Conference Famils New Zealand in 2025
Three great FAMILS on offer pre/post our annual conference in Ōtautahi Christchurch, New Zealand.
Don't miss out - register your expression of interest early!
Auckland Pre-Familiarisation Expression of Interest
Experience Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland with the New Zealand International Convention Centre
(Thursday 4 – Saturday 6 December 2025)
Join the New Zealand International Convention Centre (NZICC) and the Auckland Convention Bureau (ACB) for a not-to-be-missed pre-opening familiarisation of the NZICC, along with a day of exploration on Waiheke Island.
You will be among the first to have a sneak peek inside Aotearoa New Zealand’s largest and most versatile conference and exhibition centre, which opens in February 2026. Lunch, courtesy of NZICC Executive Chef Rob Cullen, will give an exclusive glimpse into the innovative and sustainable dining experience the NZICC will offer.
You’ll also venture out on the beautiful Hauraki Gulf for a day experiencing Waiheke, the island paradise just a stone’s throw from downtown Auckland. Famed for its vineyards, olive groves, and pristine beaches, Waiheke is also well known for its local artists and artisans and offers a wide range of memorable event experiences.
Your journey will begin with a morning departure from Australia to Auckland on Thursday 4 December and returning Wednesday 10 December from Christchurch. This bespoke experience includes return trans-Tasman flights, a one way domestic flight from Auckland to Christchurch, accommodation, meals, attractions and activities as part of the Auckland itinerary. There are 20 positions available.
Your accommodation in Christchurch from Saturday 6 - Wednesday 10 December is at your own expense.
Auckland Pre-Familiarisation Expression of Interest
Experience Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland with the New Zealand International Convention Centre
(Thursday 4 – Saturday 6 December 2025)
Join the New Zealand International Convention Centre (NZICC) and the Auckland Convention Bureau (ACB) for a not-to-be-missed pre-opening familiarisation of the NZICC, along with a day of exploration on Waiheke Island.
You will be among the first to have a sneak peek inside Aotearoa New Zealand’s largest and most versatile conference and exhibition centre, which opens in February 2026. Lunch, courtesy of NZICC Executive Chef Rob Cullen, will give an exclusive glimpse into the innovative and sustainable dining experience the NZICC will offer.
You’ll also venture out on the beautiful Hauraki Gulf for a day experiencing Waiheke, the island paradise just a stone’s throw from downtown Auckland. Famed for its vineyards, olive groves, and pristine beaches, Waiheke is also well known for its local artists and artisans and offers a wide range of memorable event experiences.
Your journey will begin with a morning departure from Australia to Auckland on Thursday 4 December and returning Wednesday 10 December from Christchurch. This bespoke experience includes return trans-Tasman flights, a one way domestic flight from Auckland to Christchurch, accommodation, meals, attractions and activities as part of the Auckland itinerary. There are 20 positions available.
Your accommodation in Christchurch from Saturday 6 - Wednesday 10 December is at your own expense.
West Coast Pre-Familiarisation Expression of Interest
Discover one of New Zealand’s best keep secrets, the Wonderful West Coast of the South Island
(Wednesday 3 – Saturday 6 December 2025)
Departing Thursday, fly to the West Coast for two nights at Legacy Te Waonui Hotel, Franz Josef. Returning to Christchurch Saturday night travelling across the Southern Alps on the iconic TranzAlpine Train.
You will be the envy of the industry on this exclusive famil hosted by Ali Smith.
Your journey will begin with a morning departure from Christchurch to the West Coast on Thursday 4 December and returning Saturday evening 6 December into Christchurch around 7.00pm. This bespoke experience includes a one way domestic flight from Christchurch to Hokitika and returning on the TranzAlpine Train, accommodation 3 – 5 December, meals, attractions and activities as part of the West Coast itinerary. There are 11 positions available.
Your return trans-Tasman flights ex Australia to Christchurch and accommodation from Saturday 6 December for the duration of PCOA25 is at your own expense.
