The Best Conference Venues to Take Your Team This Winter
Photos by Kauri Bay

The Best Conference Venues to Take Your Team This Winter

by Avya Hlaváč |
Photos by Kauri Bay

Winter tends to be one of the most overlooked times of year for events - but when it comes to conferences, it couldn’t be better. With fewer peak-season bookings, many of New Zealand’s top conference and retreat venues have greater flexibility across the winter calendar, with the added benefit of off-peak rates and winter promotions.

In this handy guide, NZ Venues presents a selection of conference venues from countryside escapes to full-service conference hotels - ideal for your upcoming winter events. Now is the perfect time to start planning your mid-winter shenanigans, so dive into our 2026 list of the best conference venues to take your team this winter. 

Table of contents

    Kauri Bay

    Just 35 minutes from Auckland Airport, Kauri Bay combines productive conference spaces with immersive activities to let off some steam - all on an expansive 500-acre coastal estate overlooking the Hauraki Gulf.


    Winter Strategy & Team Experience:

    Designed for planning days, workshops and team alignment, this full-day experience includes exclusive use of The Lodge, a fully equipped conference setup, seasonal working lunch, a post-conference Wine Challenge, mulled wine and a shared winter dining experience.

    From $350 + GST pp | Full Day | Minimum 20 Guests

    Winter Client & Team Appreciation Experience:

    Perfect for rewarding teams or hosting valued clients, this half-day experience includes arrival drinks and grazing boards, hosted whiskey, wine or gin tastings, a shared winter-style dining experience and fireside dessert.

    From $260 + GST pp | Half Day | Minimum 15 Guests

    Limited availability across May-September - we recommend securing your preferred date early. 

    Discover the full package details here.

    Connemara Country Lodge

    Set on 7.5 acres of rolling farmland overlooking the Awhitu Peninsula and Manukau Harbour, Connemara Country Lodge is a peaceful countryside setting for conferences, retreats and team off-sites. Think - productive meetings followed by a scenic long lunch on the sun-soaked verandah.

    Corporate Retreats & Off-Sites

    Perfect for strategy sessions, destination lunches and overnight retreats, Connemara Country Lodge combines seminar spaces with expansive outdoor areas for team-building activities, focused meetings and long lunches. AV equipment, flexible catering options and accommodation for up to eight guests make it easy to turn a one-day meeting into a memorable winter escape.

    Venue Hire from $4,250 + GST | All-Inclusive Packages from $7,000 + GST | Up to 100 Guests

    Discover the full package details here.

    Tongariro Lodge

    Set at the foot of the world-famous National Park, Tongariro Lodge is a unique location for conferences, retreats and incentive events. From its cosy open-fire lounges to flexible accommodation and world-class outdoor experiences on its doorstep, it’s a venue designed to help teams disconnect from routine and reconnect in nature.

    Conferences & Corporate Retreats:

    Tongariro Lodge caters for groups of up to 100 delegates, with four dedicated meeting spaces, breakout rooms, onsite accommodation and tailored delegate packages that combine conference facilities, catering and activities into one seamless experience. Packages can include everything from gourmet dining and accommodation through to guided outdoor adventures and team-building activities.

    Team Building & Incentive Experiences:

    From trout fishing, white water rafting and mountain biking to snow skiing, heli hiking and guided walks through Tongariro National Park, Tongariro Lodge specialises in immersive outdoor team experiences. Onsite activities including spa pools, tennis courts, scenic walks and themed dinners help round out the retreat atmosphere.

    Tailored Delegate Packages Available | Up to 100 Guests | Accommodation Onsite

    Discover the full package details.

    Hilton Lake Taupo

    Overlooking Lake Taupō and the surrounding volcanic landscape, Hilton Lake Taupo offers a winter conference setting that feels removed from the everyday hustle and bustle. The perfect midway point between Auckland and Wellington, this upscale hotel is a natural meeting point for regional teams, combining flexible event spaces, on-site accommodation, and a strong sense of destination.


