NZCA Conference 2025: This is Not a Drill
Thursday 14 August 2025
Napier War Memorial Centre, Hawke’s Bay
NZCA AGM (Online): 10.30am Wednesday 13 August 2025 Members Only
Conference & Networking: Thursday 14 August 2025, Napier
Our cruise future is on the line and this is our moment to act.
The 2025 New Zealand Cruise Association Conference, themed This is Not a Drill, arrives at a pivotal time. Challenges are mounting, decisions are looming, and opportunities for real progress are on the cards. If ever there was a time to show up, speak up, and step up this is it.
Join us in Napier this August for a bold, future-focused programme that puts the big issues on the table.
Expect no fluff. Just honest conversations, hard questions, and the sharpest minds in the cruise world including senior leaders from Holland America, Princess, Carnival, Heritage Expeditions, CLIA, and major NZ ports and more sharing insights and solutions that matter.
Why you need to be there:
- Meaningful Connections: Build relationships with decision-makers from across cruise lines, ports, regions, and government.
- Real Conversations: Tackle the hard stuff (infrastructure, guest experience, regulation, supply chains, and sustainability) with people who can make change happen.
- Global + Local Lens: Get the latest regional outlook from CLIA, alongside frontline NZ operators delivering cruise on the ground.
- Fresh Perspectives: Hear rapid-fire insights from across the broader visitor economy, from aviation to retail, and see how cruise fits into the bigger picture.
Set against the vibrant backdrop of Napier and the stunning Hawke’s Bay, this conference delivers substance with style — all wrapped in the warmth of Art Deco hospitality.
Don’t miss the cruise industry’s most important day of the year. Register now and secure your place at the 2025 NZCA Conference. Together, let’s proactively shape the future of cruising in New Zealand.
This is not a drill. Let’s make this count.
REGISTRATION
| Members | Non-Members | |
| Earlybird |
$570 + GST (50 Available)
SOLD OUT | $695 + GST (to 30 June) |
| Standard | $615 + GST | $765 + GST |
Included in your registration fee:
- Attendance at the conference on Thursday 14 August
- Networking breakfast on 14 August
- Morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea
- Networking function on 14 August
PROGRAMME DETAILS
Morning Schedule
| Time | Event | Sponsor |
|---|---|---|
| 7:00 AM | Registration Opens | – |
| 7:30 AM | Networking Breakfast | CLIA |
| 7:30 AM | Coffee Cart Open | Transit Napier |
| 8:30 AM | Mihi Whakatau & Official Welcome NZCA, CLIA and government updates | – |
| 10:00 – 10:30 AM | Morning Smoko | Prime Port Timaru |
| 10:30 AM onwards | Fireside Chat & Industry Panels Topics include cruise infrastructure, regulation, and future-proofing the sector. | – |
Lunch
| Time | Event | Sponsor |
|---|---|---|
| 12:30 – 1:30 PM | Lunch | Lyttelton Port Company |
Afternoon Schedule
| Time | Event | Sponsor |
|---|---|---|
| 1:30 PM onwards |
Fresh insights from cruise leaders, cross-sector innovators, and guest experience experts. | Port of Auckland |
| 3:30 – 4:00 PM | Afternoon Tea | Port Otago |
| 4:00 PM | Reflections & Regional Collaboration, 2026 Conference Location Reveal & Official Close | – |
Evening
| Time | Event | Sponsor |
|---|---|---|
| 5:00 – 7:30 PM | Art Deco Networking Event Wrap up the day with great company, local wine, and classic Hawke’s Bay hospitality. | Napier Port |
ACCOMMODATION
We have secured accommodation at Scenic Hotel Te Pania which is directly across the road from the conference venue. You can book and pay for your room as part of the registration process.
$255 per room per night, Superior Room. Price is GST inclusive and room only.
CONFERENCE LOCATION: Hawke’s Bay
Hawke’s Bay is an incredibly beautiful part of the world occupying around 14,000 square kilometres on the east coast of New Zealand. It’s a fusion of simplicity and sophistication, centred around the cities of Napier and Hastings and is based on three naturally occurring ingredients: a climate with Mediterranean leanings, an ability to grow all manner of things, and an irrepressible enthusiasm amongst the locals for making the most of the abundant resources at their fingertips.
Napier, a city by the sea, is internationally renowned for its Art Deco architecture. Our conference will be hosted at Napier Conferences & Events, located at the Napier War Memorial Centre on Marine Parade. Overlooking the Pacific Ocean, this purpose-built facility is within walking distance of downtown hotels, offering convenience and world-class hospitality for delegates.
The Hastings district adds another layer of charm with its geographically diverse landscape, including Cape Kidnappers, Te Mata Peak, Havelock North, and Hastings itself. The area offers an eclectic mix of retail shops and eateries, along with a wide range of outdoor activities and wineries.
Hawke’s Bay is celebrated as New Zealand’s wine capital and recently named a Great Wine Capital of the World. Boasting over 160 years of winemaking heritage, with more than 200 vineyards and 76 wineries, the region produces over 80% of New Zealand’s Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Syrah grapes. Beyond wine, Hawke’s Bay is New Zealand’s fruit bowl and a paradise for foodies, offering fresh local ingredients that elevate every meal.
With its spectacular venues, Mediterranean-like climate, and renowned food and wine, Hawke’s Bay is the perfect destination to host our conference. We are thrilled to bring our event to this remarkable region and encourage all delegates to take time to experience all it has to offer.
DELEGATE DEALS AND DINING SUGGESTIONS
Make the most of your time in stunning Hawke’s Bay. Delegates will be able to enjoy exclusive deals from local NZCA members and other providers to extend their stay and explore all the region has to offer. Take advantage of these offers to experience world-class wineries, breathtaking landscapes, and vibrant local culture.
For updates and announcements
Conference Partner
Thanks to our Generous Sponsors