West Coast Pre-Familiarisation Expression of Interest
Discover one of New Zealand’s best keep secrets, the Wonderful West Coast of the South Island
(Wednesday 3 – Saturday 6 December 2025)
Departing Thursday, fly to the West Coast for two nights at Legacy Te Waonui Hotel, Franz Josef. Returning to Christchurch Saturday night travelling across the Southern Alps on the iconic TranzAlpine Train.
You will be the envy of the industry on this exclusive famil hosted by Ali Smith.
Your journey will begin with a morning departure from Christchurch to the West Coast on Thursday 4 December and returning Saturday evening 6 December into Christchurch around 7.00pm. This bespoke experience includes a one way domestic flight from Christchurch to Hokitika and returning on the TranzAlpine Train, accommodation 3 – 5 December, meals, attractions and activities as part of the West Coast itinerary. There are 11 positions available.
Your return trans-Tasman flights ex Australia to Christchurch and accommodation from Saturday 6 December for the duration of PCOA25 is at your own expense.
Wellington Post-Familiarisation Expression of Interest
In the middle of New Zealand is a vibrant city that buzzes with an intangible energy
(Tuesday 9 – Thursday 11 December 2025)
Nestled between green hills and a sparkling harbour, Wellington is the country’s capital. Compact and accessible, it’s bursting with culture, history, nature, and cuisine.
Join us to explore everything the city has to offer for conferencing: from our premium convention centre, Tākina, space at our national museum Te Papa Tongarewa or the heart of government in Parliament Buildings.
We look forward to welcoming you to Te Whanganui a Tara Wellington.
Your journey will begin with an evening departure from Christchurch to Wellington on Tuesday 9 December. This bespoke experience includes domestic flights within New Zealand, accommodation 9 & 10 December, meals, attractions and activities as part of the Wellington itinerary. There are 15 positions available.
Your return trans-Tasman flights ex Australia are at your own expense. You have the option to fly directly out of Wellington on Thursday 11 December or return to Christchurch and fly back to Australia from there.
Wellington Post-Familiarisation Expression of Interest
In the middle of New Zealand is a vibrant city that buzzes with an intangible energy
(Tuesday 9 – Thursday 11 December 2025)
Nestled between green hills and a sparkling harbour, Wellington is the country’s capital. Compact and accessible, it’s bursting with culture, history, nature, and cuisine.
Join us to explore everything the city has to offer for conferencing: from our premium convention centre, Tākina, space at our national museum Te Papa Tongarewa or the heart of government in Parliament Buildings.
We look forward to welcoming you to Te Whanganui a Tara Wellington.
Your journey will begin with an evening departure from Christchurch to Wellington on Tuesday 9 December. This bespoke experience includes domestic flights within New Zealand, accommodation 9 & 10 December, meals, attractions and activities as part of the Wellington itinerary. There are 15 positions available.
Your return trans-Tasman flights ex Australia are at your own expense. You have the option to fly directly out of Wellington on Thursday 11 December or return to Christchurch and fly back to Australia from there.
Contact Us
Professional Conference Organisers Association Inc. IA 35380 | ARBN 136 627 088 | ABN: 3069 0730722
Karakia
A karakia is a short Māori prayer or blessing used to open or close an event, helping to set the tone and bring people together. It acknowledges the space, the people, and the purpose of the gathering. This karakia has been selected by Liz Kereru (Ngāi Tūāhuriri) to align to the 2025 PCOA conference theme of connection and community.
Tuia ki runga, Tuia ki raro, Tuia ki waho, Tuia ki roto,
Tuia ki te here tangata,
Ka rongo te po, Ka rongo te ao, Haumi….e, Hui…e - Taiki….e
Unite from above, Unite from below, Unite from without, Unite from within,
Unite to connect people,
The night hears, The day hears, Join all, bind all, together as one
Meet the Artist
Wongi Wilson is a street artist with a reputation for high-quality, large-scale works in prominent positions around Christchurch.
Find out more about Wongi Wilson
Acknowledgement of Country
The PCO Association acknowledges the traditional owners and custodians of Country throughout Australia and acknowledges their continuing connection to land, sea and community. We pay our respects to the people, the Cultures and the elders past, present and emerging.