Auckland is New Zealand’s biggest city, and home to some of the best events the country has on offer.
With two harbours and a distinct array of heritage buildings, proximity to lush wilderness, and an emerging arts scene in hip new corners of the city; Auckland really does have it all. But where do you start in choosing a location for your next event?
Indoors or outdoors, casual or formal; we’ve compiled the top ten locations across Auckland for you to consider when planning your next event.
#1 – Queen’s Wharf
Auckland’s Queen’s Wharf precinct has undergone a glamorous makeover in recent years, and is now home to two of the city’s best event spaces: Shed 10 and The Cloud. Shed 10 is a rustic warehouse that once housed second-hand cars, but following its renovations is now home to fashion parades and cultural events. The Cloud, on the other hand, is a completely new structure with views across Waitemata Harbour. The white, cylindrical building is inspired by Aotearoa, ‘the land of the long white cloud’, and has played host to cocktail parties and gala dinners.
Address: 89 Quay Street, Queens Wharf, Auckland.
Phone:+64 9336 8820
http://www.queens-wharf.co.nz/
#2 – Fale Pasifika Complex
Located inside the University of Auckland, the Fale Pasifika Complex is a striking round space that can host up to 350 guests. It’s inspired by the traditional ‘village green’ or malae (marae), in Pacific Islander village communities, and features a thatched roof and glass walls for plenty of natural light.
Address: Fale Pasifika Complex, Auckland.
Phone: +64 9373 7999
https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/on-campus/life-on-campus/pacific-life/fale-pasifika.html
#3 – Orakei Bay
Just five minutes from the CBD, Orakei Bay is ideal for corporate events with waterfront views and outdoor garden facilities. They also offer an in-house event organisation service, assisting with everything from budget to catering. Orakei Bay also features separate breakout rooms, which are ideal for workshops.
Address: 231 Orakei Rd, Remuera, Auckland.
Phone: +64 9520 0006
http://www.orakeibay.co.nz
#4 – Sapphire Room
Just a little bit quirky, the Sapphire Room is situated in the hip Ponsonby Central complex, home to a variety of bars and restaurants. With high ceilings and recycled wooden floors, this is the ideal venue for a host looking for something a little different. It’s flooded with natural light and has an industrial style that looks stunning when lit up at night.
Address:4 Brown St, Ponsonby, Auckland.
Phone:+64 9376 8300
https://www.ponsonbycentral.co.nz/venure-hire/sapphire-room
#5 – Hunting Lodge Winery
Looking for something out of town? The Hunting Lodge Winery is just a 35-minute drive from Auckland’s CBD and is a picturesque location for festivals, conferences, or markets. The winery features the historic Hunting Lodge Homestead and a new cellar door featuring private meeting rooms.
Address: 307 Waikoukou Valley Rd, Waimauku.
Phone:+64 9964 0565
https://www.thehuntinglodge.com/
#6 – District Law Society Rooftop Terrace
If you are searching for an urban rooftop location, look no further than the District Law Society Rooftop Terrace. With soaring views of the Auckland CBD and Sky Tower, this inner-city rooftop holds up to 100 people and has a handy BYO option for your alcohol service, making it a cheaper option for smaller events on a budget.
Address: Chancery Chambers 2 Chancery St, Auckland.
Phone: +64 9303 5270
http://www.adls.org.nz/about-us/venue-hire/
#7 – The Zookeeper’s Son
A three-story establishment in the heart of Auckland, The Zookeeper’s Son is a fun, friendly, and low-key venue which would be perfect for a casual or youth-oriented event. The ground floor houses the main bar with a mezzanine floor for sit-down dining, and a cosy rooftop terrace recently added on top. This multi-purpose space is ideal for an event that may be hosting several smaller activities within.
Address: 715 Mount Albert Rd, Royal Oak, Auckland.
Phone: +64 9625 7550
http://www.zookeepersson.co.nz/
#8 – Auckland Art Gallery
For formal or semi-formal events, the Auckland Art Gallery is a breathtaking space that is comprised of a modern extension on the original heritage building. Take your pick from the main gallery, North Atrium, Lower Grey Gallery, Mackelvie Gallery, or East Terrace. Sun-lit and elegant, the Auckland Art Gallery has hosted speakers, sit-down dinners, and even music events.
Address: Wellesley St E, Auckland, 1010, New Zealand
Phone: +64 9379 1349
https://www.aucklandartgallery.com/about/venue-hire
#9 – Motat Historic Village Lawn
One of Auckland’s best outdoor venues, the Museum of Transport and Technology is a village of heritage cottages and a historic ‘village lawn’. The lawn can seat up to 150 guests picnic style or up to 200 standing and is ideal for small weekend festivals or private events.
Address: 805 Great North Rd, Western Springs, Auckland.
Phone: +64 9815 5800
http://www.motat.org.nz/venue-hire/function-spaces/historic-village/
#10 – Wolf Of Water Street
The lofty warehouse of Wolf of Water Street is owned by events and catering agency, Little Wolf. It features polished concrete floors and exposed beams for a modern, industrial look; and with a standing capacity of 700, this massive space lends itself to indoor festivals, large-scale dinners, or even a concert.
Address: 5 – 7 Water Street, Grafton, Auckland.
Phone: 0800 WOLFBITE
http://littlewolf.co.nz/
Once you’ve chosen your event location, it’s time to start finding guests. So, to help you reach more fans and sell out your next event, we’ve compiled The 10 Best Ways to Promote Your Event Online.