The Ideal Corporate Retreat or Conference Venue Hire

Makoura Lodge conference venue is centrally located in the Manawatū district in the lower North Island, just a 50-minute drive from Palmerston North Airport. It’s a memorable and easy-to-plan event space perfect for your next corporate event, retreat or conference, offering  on-site accommodation, catering, team-building activities, and separate meeting rooms.

Our corporate packages include exclusive hire of the Lodge, allowing your team to focus on building business connections and achieving your objectives.

View of the conference room freshly laid out with glasses, water, whiteboards and beautiful sun coming through the windows.

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

  • On-site 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 have exclusive use of the Lodge and conference venue during your stay.

  • Conference venue Manawatu

    Main Lodge

    • Theatre style: 100

    • U-shape: 40

    • Informal Couch: 11

    • Classroom: 100

    • Boardroom: 60

  • Private conference room upstairs

    McIntyre Room

    • Board room style

    • Seats up to 12 delegates

    • Private room

    • Heat pump

    • Air-conditioned

    • Great break-out room

  • Break out room outside main conference venue

    Outdoor Picnic Area

    Boost your team's productivity and creativity with a change of scenery. Our outdoor garden area is the perfect spot for your team to brainstorm and collaborate while enjoying the refreshing Makoura air.

Conference Venue Hire Options

 
Corporate retreat venue with bar

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

Group of eight people making a toast over a meal as part of a corporate retreat.

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

Three people running and playing in the paddock with two sheep.

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 

  • 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

  • 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 room with stunning outlook

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

Conference venue with accommodation

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.

Stable hand and another person with white horse. One of the Makoura Lodge activities.

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.

The food during a Conference central North Island Manawatu

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.