Incentive groups, which comprise the bulk of MICE business coming to New Zealand from North America, have a wide variety of experiences to choose from, according to Alexa Bennett, business events manger for Tourism New Zealand in Los Angeles. The most popular hubs for incentive groups are Auckland and Queenstown, with groups dividing their time between the two.
“Most groups spend the first two nights of the incentive in Auckland, which is a beautiful city on the North Island where you can do America’s Cup-style racing, go across to the islands and get a great urban harbor experience,” she said. “After that, most groups pop down to Queenstown, which is a very different landscape offering a true alpine resort experience. You can easily be there for four days, jet boating, bungee jumping, taking scenic helicopter tours and enjoying fantastic food and wine.”
Culinary Incentives
Among the many themes available for incentive programs are those focusing on New Zealand’s reputation as a food and wine destination.
“Our culinary scene is quite exciting—a lot of people are surprised at the sophistication of what is offered in New Zealand,” Bennett said. “What makes it stand out is that everything truly is farm- to-table. The freshness is really noticeable. And we’re known for our seafood as well as lamb and dairy products. Plus, there’s a strong culinary scene to make the most of it.”
With over 500 wineries nationwide, incentive programs can feature winery visits almost anywhere in the country. Outside of Auckland, the wine regions of Waiheke Island, Matakana and Kumeu are known for cabernet sauvignon, merlot and chardonnay, while Nelson and Marlborough are known for producing some of the world’s best sauvignon blanc. Near Queenstown, the Central Otago Valley is equally known for its dozens of vineyards producing pinot noir.
For culinary activities, groups can enjoy one-day cooking demonstrations with a focus on local produce at the Akaroa Cooking School (www.akaroacooking.co.nz) in Christchurch. Other options include learning to prepare seafood items at the Auckland Seafood School and sampling Wellington’s best eateries during a walking tour hosted by Zest Food Tours.
Maori Culture
Incentive programs can also include a focus on Maori culture, with experiences that include dining under the stars against a backdrop of geysers and steam vents at the Te Puia Maori Arts and Crafts School (www.tepuia.com) in Rotorua or getting to know local people on an overnight stay at one of the Maori meeting houses on the East Cape.
An impressive way to offer an introduction to Maori culture is by holding an opening night reception at the Auckland War Memorial Museum, Bennett said.
“It’s great for a gala dinner and there’s a dome at the top of the museum with amazing 360-degree views,” she said. “There’s a lot of cultural exhibits, plus you can get a Maori cultural group to do a traditional haka dance performance.”
