mice.net 121
AUCKLAND
THE
Auckland surprise
To many first time visitors to Auckland the New Zealand city is a surprise package - offering first rate facilities and plenty
to see and do. Just ask bureau head, Jackie Rouleston Stuart.
WHEN MS ROULESTON STUART JOINED THE AUCKLAND
Convention Bureau in September 2001 she was the sales
manager. When the head of the bureau resigned around six
months later and she was offered the job she had already fallen
in love with the city.
Part of her passion for Auckland comes from the incredible
changes that have occurred over the last three years
undergoing what she describes as a "transformation".
"Auckland now offers the conference & incentive markets a
huge range of products to choose from with the emphasis on
catering to the specific needs of local & international
delegates," she says.
"Not only has the hotel and venue infrastructure expanded
with new developments at Sky City, Hyatt Regency
Auckland, the opening of Spencer on Byron Hotel in
Takapuna, the Hilton Auckland on Princes Wharf and a new
Stadium due to open in 2006 - but the range of activities within
easy reach of city based delegates is now considerable.
"These include Auckland Bridge Climb, sailing on NZL40
and NZL41, the Sky Jump,Vertigo, and Ocean Rafting and the
Dolphin Explorer. Activities products based in the regions of
Auckland also continue to support our efforts with a
considerable emphasis on quality experiences, at a value for
money price."
She says that the Auckland of 2003 is truly a global city with
"access to all of the distractions that a girl needs to get through
the day."
"Food is an important part of my relationship to a
destination. No longer is the New Zealand diet limited to
pavlova, kiwi fruit & roast lamb. The range of dining
experiences in Auckland is broad so much so that if you tried
to sample them all you would be extremely broad too!
"Along with the super cuisine, New Zealand wines are
really hitting the mark and the Auckland region is no
exception. Visiting the amazing array of wineries is very much
on the agenda with the bonus being partaking in a delightful
beverage (or three) in delicious surroundings.
"The mere fact that you can be in a totally different
environment within 30 minutes of the city is certainly a
huge attraction.We can find ourselves on the water, on a world-
class golf course (especially important for my hubby), walking
on a beach, tramping through rain forest or just relaxing in a
waterfront restaurant and not have to pack a bag or get on a
plane in order to do so."
Much of the development of Auckland, she says, is due to
the America's Cup.
"The America's Cup has had an extremely positive
influence on Auckland in general. It has been the catalyst for
great `change' not only in infrastructure but in facilities &
service standards. All of the properties, hotels, venues, support
services have had to `lift their game' thus creating a truly
global city that caters to a wide range of visitors including
conference & incentive participants."
For further details on Auckland visit - www.aucklandnz.com or
www.aklconventions.com
