Ever wanted to see inside the brand-new New Zealand International Convention Centre (NZICC)? Haere mai, this is your moment! But get in quick, limited spots available.
After 10 years in the making, SkyCity is thrilled to be opening the doors of the NZICC to the public. This is your chance for a first look inside our beautiful tohu whenua (landmark) building before we begin welcoming thousands of international and local guests for an exciting line up of events.
Join us for the Public Open Day and be among the first to explore the spaces and experience the sheer scale of the venue that will help shape the future of events, business, culture, and tourism in Aotearoa.
What to expect: Take a relaxed walk around NZICC, check out the artwork, the country’s largest seated theatre, and soak up the incredible views across the Waitākere Ranges.
Hear directly from the minds behind NZICC - from the architects and creators who brought the vision to life, to the artists who shaped its look and feel, and the department leaders who will power the events within it. Each session features a different speaker, offering a unique perspective on the building’s journey and future; feel free to choose the session that speaks to you. The speakers will begin 10 minutes after your session start time, you can then wander the building after the talk.
Interested in hosting an event at NZICC? We’ll also be offering 30 spots per session for a guided tour with one of our sales team members. Pick your session time then select guided tour. Please meet at the NZICC registration desk 5 minutes after your session start time.
Whether you’re curious, proud, or just love seeing something new - this is an event you’ll want to be part of.
This is a free event, open to all - registration is required. The day will run across six self-guided public sessions, with one session starting each hour.
Event Details:
Date: Saturday, 21 February 2026
Location: New Zealand International Convention Centre, 101 Hobson Street, Auckland Central. Entry via Hobson Street Revolving doors.
Entry: Free (registration required)
Self-Guided Tour Sessions: 10 - 11am | 11 - 12pm | 12 - 1pm | 1 - 2pm | 2 - 3pm | 3 - 4pm
Speaker Sessions:
- 10:10am | The Venue and Our Journey
Speaker: Prue Daly (NZICC General Manager) - 11:10am | Constructing the building from the ground up
Speakers: Simon Jamieson (Group GM) and Sarah Ballantyne (Project Director) - 12:10pm | The Artists of NZICC
Speakers: Sara Hughes and Paeta Larkin - 1:10pm | The Designers of the Masterpiece
Speaker: Ilona Haghshenas (NZICC Architect) - 2:10pm | The Technology That Makes It All Work
Speakers: Stephen Ward (Vega Global) and Ryan Gollner (NZICC Technology Services Manager) - 2:10pm | NZICC Food Philosophy – Telling The Stories of Aotearoa Through Kai
Speaker: Rob Cullen (NZICC Executive Chef) - 3:10pm | The Team Bringing Your Events To Life
Speaker: Ian Love (NZICC Operations Manager)
NZICC Sales Team Guided Tours: 10.05 - 11am | 11.05 - 12pm | 12.05 - 1pm | 1.05 - 2pm | 2.05 - 3pm | 3.05 - 4pm
The New Zealand International Convention Centre (NZICC) is owned and operated by SkyCity Entertainment Group in partnership with the New Zealand government.
*Please note that the public open day will not include access to BOH areas.
*By submitting your RSVP, you acknowledge and agree to the venue’s terms and conditions and privacy policy which are available on our website. https://nzicc.co.nz/
*By submitting your RSVP, you agree to be photographed for use in NZICC advertising and promotional material, and that we reserve the right to make changes to the schedule should it be required.
Event Details
We are located at 101 Hobson Street, Auckland Central. The venue sits between Hobson Street and Nelson Street. The Exhibition Hall is located on Level 3, Hobson Street ground level, and the Theatre is located on Level 5, accessible via escalator and lifts.
NZICC’s street address is 101 Hobson Street, Auckland Central - meet outside the revolving doors for the public opening day. The best place to drop off passengers by car is Federal Street, which is a short walk across Hobson Street to the venue.
If you’re travelling by public transport, we are just a 20-minute walk from Britomart Transport Centre, Waitematā Train Station, and Downtown Ferry Terminals. Later this year, the new Te Waihorotiu City Rail Link Station is set to open with entrances on Victoria Street and Wellesley Street. Learn more here.
Our paid carpark is located underneath the venue with the entrance located at 46 Nelson Street. There are 1,327 parking spaces on site and exits available on both Hobson Street and Nelson Street. Our car park directly connects through to the SkyCity car park for additional parking. Learn more here.
The casual rate for parking is $8 for 0-30 minutes, $16 for the first hour and $8 every hour after. The maximum parking charge per day (up to 24 hours) is $48.
Children under 16 years of age can attend the public opening, but must be accompanied by an adult who holds a valid ticket. Please make sure that your child also has a valid ticket.
We are committed to being an accessible venue for all visitors. Both the Hobson Street and Nelson Street entrances have accessible access ramps. Lifts are available to all parking and venue levels, and there are 28 accessibility spaces on parking level B1. Learn more here
