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SkyCity will welcome visitors to the New Zealand International Convention Centre for the first time on Saturday, February 21, 2026, with a public open day ahead of the venue’s events programme getting underway.
The NZICC will be open for ticketed public walkthroughs from 10am to 4pm, giving visitors the opportunity to explore the scale, design and flexibility of New Zealand’s largest purpose-built conference, exhibition and entertainment venue. The open day comes ahead of a programme of international and domestic events, starting with performances by New Zealand band Six60 later in February.
A series of curated speaker sessions will run throughout the day, held at ten past each hour. Sessions will feature speakers involved in the delivery of the NZICC, including the architects and artists behind the project, members of the construction team and NZICC executive chef Rob Cullen. The sessions will provide insight into how the venue was delivered and what is involved in operating a venue of this scale.
Food and beverage will be available for purchase from the NZICC café and kiosks throughout the day. Engagement stations will offer an introduction to the NZICC food offering, with a curated menu by Rob using local, seasonal ingredients.
NZICC general manager Prue Daly says opening the venue to the public is a significant milestone.
“Opening the doors of the NZICC and welcoming guests marks the moment we’ve been working towards,” says Prue.
“The public open day is a chance for people to experience the NZICC, shaped by the contribution of many people over time, and now ready to be brought to life through events, food and experiences.”
The public open day is free to attend, with registration required. Speaker sessions and guided tours will have limited capacity and will operate on a first-come, first-served basis.
Event details
Date: Saturday, February 21, 2026
Time: 10am–4pm
Location: New Zealand International Convention Centre, 101 Hobson Street, Auckland Central
Entry via Hobson Street revolving doors
Entry: Free (registration required)
Register: nzicc.co.nz/events/public-open-day/
Self-guided walkthrough sessions:
10–11am | 11am–12pm | 12–1pm | 1–2pm | 2–3pm | 3–4pm
Speaker sessions:
10.10am – NZICC general manager Prue Daly
11.10am – NZICC build team: Simon Jamieson and Sarah Ballantyne
12.10pm – Artists: Peata Larkin and Sara Hughes
1.10pm – NZICC architects: Warren & Mahoney
2.10pm – NZICC technology and operations: Ryan Gollner, Stephen Ward (VEGA) and NZICC executive chef Rob Cullen
3.10pm – NZICC operations manager Ian Love
NZICC sales team guided tours:
10.05–11am | 11.05am–12pm | 12.05–1pm | 1.05–2pm | 2.05–3pm | 3.05–4pm
