Welcome to Aotearoa: Land of the Long White Cloud 

Embark on a journey to the breathtaking landscapes and rich culture of New Zealand, where majestic mountains meet pristine beaches and vibrant cities. New Zealand, with its unique blend of natural beauty and indigenous heritage, offers a captivating setting for unforgettable events. This guide is your gateway to unlocking the wonders of New Zealand, offering insights into local expertise, diverse activities, luxurious accommodations, and unique venues that define New Zealand as a premier destination for memorable gatherings. 

Local Expertise: Embracing Kiwi Hospitality 

At the heart of our approach lies a deep understanding of New Zealand’s diverse landscapes and indigenous culture. With roots firmly planted in the local community, our team navigates the country’s scenic wonders with expertise and respect. Our longstanding relationships with local vendors and suppliers ensure a flawless execution of events, from intricate logistics to creative conceptualization. As esteemed partners with New Zealand’s top hotels and venues, we bring a wealth of local expertise to the table, offering exclusive access to stunning locations and unparalleled service for an elevated event experience. 

More than Just Hobbits: Exploring New Zealand’s Diversity 

While New Zealand may be famed for its picturesque landscapes that brought the Shire to life and its array of adrenaline-fueled adventures, this island nation offers a kaleidoscope of experiences that delve far beyond the realms of Middle-earth. From the pulsating urban heartbeat of Auckland to the tranquil shores of the Bay of Islands, New Zealand is a country that beckons for thorough exploration and discovery. 

Auckland’s Urban Pulse: 

Auckland, New Zealand’s largest city, serves as a vibrant melting pot of cultures, cuisines, and experiences. Here, visitors can wander through the bustling streets of the Viaduct Harbour, explore the diverse offerings of the Auckland Art Gallery, or climb the iconic Sky Tower for panoramic views of the city and beyond. Auckland’s urban landscape offers a dynamic contrast to New Zealand’s natural wonders, providing a glimpse into the contemporary life of Kiwis. 

Maori Cultural Immersion: 

The rich heritage of the Maori culture is a cornerstone of New Zealand’s identity. Engaging in a traditional hangi feast, where food is cooked beneath the earth on hot stones, offers a taste of this rich cultural tapestry. Visitors can further immerse themselves in Maori traditions by attending a cultural performance, where stories are conveyed through powerful haka dances and mesmerizing songs, providing a deeper understanding and appreciation of New Zealand’s indigenous people. 

Wine-Tasting in Marlborough: 

The Marlborough region, nestled at the top of the South Island, is renowned for its world-class Sauvignon Blanc. Embarking on a wine-tasting tour through the sun-soaked vineyards offers not just a sampling of exquisite wines but also insights into the winemaking process that places New Zealand on the global wine map. The region’s cellar doors provide a warm welcome to connoisseurs and casual tasters alike, making for a leisurely and enlightening experience amidst the picturesque landscapes. 

Geothermal Wonders of Rotorua: 

Rotorua presents a landscape unlike any other, with its geothermal activity giving rise to steaming geysers, bubbling mud pools, and thermal hot springs. Exploring this geothermal wonderland not only astonishes the senses but also offers therapeutic benefits, with many hot springs open for bathing. Rotorua’s unique environment is a vivid reminder of New Zealand’s volatile beauty, lying atop the Pacific Ring of Fire. 

Fiordland’s Majestic Landscapes: 

The untouched wilderness of Fiordland National Park, part of the Te Wahipounamu World Heritage site, showcases the dramatic beauty of New Zealand’s South Island. Hiking through this region, whether it be on the renowned Milford Track or the Kepler Track, unveils breathtaking vistas of rugged mountains, pristine lakes, and majestic fiords. The remote and serene beauty of Fiordland offers an unparalleled connection to nature, highlighting the pristine landscapes that define New Zealand. 

New Zealand’s diversity extends beyond its cinematic fame, offering a rich blend of cultural heritage, natural wonders, and modern vibrancy. From the urban pulse of its cities to the serene beauty of its islands and the rich tapestry of Maori culture, New Zealand invites visitors to embark on a journey of discovery, shedding stereotypes to embrace the multifaceted beauty and diversity of this unique country. 

Elevating Experiences 

Exciting Activities: Transform your event into an unparalleled adventure that captures the essence of New Zealand’s breathtaking landscapes and thrilling experiences. Queenstown, known as the adventure capital of the world, offers the ultimate thrill with its legendary bungee jumping spots, where the daring leap into the void from staggering heights, against a backdrop of rugged mountains and crystal-clear rivers. This exhilarating activity not only pumps adrenaline but also bonds participants through shared exhilarating moments. 

For a more serene yet equally spectacular experience, embark on a scenic helicopter tour of Milford Sound. This journey takes you above towering peaks, past cascading waterfalls, and over pristine fjords, offering an eagle’s eye view of one of New Zealand’s most iconic landscapes. It’s an unforgettable way to appreciate the country’s dramatic scenery and provides an awe-inspiring perspective that ground-based tours can’t match. 

