Central Otago

Central Otago specialises in unique places ideally suited to smaller Business and Incentive Groups. Our venues offer stunning wrap around panoramic views, award winning architecture, sensitively restored heritage buildings, not to mention world renown wines, fabulous food and some pretty amazing people.

The stunning cellar door venues at Carrick, Domaine-Thomson, The Cloudy Bay Shed, Te Kano Estate, The Stoaker Room and The Canyon offer clients award winning organic and bio-dynamic wines, delicious menus and catering options for groups from 20 up to 70 pax.

For venues with dedicated function and events spaces there are three excellent choices in Cromwell.  The Gate complex with its purpose-built conference centre and 47 hotel rooms, or Marsden Lake Resort’s 60 room 5-star apartments and uniquely moveable function space. Highlands will always ensure you Experience the Exceptional with multiple on-site activities alongside their dedicated conference facility with views over its international standard racetrack.  For a special treat, you can stay in luxuriously appointed boutique lodge accommodation and enjoy fine dining with The Olivers Collection in historic Clyde.

When it comes to immersive experiences, the Matt Connell Wines blending experience allows clients to taste wines, blend their own wines and even create their own label. Or break your team out onto one (or more) of Central Otago’s stunning Great Ride cycle trails with experienced cycle experts Trail Journeys connecting the dots for you.

And just watch this space for what Scapegrace Distillery will bring to the market in 2025/2026… If you do want to know more now, contact Central Otago Business Events, your local knowledge experts, here to provide complimentary assistance in locating your next unique venue.

If you are planning a small conference, incentive itinerary, executive retreat, product launch, or a training seminar, you can be assured these are a great fit for Central Otago.  

Incredible scenery, stunning wineries, boutique cellar doors, spectacular heritage sites, an international-standard motor racing track, boutique 5-star accommodation, art galleries, impressive restaurants, a fine selection of fairways and over 300km of off-road cycle and walking tracks under vast skies - there is something here to suit everyone.

The natural environment has shaped the lives of those that live here, creating ground-breaking problem solvers; business owners who deliver success on a local, national and world stage. Central Otago Business Events, the local knowledge experts, can help you harness these innovative thinkers to create exclusive experiences and memorable events for your next conference, incentive group or business retreat.

There is a value proposition that exists here, with all products and experiences authentically Central Otago, for event managers to plug directly into.

The fine flavours, fine wools, rich history and reputation have spread well beyond our borders. Isn’t it time you came to find out why?

Examples of things to do in Central Otago are many; for starters:

Stay & Dine at The Olivers Collection with their luxurious contemporary elegance and rustic ambience.  Award-winning Olivers Restaurant features fresh, clean flavours offering diners a truly memorable culinary experience. Team building at the world-class Highlands Park with track adventures including Fast Laps, Go-Karts, Blindfold Buggies and plenty more besides.  Lunch and wine match at Carrick Winery Restaurant or perhaps choose your own unique location and be catered for by The Stoaker Room before enjoying one of our numerous distinctive Cellar Door experiences.

Trail Journeys will get your delegates out onto one of NZ’s Great Rides with four to choose from; or take an easy stroll and enrich your knowledge of our heritage. With a refreshed team, either pre or post business discussions, evening celebrations can commence with delicious locally grown food, world-class wine, breath-taking views and big starry night skies. 
For delegates seeking a new taste, a challenge, a wellbeing programme or a unique team building activity with personal achievement at the fore, look no further than Central Otago’s backyard.

For more inspiration: https://centralotagonz.com/business-events/

In Central Otago, you can appreciate each of the four distinctive seasons. Each season brings something different. The hot dry shimmery days of summer, the crisp icy cold days of winter, the vibrant reawakening of spring and the mellow colourful days of autumn.

With these four defined seasons, a continental climate and low rainfall, there is no single time of the year that stands out as ‘the best time’ to host a business event or meeting in Central Otago. Whatever the season, there is a venue, experience and vista to meet the needs of event organisers.