Discover NZ Nationwide

Our History

It is said that around 800 AD a Polynesian explorer named Kupe discovered New Zealand. Many people arrived in large Waka (canoes) from Kupe’s home country Hawaiki (an island in today’s French Polynesia named Ra’iatea), bringing their distinct Polynesian culture with them. They called the land Aotearoa - land of the long white cloud.

European discovery was much later, in 1642. Dutch explorer Abel Tasman sighted the west coast of New Zealand, but was dissuaded from landing for longer when members of his crew were captured, killed and eaten!

In 1769, Captain James Cook, on his boat the Endeavour, circled the North and South Islands. Rather than being put off by violent contact with the Maori people, he was inspired by their courage and saw the possibilities for this new land. Captain James Cook claimed it for Great Britain.

The British began colonising New Zealand in the 1830’s, putting the country under the rule of New South Wales in Australia until 1841. As more settlers arrived into New Zealand however, the country demanded its own rule to deal with land deals and disputes between Pakeha settlers and local Maori.

In 1840, the Treaty of Waitangi was signed to clarify who governed the land, with the British offering protection from the British Empire in exchange for land. Yet tension continued to build, with wars eventually breaking out, often over land, in Taranaki Waikato and on the East Coast of the North Island. The battles eventually died out by around the 1870s.

In the early 1900s, New Zealand still fell under the dominion of the British Empire, but by 1947 it had gained its independence. The discovery of gold in the late 1800s drove many new immigrants to New Zealand and many gold mining townships sprung up. After the 'gold rush' had waned, many settlers took up various forms of farming, with the aim of creating a country that could operate in its own right.

New Zealand society in the 1900s pioneered many social reforms, including being the first country to give women the vote. We sought to encourage a classless society.

Legend has it that New Zealand was fished from the sea. Fact has it that New Zealand was the last land mass on earth to be discovered, making New Zealand the youngest country on earth.


Incorporate our fascinating history into your New Zealand conference or convention! In every reigon of New Zealand, there are wonderful historic venues to discover. For a you could include a tour of the exceptional Te Papa Museum or tour our Parliament building, known as The Beehive! In Northland, you could take a tour of the sacred Waitangi Treaty Grounds, for an inside look into the treaty which formed New Zealand as a country, or feel the sacred presence inside a carved Maori meeting house (marae.) The options are truly endless, and will make for a memorable and unique New Zealand conference. 

Our People

The population of New Zealand is just over 4.2 million people, with around 80% living in cities. New Zealand boasts a rich culture of indigenous Maori. This is entwined with the more recent migratory groups from the United Kingdom, other European countries, as well as a range of Pacific Island peoples and more recently significant Asian migration. 

Known as Kiwis, (after our iconic, flightless and endangered native bird), we are known to be stereotypically mad about sport, passionate about the arts and some of the most welcoming and hospitable people in the world. This makes New Zealand a business tourism centre, with friendly prefessional conference organisers ready and willing to help you to plan your next New Zealand event. 

Hūtia te rito o te harakeke. Kei hea te kōmako e kō? 
Kī mai nei ki ahau. He aha te mea nui ki tēnei ao? 
Māku e kī atu. He tangata, he tangata, he tangata. 

If you were to pluck out the centre of the flax bush, where would the bellbird sing? 
If you were to ask me "What is the most important thing in the world?" 
I would reply, "That it is people, people, people." 
Traditional Maori proverb

Our Cuisine

New Zealand cuisine is diverse, creative and ever evolving. New Zealand cuisine takes its inspiration from the Pacific Rim, relying on its traditions from Britain and new ideas from Europe and Asia. We can offer your New Zealand conference delegate's taste buds any number of new taste sensations. Enjoy fresh seasonal produce, the most mouth-watering seafood fresh daily from the Pacific Ocean, artisan breads and cheeses, organic and farm-raised prime New Zealand beef and pork, highland Venison and much, much more. New Zealand offers an exceptional array of international standard restaurants. Imagine a fully- catered New Zealand conference or event where every dish is memorable and unique, and prepared from locally-sourced ingredients. Matching our distinct cuisine, is an international award-winning wine industry, producing trophy Sauvignon Blanc and many other winning varietals. Hold a New Zealand conference in one of many stunning vineyards - your delegates will love it! Relatively new to New Zealanders, coffee has become an obsession for many Kiwis. Finding the right blend, making the best Flat White and combining it with the most scrumptious treat has become a nationwide passion. Wellington and Auckland are known for their great range of funky cafes and supreme espresso coffee. Take a break from your New Zealand meeting and enjoy a cup of our finest! Make sure you take the opportunity to sample some of the exceptional flavours on offer that make New Zealand cuisine and wine so highly regarded and so unique.