    Gather & Graze Package

    Designed for corporate meetings and full-day events, Hilton Lake Taupo’s Gather & Graze package includes a day delegate package, morning and afternoon tea, and a walk-and-fork lunch menu. Event organisers can also add arrival tea and coffee, along with additional dessert options, creating a polished and food-led conference experience in one of New Zealand’s most scenic regions.

    From $107 pp | 7 Event Spaces | 113 Guest Rooms Onsite

    Discover the full package details.

    Hilton Auckland

    Extending over Princes Wharf, Hilton Auckland is made for winter conferences and corporate events where harbour views and central convenience matter. Gather in a light-filled conference space overlooking the water, unwind with a cocktail at Bellini Bar, then make the most of the hotel’s luxurious onsite accommodation.

    Full-Day Conference Package

    Ideal for seminars, strategy sessions, and larger corporate gatherings, Hilton Auckland’s conference package includes arrival tea, coffee, and pastries; morning and afternoon tea; lunch; and access to naturally lit event spaces with sundecks for breakouts. For multi-day conferences or teams travelling to Auckland, the hotel also offers 2026 winter accommodation rates, making it easy to keep guests on-site and close to the city.

    From $109 pp | Events for 15-700+ Guests | Winter Accommodation from $230 per night

    Discover the full package details.

    DoubleTree by Hilton Auckland Karaka

    Set 25 minutes south of Auckland’s CBD in rural Karaka, DoubleTree by Hilton Auckland Karaka gives teams the feeling of a countryside escape without the long drive. With modern spaces and all the necessary inclusions, it’s a strong contender for off-site meetings, conferences and team gatherings that call for an all-in-one venue.

    Full-Day Delegate Package

    Available for winter events, DoubleTree by Hilton Auckland Karaka’s Full-Day Delegate Package includes venue hire, AV, catering and access to flexible event spaces with indoor and outdoor breakout areas. With Ethereal Restaurant, Horseshoe Bar, a heated swimming pool and gym facilities onsite, teams can easily extend a conference day into a more relaxed overnight experience.

    $85 pp | Events from 15 May-30 September 2026 | 172 sqm Event Space

    Discover the full package details.

    Cliffside Conferences

    Cliffside Conferences is New Zealand’s only purpose-built glamping-style corporate retreat venue. Designed for teams looking to steer away from traditional hotel conference rooms, Cliffside offers conference facilities alongside immersive outdoor spaces, luxury glamping accommodation, and fully coordinated multi-day retreat experiences.


    Deep Focus Retreat

    The Deep Focus Retreat includes two full working days onsite and two nights’ accommodation, giving teams the uninterrupted time and headspace needed to make genuine progress. Extended session blocks, integrated accommodation and fireside evenings allow ideas to develop naturally without rushed schedules or early departures.

    From $900 + GST pp | Two Nights | 20-80 Guests

    Strategy & Planning Retreat

    Ideal for leadership teams and businesses stepping away to align priorities and map out the next stage of growth, this focused one-night retreat combines structured conference sessions with seamless onsite accommodation and coordinated delivery.

    From $450 + GST pp | One-Night Retreat

    Team Alignment & Team-Building Retreat

    Designed for teams navigating change or strengthening collaboration, this retreat combines conference sessions with facilitated team-building experiences and shared outdoor activities.

    From $510 + GST pp | One- or Two-Night Formats Available

    Celebration & Recognition Retreat

    Perfect for milestone events, awards evenings and end-of-year celebrations, this package pairs a productive conference day with a professionally coordinated evening experience in a setting far removed from the ordinary.

    From $450 + GST pp | One- or Two-Night Formats Available

    Winter Offer - Ideas Around the Fire

    Book a winter corporate retreat between June and August 2026 and receive a complimentary fireside s’mores kit for your team. Simply quote “Ideas Around the Fire” at the time of booking.

    Discover the full package details.

