The tour begins upon arrival in the bustling city of Auckland, filled with a rich history of culture that inspires its architectural diversity. Once settled in the Hilton Auckland, join the Design Matters National team for a welcome drink on the ground floor of the hotel at Bellini. Take a short walk along the waterfront for a welcome dinner located at Saint Alice restaurant overlooking Auckland’s Viaduct Harbour. 

Bellini Sip in style at Bellini Bar, where waterfront views meet chic, contemporary design in the heart of Auckland’s Hilton. Learn More

Saint Alice Restaurant offers beautiful views and a seasonal menu made for sharing. Learn More

Get acquainted with Auckland through a guided walking tour led by Urban Design champion, Ludo Campbell-Reid, offering a chance to explore the city’s character and architecture on foot. After the tour, head to La Marée to enjoy 3 courses of French fusion. Following lunch, we will begin the Everyday Homes Tour hosted by DMN's long-time partner James Hardie. Afterwards, the group will return to the city, with the next stop at Ōrākei Marae. Here, a very special evening has been planned. The group will take part in a guided tour of the grounds. The evening concludes with a Hāngī dinner.

La Marée showcases French-inspired fine dining with the freshest New Zealand seafood, all served in an elegant waterfront setting. Learn More

James Hardie Everyday Homes Tour offers a closer look at the everyday designs by James Hardie. The tour will explore Long Bay on a private coach, accompanied by a James Hardie NZ representative. 

Ōrākei Marae and Hāngī Dinner the cultural home of Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei, where visitors are kaikaranga (welcomed) with karakia (blessing), hongi (pressing of noses), and waiata (song) that share the iwi’s heritage and values. The experience concludes with a Hāngī dinner, a Māori feast of meats and root vegetables slow-cooked in an earth oven for a distinctive smoky, tender flavour.

The day begins with long-time DMN partner AWS/APL hosting a Commercial Architecture Tour, where the group will visit several landmark Auckland projects, including the Britomart Hotel, the Levy Building, and HomeGround. Following the tour, the group will enjoy lunch at the renowned restaurant, Cāntīng.

In the afternoon, the group will visit Point Chevalier for an architect-led home tour, providing a unique insight into residential design.

The evening is free to relax and enjoy Auckland at your leisure.

Cāntīng by famous chef Nic Watt, diners can expect a modern twist on traditional Chinese cuisine. Learn More

Add-on Experiences discover ways to spend your evening by exploring the options available under the Add-on Experiences tab. Learn More

A scenic ferry ride across the Hauraki Gulf sets the stage for a day of discovery on Waiheke Island, renowned for its natural beauty and world-class design. Upon arrival, the group will head to Cowes Bay for a private home tour — an exclusive opportunity to explore a remarkable coastal residence rarely open to visitors.

The journey continues to Wild Estate, where a long lunch among the vines will be held. In the afternoon, another architect-led home tour in Onetangi offers a glimpse into modern island living, showcasing the seamless relationship between architecture and landscape.

The day concludes with the thrill of the EcoZip experience, flying high above native forest and vineyards on a series of ziplines before returning by ferry to Auckland to enjoy an evening at leisure.

Wild Estate The group will enjoy a two-course lunch set among the vineyard at Wild Estate—famous not only for its boutique, limited-edition wines but also for blending exceptional dining with playful activities like archery and giant lawn games. Learn More

Eco Zip soars above native forest and vineyards on an exhilarating zipline adventure that combines breathtaking views with a rush of adrenaline. Learn More

Journey on a full-day curated architectural tour through Auckland and surrounding areas with ADNZ, where you’ll connect with NZ design contemporaries while exploring some of the city’s most striking built works. During the tour, enjoy a beachside lunch and drinks at a local kiwi pub. This tour promises an inspiring showcase of outstanding architectural projects that make up Tāmaki Makaurau (Auckland).

Architectural Designers New Zealand (ADNZ) is for architectural designers and architects across New Zealand, dedicated to promoting excellence in design and advocating for the advancement of the architectural profession. Learn More

Titirangi Beach is a peaceful spot on Auckland’s west coast, known for its tidal flats, beautiful beaches, and striking mid-century and contemporary architecture.

The day begins with a mid-morning private residential home tour before returning to the Hilton. The afternoon is free to explore Auckland at your own pace, whether it’s admiring the historic University Clock Tower, going behind the scenes of the movie industry with Wētā Workshop, or discovering the fascinating exhibits at Auckland Museum—there’s no wrong way to enjoy the city. The 2025 Study Tour in Auckland will conclude with a special farewell dinner at the award-winning Metita.

Metita is led by renowned Samoan chef Michael Meredith. The award-winning restaurant offers a refined Pacific Island cuisine that celebrates heritage and innovation. Learn More