New incentive experiences in New Zealand

Following news that the Trans-Tasman travel bubble between New Zealand and Australia is set to open by April 2021, Tourism New Zealand has launched three new incentive experiences, which it hopes will also entice corporates from across APAC to return once restrictions are further eased.

First up is an immersion into the country's national sport: Rugby. The All Blacks Experience, located at Auckland’s SkyCity, features four interactive hands-on zones where visitors can kick, pass and train just like the professional All Blacks, Blacks Ferns, and others who wore the reputable black jersey.

Another highlight is the huge screen with the All Blacks chanting the traditional war dance, the Haka, which serves to mentally and physically prepare the team as they head onto the rugby field.

Smaller groups can opt for the Wainui Room for meetings of up to 50 pax, or book out the whole space for cocktails and play, with a capacity of 250 pax. "The All Blacks Experience tour [can come] with additional services such as guest speakers and/or personalised All Blacks jerseys we can tailor to make your next event truly memorable," said a representative.

Next is Manea Footprints of Kupe, an interactive cultural, heritage, tourism and education centre. Twenty years in the making, the attraction is located in Opononi, Hokianga, also known as the cradle of Māori nationhood — New Zealand's indigenous Polynesian people.

There, a 75-minute interactive guided tour led by descendants of Kupe — the country’s first discoverer — take participants into protocols, pōwhiri (welcome ceremony), storytelling, waiata (song) and karakia (prayers). There's also a 20-minute 4D movie and live theatre performance depicting Kupe's journeys across the land.

Finally, groups are in for a visual treat at Weta Workshop Unleashed, a fantastical film effects facility located at Federal Street in Auckland.

Resident creatures, one hyper realistic giant and a galactic robot line the doorways of the 90-minute guided tour, into the worlds of three original movie projects flowing with the horror, sci-fi and fantasy genres. These tours run ever 10 minutes, in groups of 40.

The site offers buy-outs, the 500sqm event space capable of hosting 240 guests banquet style or 100 guests at a separate themed meeting room in theatre style. It's also possible to add on experiences such as guest speakers, film effect demonstrations, character transformations, and themed centrepieces.