    Sofitel Auckland Viaduct Harbour

    The culmination of marina views, five-star hospitality and polished spaces makes for a seamless winter conference experience at Sofitel Auckland Viaduct Harbour.


    Full-Day Delegate Package

    Ideal for meetings, workshops and corporate functions, Sofitel’s Full-Day Delegate Package includes venue hire and setup, arrival tea and coffee, morning tea, working lunch and afternoon tea - all delivered with the hotel’s signature hospitality. Event organisers can also enjoy complimentary valet parking for larger groups, discounted accommodation rates and double Reward points on bookings.

    $95 pp | Events for 15-130 Guests | Book by 31 July 2026 for events held until 30 August 2026

    Discover the full package details.

    Novotel Auckland Ellerslie

    Novotel Auckland Ellerslie provides flexible event spaces, excellent motorway access and both Novotel and Ibis accommodation onsite, offering a practical and well-connected option for multi-day conferences and team events.

    Day Delegate Package

    Available until 31 March 2027, Novotel Auckland Ellerslie’s Day Delegate Package includes venue hire, arrival tea and coffee, morning and afternoon tea, lunch, plus screen and data projector hire with audio - ideal for conferences, workshops and business meetings. Guests can also choose one complimentary value add, including extra catering bites, post-event canapés, or a $50 Acacia F&B voucher for every $2,000 spent. PLUS, earn 2X ALL Meeting Reward Points with eligible bookings.

    From $79 pp | Conference Spaces for 40-300 Guests | Events Between 1 Oct 2026 - 31 Mar 2027

    Discover the full packaging details here.

    Pullman Auckland Hotel & Apartments

    Standing tall as one of Auckland’s largest conferencing hotels, Pullman Auckland Hotel & Apartments offers more than 3,000sqm of event space across 16 flexible venues - from intimate boardrooms through to large-scale ballrooms.

    $99 Day Delegate Package

    Designed for productive and rewarding corporate events, Pullman’s Day Delegate Package includes venue hire, welcome tea and coffee, morning tea, lunch, afternoon tea, Wi-Fi and Pullman Meet & Play games. Event organisers can also earn 2X Reward Points towards future events, hotel stays and experiences, with complimentary barista coffee upgrades available for bookings of 100 guests or more.

    $99 pp | Minimum 50 Guests & 50 Room Nights | Book and Hold Events Before 31 December 2026

    Discover the full package details here.

    SO/ Auckland

    SO/ Auckland brings a creative edge to conferences and corporate events in the heart of the city. Just moments from Britomart and the Viaduct, the hotel pairs contemporary event spaces with rooftop socialising, premium dining and design-centric accommodation.

    2026 Stay & Savour Residential Event Offer

    Perfect for residential conferences and multi-day events, SO/ Auckland’s Stay & Savour offer includes accommodation rates from $295 per night with buffet breakfast, alongside a Day Delegate Package from $85 per person. Groups can also enjoy complimentary valet parking, double ALL Meeting & Events points, venue upgrades and bonus accommodation inclusions.

    Day Delegate Packages from $85 pp | Accommodation from $295 per Night | Book Before 31 August 2026

    Discover the full package details here.

    Winter offers greater venue availability, more flexible booking dates, and access to off-peak pricing or seasonal promotions. Many venues also create cosy, immersive experiences during the colder months, making winter ideal for strategy sessions, retreats and team-building events.

    Before booking, ask about minimum spend requirements, wet-weather options, accommodation, catering capabilities, Wi-Fi strength, AV inclusions, parking availability, and cancellation policies. It’s also helpful to understand what support the venue team provides on the day.

    It depends on the objectives of the gathering - city venues offer convenience and accessibility, while destination retreats often create stronger engagement by removing teams from everyday distractions. For strategy sessions and team alignment, getting people out of the office environment can make a significant difference.

    One of the biggest mistakes is prioritising price over delegate experience. Poor catering, difficult parking, cramped breakout spaces, or weak AV can quickly impact engagement. Another common oversight is underestimating how much time people need to network, recharge and connect naturally throughout the day.