Black Clash
ChristchurchNZ Famil Australian Professional Conference Organisers
The ChristchurchNZ business events team showed the power and importance of personalised familiarisation tours when four Australian professional conference organiser (PCO) owners and their partners visited Christchurch in late January 2023.
In a famil first, the program was designed to be part-hosted, and part self-drive discovery, with partners included.
A guided city experience showcased the city’s large business event venues with a focus on new spaces and the city’s rich culture.
Wrapped in the weekend program were choices to explore the Canterbury region, either heading to the alpine resort village of Hanmer Springs for pampering at the Hanmer Springs hot pool and spa, or to the spectacular Kaikōura coastline for a wildlife experience.
Megan Crum - ChristchurchNZ Head of Business EventsThey were all impressed by the collaboration, energy, passion and welcome they received in our stunning setting. They also really valued the chance to escape with their partners and to spend time together.”
“Walkable, easy, pretty city”
ChristchurchNZ Head of Business Events, Megan Crum says feedback from the group was exceptionally positive. “They were all impressed by the collaboration, energy, passion and welcome they received in our stunning setting. They also really valued the chance to escape with their partners and to spend time together.”
Denise Broeren - Think Business EventsIt certainly opened my eyes to what a walkable, easy, pretty city Christchurch is, with lively precincts, interesting venues, innovative activities and so much to offer the events sector,”
Denise Broeren of Think Business Events said it was a brilliant way to experience everything of Christchurch and the surrounding regions. “We were treated to a plethora of unique venues, cultural activities, amazing food experiences, beautiful sightseeing all delivered with that warm Kiwi welcome.
“It certainly opened my eyes to what a walkable, easy, pretty city Christchurch is, with lively precincts, interesting venues, innovative activities and so much to offer the events sector,” she said.
Darren Crichton-Browne of DCB Events said he and his partner arrived Thursday afternoon and they were back in Sydney on Monday morning with a whole new take on Christchurch.
“Christchurch is a must destination to consider for any business event large or small. It is three hours from Australia and a walking city, just 15 minutes from the International Airport with its own dedicated business events arrival lounge. A new city, yet with so much heritage and tradition combined,” he said.
Darren Crichton-Browne - DCB EventsChristchurch is a must destination to consider for any business event large or small. It is three hours from Australia and a walking city, just 15 minutes from the International Airport with its own dedicated business events arrival lounge. A new city, yet with so much heritage and tradition combined,”
Relaxed Arrival
The event began in style, with Air New Zealand arranging international lounge access for guests before departure to Christchurch.
On arrival they were met by Scott Callaway, GM Trade Development at Christchurch Airport who showed them how conference brands can be amplified at the airport and how delegates are welcomed at the airport’s dedicated lounge for business event groups.
At host hotel, Crowne Plaza Christchurch there was a chance to meet fellow famil groupies in the elegant lobby, followed by a short walk to discover flavours from local distilleries at Juniper Collective’s gin boutique in the city centre.
Nearby they visited Riverside Markets, a vibrant, seven-day indoor farmers’ market supporting local producers that also offers fabulous options for social business events.
The evening concluded with a quiet and relaxed dinner to celebrate the start of the weekend together.
A New City Steeped In Heritage And Culture
A walking tour of city highlights was first on the agenda for conference organisers the next morning, while partners had the option to enjoy a city cycle tour, accompanied by the ChristchurchNZ team.
Christchurch Town Hall on the banks of the Avon River – this beautifully restored venue brings with it a sense of occasion.
Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre is a world-class venue – an architectural and social landmark in the heart of the city.
The Isaac Theatre Royal is a stunning theatre with spectacular and unique Edwardian heritage features.
Time to stop and enjoy lunch together with their partners at acclaimed local icon, Miro, set in another beautiful heritage building with two separate function rooms, ideal for small groups. Partners joined the group at lunch.
The afternoon was spent immersed in local culture with world-renowned guide Riwai Grace. Together they discovered stories of the past and present experience including a journey down the Ōtakaro/Avon river with Waka on Avon – a completely new way to discover Christchurch’s history.
The tour concluded with a walk past the Christchurch Art Gallery – another stunning landmark building. The modern venue with a flowing glass and metal façade has multiple options for business events.
Staying with the art theme, the next visit was to the Gothic Revival building of Te Matatiki Toi Ora/The Arts Centre. Dating back to 1877, it is the heart of Christchurch’s science, arts, and cultural heritage, now with galleries, museums, cinemas, boutique retailers, bars and eateries, plus stunning event venues.
Black Clash At Hagley Oval
The evening was a very special event at Hagley Oval, the historical and spiritual home of cricket in Christchurch and Canterbury.
The group was hosted for drinks and dinner at the annual Black Clash T20 cricket match – a unique experience watching New Zealand’s biggest stars of rugby and cricket against each other in a high intensity, fun game - with a passionate local crowd
Touring Made Easy
On Saturday morning the group began their self-drive experience in luxury cars from Touchdown Rentals. Their Canterbury escape routes took them north, to either Hanmer Springs - 90 minutes from the city, or Kaikōura - three hours’ drive from the city centre. Along the way they could choose to stop and savour some of North Canterbury’s many acclaimed wineries and cafes.
Hanmer Springs visitors were treated to one night including breakfast in a suite at the St James and could choose to enjoy a ‘Thrill and Chill’ itinerary – jet boating, quad biking followed by a soak in the legendary Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools. Alternatively, a ‘Chill and Chill’ itinerary was all about total relaxation, with spa treatments followed by a private pool experience.
Guests visiting Kaikōura had a chance to experience the coastal wildlife, either on a VIP tour with Whale Watch Kaikoura or a Swim with the Dolphin Encounter. That evening they stayed at the brand new Sudima Kaikōura 4.5-star hotel with stunning views of mountains and sea.
Relaxed and invigorated it was a leisurely drive back to Christchurch on Sunday.
Fitting Finale
The Observatory Hotel was home for the final night of the visit. Located where the Observatory Tower once stood as home to astronomy and physics faculties, the new hotel has 33 uniquely designed luxury rooms, each carefully curated with handpicked locally crafted furniture.
Meeting the group in the hotel lobby for the finale dinner on Sunday evening, the group walked across the Arts Centre to wine tasting and food matching in an iconic historical venue, The Cellar Door.
On Monday morning, they headed on direct flights back to Australia, with some new business bids in the pipeline for Christchurch.
What They Said
Kate Smith, Managing Director, Waldon Smith Management (WSM) Events
“What a force. Christchurch is great energy and passion - look out!
A big thank you to all your partners who so generously showcased what makes Christchurch such a special destination. You need that collaboration to make a destination work and you’ve got it tenfold! Really impressive.
We were incredibly spoilt but more importantly left with a clear vision of what Christchurch can offer our clients – so we’ll be back!”
Stephen Turner, Managing Director, Medical Meetings & Face To Face Event Management
“We can all learn a life lesson from the inbuilt resilience via the people of Christchurch. The new convention centre is the epicentre. Surrounded by multiple newly built hotels and a plethora of high-touch dining experiences. In addition to the convention space, one can also use the Town Hall and Isaac Theatre Royal as additional options. Nothing not to like about the all-new Christchurch.”
Denise Broeren, Director, Think Business Events
“Fantastic! what a great way to explore the region. It was a perfect combination of key sites of interest, some fun activities and the self-exploration. Will certainly give us more basis for recommending that delegates explore the region when they come for a conference.
I love that it is such a pretty, walkable city, with lots of lively precincts. We just loved the scenery and especially the whale watching – that was incredible!”
