Old Church itself, The Conservatory, and The Courtyard Garden and Bar) that can meld into 1, or be used individually for events, capable of holding up to 175 guests. A 10-minute drive from central Napier, The Old Church has been lovingly restored and converted into an event venue for classy vibes, with the choices of on-site accommodation and catering if required. Dedicated to celebrations, The Old Church is a wonderful space for corporate events.
St. George's Restaurant
A scenic 5-minute drive from Havelock North and Hastings, St. George’s is an award-winning restaurant and space with a tranquil atmosphere. Able to host anywhere from 30 to 300 guests, St. George’s boasts a variety of options, from their intimate piano room to their vine-covered courtyard. They offer on-site catering, as well as bespoke services for their guests, with staff dedicated to event organisation and planning. They also welcome events on their large, perfectly-manicured lawn, ideal for a celebration or event in a marquee, and are available all year long.
Art Deco Masonic Hotel
Recently refurbished, Art Deco Masonic Hotel is a breathtaking and award-winning hotel that boasts a genuine art deco flair to all those that visit. First opened in 1861, it sits on Marine Parade in Napier’s city centre, a short drive from the airport and with the ocean at its doors. Their team is available to help with catering, event planning, accommodation, activity scheduling and so much more. Art Deco Masonic Hote can host up to 220 guests, with packages tailored for functions and group set menus to make planning your corporate event a breeze.
Hawke's Bay Airport is approximately 5km from Napier CBD (around 10 minutes by car) and 20km from Hastings (around 20-25 minutes). This makes it easy for delegates to travel between the airport, accommodation and conference venues.
Talk about winery tours, cycling the Hawke's Bay Trails, golf, gannet colony tours, art deco experiences, food experiences, outdoor adventures and other local activities that extend a conference beyond the meeting room.
For larger conferences or events requiring accommodation, it's recommended to book 6-12 months in advance, particularly during spring and summer when the region is busy with weddings, tourism and major events.
