Discover things to do around Auckland’s new NZICC

With the New Zealand International Convention Centre (NZICC) opening its doors from February 2026, Auckland gains a world-class venue set right in the heart of the city. Designed to host major conferences, exhibitions, and large-scale events, NZICC may be a destination in its own right, but it’s also the perfect starting point for exploring central Auckland.

Step outside the venue and you’re instantly immersed in some of the city’s best dining, culture, shopping, and entertainment. Whether you’ve got 30 minutes between sessions or a free evening to fill, here’s how to make the most of your time around NZICC.

Pre-event coffee and breakfast

If you’ve got an early start or a morning meeting to prep for, nearby Federal Street is an easy option for fueling up for the day.

Start close to home with breakfast at Federal Delicatessen (The Fed), where you’ll find classic breakfast options, a relaxed but buzzing vibe, and bottomless filter coffee.

If you’re short on time, pop next door to Depot and grab a beignet or a bacon and egg doona to go. It’s quick, satisfying, and will get you back to the venue on time before your conference schedule kicks off.

Delicious lunch breaks between sessions

When you’ve got a tight conference timetable, proximity matters. Luckily, some of Auckland’s most talked-about eateries sit right on NZICC’s doorstep within the SkyCity precinct.

Inside SkyCity, Andy’s Burgers & Bar is a casual, no-fuss option when you want something quick and satisfying, served up by Buzz and Bella the service robots. If you’re heading out with a larger group or need plenty of choice without a long sit-down, Fortuna Buffet Restaurant is an easy, efficient option that still fits conveniently into a conference lunch window. There are more options within the SkyCity precinct that deliver a little something for every vibe and palate, with a strong mix of international cuisine to choose from.

A short stroll away, City Works Depot is another reliable option for a quick but quality lunch. This lane-way style precinct has favourites like Best Ugly Bagels for a fast option, Odettes Eatery for a relaxed sit-down meal, Chur Bae for Korean-inspired dishes and &Sushi for fresh rolls and bowls.

If you’ve got a little more flexibility, wander down to Elliot Stables, which offers a range of casual eateries under one roof. It’s another great option for a group as you can each select your own dining option. High Street and Lorne Street are also lined with cafes and grab-and-go options, perfect if you’re up for a midday wander between sessions.

After-hours dining

Federal Street shifts gears from daytime dining to one of Auckland’s most concentrated evening precincts, making it an easy choice for pre- or post-event dinners, client hosting or relaxed networking without needing to travel far.

For refined dining, Cassia delivers modern Indian flavours, while MASU by Nic Watt is Japanese served up in a contemporary and energetic atmosphere, well suited to a group meal.

Metita offers a distinctly Auckland experience through modern Pacific cuisine, and Huami is a great choice for dinners that call for a bit of elegance and a quieter setting. Their exquisite menu showcases dishes from regional provinces across China including Canton, Sichuan, Huaiyang and Beijing.

For something memorable, Orbit 360 Dining adds a sense of occasion, combining a revolving city panorama with an impressive dining experience, 190 metres above the ground up the Sky Tower.

To round out the evening, SkyBar offers sweeping views over the CBD and harbour and is an ideal spot to continue conversations over a drink before heading back to your hotel.

The dining scene at Commercial Bay is about a 10-15 minute walk away and has a diverse line up of restaurants and casual eats to choose from, depending on whether you want to grab something quick and light from Harbour Eats, or indulge in something sophisticated.

For more about where to eat and drink, and after-dark activities, check out these things to see and do in Auckland at night.

Culture and experiences within walking distance

If you want to step away from the conference floor without going far, several of Auckland’s most recognisable cultural attractions sit within easy walking distance of NZICC.

Just minutes from the venue, the All Blacks Experience offers a fast-paced, immersive introduction to New Zealand’s most iconic sporting story, making it a handy one-hour option between sessions or before dinner. Next door, Wētā Workshop Unleashed provides a behind-the-scenes look at film-making, creativity, and special effects (if you love a bit of fantasy, you’ll love this!).

A slightly longer stroll brings you to Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki, where rotating exhibitions and a calm setting offer a welcome contrast to the conference buzz. Or, back closer to the venue, the Aotea Centre anchors Auckland’s arts precinct, with concerts, theatre, and live performances often scheduled in the evenings. See what’s on while you’re in town and discover the best things to do around Aotea Centre.

Shopping and city wandering

For a post-event wander or retail fix, head towards Commercial Bay. This modern waterfront precinct combines high-end retail with casual dining and harbour views, all within a 10–15 minute walk from NZICC. It’s an easy way to stretch your legs, pick up gifts, or enjoy a relaxed meal.

If you’d like to explore some more local landmarks, Aucky Walky Tours offers guided small-group or private walking tours through Auckland’s city centre, sharing local stories, Māori history, and hidden details you’d likely miss on your own.

Where to stay near NZICC

Staying within walking distance of NZICC makes the whole event experience smoother, with less commuting, more flexibility in your schedule, and the option to easily head back to your room before evening plans.

Right next door in the SkyCity precinct, SkyCity Hotel offers contemporary, comfortable rooms and direct access to the convention centre via a covered skybridge, making it one of the most convenient choices for those with full schedules.

Nearby, The Grand by SkyCity has spacious rooms and refined dining with a more elevated feel; it’s a great option for hosting clients or turning a work trip into a more indulgent stay. New to the precinct, Horizon by SkyCity also brings easy connectivity to the convention centre, offering another stress-free option right in the heart of the action.

A short stroll further out, Hotel Grand Chancellor provides comfortable CBD accommodation with easy access to both the venue and the wider city, making it a practical choice for visitors who want to stay central while still being able to step out and explore.

Getting around Auckland

NZICC’s central location makes it easy to move between events and memorable experiences, without relying on taxis or long travel times. Auckland’s CBD is highly walkable, but when you need to travel further afield, there are plenty of transport options:

• Auckland Transport for public buses, trains, and ferries; learn more about navigating Auckland like a local

• Corporate Cabs for professional, comfortable transfers

• Coach services including Intercity Coach Service, Pavlovich Coachlines, and Ritchies Coachlines

• The Auckland Explorer Hop on Hop off Bus for an easy city overview with a 24- or 48-hour bus pass

• Island Direct provides convenient transfers between Waiheke Island and downtown Auckland

• GO Rentals and Cross Country Rentals both offer a range of rental car options, giving you the flexibility to discover more of the Auckland region.

Extend your stay beyond the conference

Add a day or two to your itinerary to explore Auckland a little further. The city’s harbour and surrounding islands are part of what makes Auckland so special. Explore Group runs a range of Hauraki Gulf experiences, from short sight-seeing excursions around the harbour and on-water dining cruises to dolphin and island excursions that depart from the downtown waterfront.

Fullers360 ferry services connect you with popular destinations like Rangitoto Island and Waiheke Island. Known for its vineyards, coastal walks, beaches, and relaxed island pace, spending a few days on Waiheke is a great way to round out your Auckland visit with guided wine tours and long lunches overlooking the water.

For those wanting to take a vehicle or travel further afield, SeaLink Travel Group also offers sailings to Waiheke Island as well as Aotea Great Barrier Island, giving you more flexibility to explore Auckland’s beautiful outdoors at your own pace.