8 Ideas for your North Island Corporate Event

Building company morale is never going to feel authentic, super exciting, or even all that memorable within the confines of a fluorescent-lit, windowless conference centre. You need to engage your employees’ five senses in exhilarating ways. Get them outside and moving, get them munching, get them truly enjoying themselves while also getting to know one another.

The North Island is rich in opportunities for adventure. Whether it’s a true adrenaline rush caving in dark crevasses or more of a leisurely cruise along waters unknown, there is an option to suit every company’s style of event and employees’ abilities.

We’ve curated a list of places and activities to consider for your next corporate experience in the North Island!

 

1. Waitomo Adventures

Waitomo Caves have got to be one of the first spots that come to mind when someone mentions exploring the North Island.

A classic Kiwi to-do, your team will bond while abseiling into this deep underground world, or while black water rafting through the natural phenomenon of Tumu Tumu Cave. A corporate event with Waitomo Adventures will be both a team-building exercise and a tick off the old bucket list for your staff members.

 

2. Ziplining

If wandering through dark caverns isn’t quite on-brand for your company but you’re still after a bit of a thrill, ziplining through native treetops is a great option. Event attendees won’t be required to do too much physically, but they’ll enjoy a swift run by harness through some stunning North Island scenery.

One place to zip around is Skyline Rotorua on Mount Ngongotaha with Lake Rotorua making an appearance in every one of your group shots. They specialise in corporate functions thanks to an on-site restaurant with decent capacity. Rotorua Canopy Tours is also a fantastic option in the region for your ziplining antics. The stunning ancient rainforest that you’ll be zooming over is a priority of theirs; they donate money to restoring the 220 hectares of native trees in the area. So you can feel extra good about the venue of your company’s event!

Another zipline option is EcoZip Adventures on Waiheke Island, in perfect proximity for your event if Auckland is home. Your team can ride two-by-two over vineyards and forest, with jaw-dropping Auckland City views behind them. Food and drinks are sorted, and they’ll even organise your ferry ride to and from the island.

 

3. Pure Cruise on Lake Rotoiti

After more of an easy-going experience? Nothing beats a cruise. Take your meeting to the water with a tour of the serene Lake Rotoiti, connected by a channel to Lake Rotorua.

Pure Cruise can comfortably cater for up to 50 teammates in a quiet setting that’s perfect for in-depth planning and delivering morale-boosting speeches, or for building relationships with your clients.

 

4. White Water Rafting

If an event on water is your company’s jam but a cruise is a bit too chill, try kicking things up a notch with white water rafting. There is a slew of options in the North Island, with Rotorua offering more than a handful of skilled operators to lead your team downstream.

We suggest rafting the gorgeous Kaituna River. Other than offering quintessential Kiwi scenery, the River also features the tummy-dropping 7 metre-high Tutea Falls. Team chats will turn to team screams (of delight) as they approach the Falls. But first-time white water rafters are always welcome with whichever rafting company you choose, so don’t worry about varying levels of fitness amongst your group.

 

5. Polynesian Spa

Looking to spoil your staff rather than scare them? Or perhaps you’re keen to nurture a budding client relationship? Whatever the reason, a hot pool and spa experience is the perfect choice.

Turn to Polynesian Spa in Rotorua. The healing geothermal waters and therapies will serve as a luxury incentive for staff or a way to pamper your business connections. With enough notice, Polynesian Spa can cater for a very large group event of up to 1500 people.

 

6. Off Road NZ

We’d be remiss not to mention ourselves! At Off Road NZ, we’ve got a slew of options to make sure you’re hitting the right note with everyone on your team.

Whether it’s fast-paced action on a 4WD Bush Safari or a Monster 4×4 Thrill Ride, or you’d like to raise spirits with a round of archery or clay bird shooting, we’ll customize a package to suit. One action-packed option to consider for sure is our Raceline Karting; a little friendly competition at great speed (safely, of course), is always an exhilarating way to get your colleagues to interact. So hit the track in our Sodi 390cc 4-stroke karts and get the hearts – and minds – racing!

And don’t rush off after your adrenalin rush through the wilderness; our Native Bush Camp venue is the perfect place for dinner, drinks, and a laugh around the fire.

 

7. For the Foodies

Even though our Native Bush Camp venue offers the tastiest of treats (promise), we won’t be offended if you head out into Rotorua after your wild Off Road NZ adventure.

The Terrace Kitchen boasts some trendy eats and Kiwi wines and is often featured in our own Off Road catering packages. The gourmet eats at their new Eastwood Café are worth a taste test, too. For a funky gastro bar vibe downtown, The Fainting Goat is a must. And to see your event spill over late into the night, the Pig and Whistle Historic Pub is a Rotorua staple.

 

8. Lake District Adventures

Explore Lake Karapiro by day or night with Lake District Adventures! They have a stunning nighttime Kayak Glowworm Tour that takes you along the southern edge of the lake and over the old Horahora Dam. Whilst paddling along, you will learn the history of the Horahora village and be guided by the glowworms that sparkle above you. It is truly a magical experience!

There is an option for a guided daytime kayak tour as well, being surrounded by native ferns and trees as you paddle up the Pokaiwhenua Stream. And if water isn’t your thing, they provide mountain bike hires and tours with magnificent views around every corner.