Lake Taupo, a tranquil haven in the heart of the North Island, offers a contrasting pace with leisurely cruises on its vast, calm waters. Surrounded by ancient forests and volcanic mountains, a cruise on Lake Taupo is the perfect way to unwind, offering stunning vistas, especially at sunset, and the chance to catch a glimpse of the Maori rock carvings at Mine Bay. 

Luxury Accommodations: Elevate your stay in New Zealand with a selection of the country’s most luxurious accommodations, blending sublime comfort with breathtaking settings. Boutique lodges nestled in the untouched wilderness offer an intimate connection with nature, combining exclusivity with eco-luxury. Properties such as the Lodge at Kauri Cliffs or Matakauri Lodge provide not just opulent rooms but experiences, from spa treatments with views of rolling hills to private beaches and award-winning golf courses. 

Urban hotels in Auckland and Wellington offer a different flavor of luxury, combining stylish design with sophisticated service. The Sofitel Auckland Viaduct Harbour and the InterContinental Wellington, for example, stand out for their waterfront locations, stunning city views, and easy access to the vibrant culture and dining scenes of New Zealand’s major cities. 

Unique Venues and Entertainment Options: New Zealand’s unique event venues capture the spirit and beauty of the country, offering settings that range from the historic charm of estates and vineyards to the natural allure of beachfront resorts. Imagine hosting an event amidst the rolling vineyards of Marlborough, where the surrounding landscapes add a picturesque quality to any gathering, or at a historic estate like Larnach Castle in Dunedin, offering a glimpse into the country’s colonial past. 

Entertainment options in New Zealand can deeply immerse your guests in the local culture. Traditional Maori performances, including the powerful haka and beautiful waiata (songs), provide an engaging and emotional experience that connects attendees with New Zealand’s indigenous heritage. Additionally, live music ranging from classical to contemporary Kiwi bands, along with cultural workshops like Maori wood carving or weaving, can enrich your event with authentic New Zealand arts and traditions. 

Giving Back to Our Communities and Sustainability Efforts  

Realm Australia Pacific supports New Zealand Tourism Sustainability Commitments. Including in particular:  

Investment – Investing to create value, opportunities and to drive sustainability practices.  

Innovation – Innovating to solve problems and create new ways to do things. 

Culture and Heritage – Embracing Aotearoa New Zealand’s culture and heritage as part of delivering a unique and authentic visitor experience.  

Community Engagement – Actively and positively engaging with the communities in which we operate, and championing causes that are important to the communities we visit.  

Sustainable Supply Chains – Having socially and environmentally sustainable supply chains. 

Restoring Nature – Contributing to protecting and enhancing Aotearoa New Zealand’s environment, including water, biodiversity, landscapes and clean air.  

Carbon Reduction – Measuring our carbon impact and contributing to Aotearoa New Zealand’s transition to a net zero carbon economy. 

Eliminating Waste – Taking responsibility for the entire life cycle of products and services we use and working towards eliminating the waste associated with these. 

Realm always works with local representatives to ensure the full respect of local culture and traditions. Each event is considered from a sustainability values perspective and curated to create a positive impact on local communities and the environment. 

 Meet REALM, A Hosts Global Member  

Ron Anderson 

Ron is the kind of CEO (Creative Experience Officer) who when he calls a board meeting you need to clarify whether it’s in the surf or on the land. Ron leads with a problem-solving mindset and truly works with his clients to understand their “why.” Ron will blow your mind with how he extracts your vision and creates you a masterpiece!  

Leah Anderson 

Our Creative Director Leah is a living, breathing artistic genius. Trained in floristry and spatial design, she walks into a room and creates a feeling of possibility and wonder, exactly what you feel when walking into one of the spaces she has designed! 

Kate McCarron 

Kate has a knack for turning every day into an adventure, she’s been navigating the wild world of destination management and business events with style and sass for her entire career. Charming clients, sealing deals for positive impact and orchestrating events with the finesse of an events management maestro. 

Damian Atkins 

Our extraordinary Chief Financial Officer defies the norms of finance. With a diverse background spanning public practice, corporate (including Melbourne Storm), and not-for-profit/social enterprises (such as The Big Issue), Damo brings over 20 years of unparalleled expertise to the table. As a seasoned veteran in senior finance roles, Damo doesn’t just crunch numbers—he detonates them with precision and finesse! 

Amy Nicholls  

Business Management with a twist, Amy’s experience transgresses marketing and communications mazes, global corporate labyrinths, and sustainability puzzles. She’s had an exhilarating journey filled with laughter, excitement, and a whole lot of business brilliance! 

As you explore the possibilities of New Zealand, consider this guide your compass to crafting events that resonate with the natural beauty and warm hospitality of the islands. Discover, engage, and create moments that capture the essence of New Zealand’s enchanting spirit.