Conference Venue Hire with Accommodation
Makoura Lodge Conference Venue is centrally located in the lower North Island, Manawatu, just a 50-minute scenic drive from the regional airport: Palmerston North. It’s a memorable and easy-to-plan venue for your next corporate event or retreat conference with accommodation, catering, team-building activities, and exclusive meeting rooms.
Our corporate packages include private hire of the Lodge, allowing your team to focus on building business connections and achieving objectives in a hospitable and productive setting.
Conference Facilities
Overnight conference packages accommodating up to 40 guests
Day conference packages are available for up to 100 guests
Exclusive conference venue use for overnight bookings
Experience genuine rural hospitality
Variety of team-building activities
Onsite accommodation
Nutritious and wholesome meals
Bar & barista service
Meeting equipment included
Conference Meeting Rooms
You are welcome to go between these spaces, as you will gain exclusive use of the Lodge and conference venue.
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Main Lodge
Theatre style: 100
U-shape: 40
Informal Couch: 11
Classroom: 100
Boardroom: 60
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McIntyre Room
Board room style
Seats up to 12 delegates
Private room
Heat pump
Air-conditioned
Great break-out room
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Outdoor Picnic Area
Boost your team's productivity and creativity with a change of scenery. Our outdoor garden are is the perfect spot for your team to brainstorm and collaborate while enjoying the refreshing Makoura air.
Conference Venue Hire Options
Corporate Retreat Overnight 28hr Package
For example, 10 am arrival to departure the next day at 2 pm
Private use of Conference Venue
Set-up & equipment use
1x Night’s quality accommodation
Tea & coffee
2x Morning tea
2x Country buffet lunch
1x Afternoon tea or pre-dinner nibbles
1x 2-course dinner
1x Cooked breakfast
Corporate Retreat Overnight 52hr Package
For example, 10 am arrival through to departure on the third day at 2 pm
Private use of Conference Venue
Set-up & equipment use
2x Night’s quality accommodation
Tea & coffee
3x Morning tea
3x Country buffet lunch
2x Afternoon teas or pre-dinner nibbles
2x 2-course dinner
2x Cooked breakfast
Day Meeting and Team-Building Package
For example, 9 am arrival to 5 pm departure
Use of Conference Venue
Set-up & equipment
2x Activities: choose from axe throwing, archery, human sheep dog trials, mini highland games, or photo scavenger hunt
Tea & coffee
1x Morning tea
1x Country buffet lunch
1x Afternoon tea
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Pricing GST-inclusive
If your budget doesn't cover a fully self-catered package, feel free to discuss other options with us.
Corporate Retreat Overnight 28hr Package
$3800 for up to 6 guests
7-12 guests add $430pp
13-22 guests add $360pp
22+ add $320pp
Corporate Retreat Overnight 52hr Package
$7000 for up to 6 guests
7-12 guests add $790pp
13-22 guests add $650pp
22+ add $590pp
Day Meeting and Team Building Package
$ 1750 for up to 6 guests
Extras $125pp
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Booking deposit:
We ask for a 25% deposit of the estimated total value of the booking to secure your date. Your booking is not secured until this is received. The 25% deposit will be deducted from the final account.
What we need from you:
Final numbers, activities, conference agenda/information, accommodation plan, and any dietary requirements need to be with us 14 days before your event date. This is the minimum that will be charged, regardless of whether fewer attend.
Booking of activities:
We have the right to charge for any activities booked but not undertaken. We have the right to charge a staff cover fee if you are not ready to do the activities at the time booked.
Payment & Surcharges:
Final payment can be made on the day or, an invoice will be sent on the day of the event to be paid within one month. Interest will be charged to overdue accounts at 10% per month. In the event of non-payment of any account, you shall become liable for all recovery costs incurred by us, including any legal expenses. Credit card surcharges apply. As a result of the increased cost of staffing on public holidays, a 15% surcharge applies.
Pricing:
Due to the reliance on our suppliers. Prices can change without notice.
Cancellations:
The booking deposit is non-refundable.
Cancellations made within 10 days’ notice: We will require full payment of the total value of the booking.
Date Changes:
We understand circumstances may change. Your deposit will be transferred to your new date if at least 30 days notice is given.
Damages:
Any damage/ breakage to or loss of Makoura Lodge property or equipment will be charged at replacement cost and added to the final account.
Liability:
Makoura Lodge is not responsible for the event's cancellation due to any reason beyond its reasonable control.
Photographs:
Makoura Lodge may take photos/videos of groups for marketing and promotional use. We agree to ensure the media used is professional and a positive reflection of the business.
Conference Facilities
The below is included when booking one of our package options.
• Natural lighting • High-Speed free Wi-Fi • Slide open windows for fresh air • Data projector & screen • Whiteboards & whiteboard pens • Flip charts, stand & markers • Free parking • Cordless microphone • Notepads & pens • Presenter’s table • Chilled water & mints • Wheelchair access in lodge & Kowhai studio
Onsite Accommodation
Elevate your corporate experience with our overnight packages for increased time to bond with your team and soak up the ambiance of Makoura. Makoura Lodge can comfortably accommodate up to 40 single shared rooms or 18 with separate rooms.
Activities & Team Building
Boost your team's morale by incorporating our team-building exercises. Located conveniently on the premises, step outside to provide a refreshing break and keep your team engaged. Learn valuable lessons from interacting with horses, try clay shooting, or participate in a sheep herding activity. Whether your goal is to foster connection, increase energy levels, or have a good time, our conference venue offers a variety of options for team bonding.
Beverage & Catering
No matter your preferred drink, we've got you covered to keep you hydrated and alert. Following your meeting socialise with your colleagues by the cosy fireplace or at our outdoor bar while enjoying canapes before dinner. We offer fresh, nutritious, and wholesome food to sustain you throughout your visit.
Testimonials
“I wanted to thank you for hosting our group last week.
All the team had a fantastic 3 days and were so well looked after by your team. Don’t underestimate how much effect that has on the success of the conference we were holding, and several of the guys were commenting on ‘the best conference yet’. I’d like to claim it was the content I put together, but I think the food, lodgings, and setting played the bigger part!”
— Garry Watt, General Manager, Norwood,
“A hearty thanks for the last three days.
Your location, surroundings and facilities are fantastic, but these are things you can’t have much control over. They were however, greatly enhanced by the things you can control – food, atmosphere, service etc. The staff were outstanding for us, and made our time at the lodge productive, fun, and thoroughly enjoyable.
We will be back.”
— Stuart Marshall, General Manager Regulation, Powerco
“I have utilised Makoura Lodge for Board meetings, large corporate team recognitions and, from time to time, just an opportunity to get out of town with a small business group. The Makoura team are brilliant, the food is quality country fair and the Lodge is run in manner that is authentic and reflects the best of true country values. For value for money and quality of experience Makoura Lodge is my ‘go to’ team building get away.”
— Conrad Wilkshire, General Manager, Property Brokers.