About Claudelands | Hamilton’s Award-Winning Event & Conference Venue
Claudelands is an award-winning conference, exhibition, and entertainment venue located in the heart of Hamilton, New Zealand. Named New Zealand's 2026 NZEA Venue of the Year, Claudelands is a modern solution for conferencing, meetings, banquet dinners, seminars, private functions, indoor or outdoor exhibitions, and public events. Set among 34 hectares of parkland, the venue combines world-class facilities with a rich cultural heritage, making it one of the most versatile event destinations in the country.
A Venue Designed for Every Occasion
Claudelands is more than a single space — it’s a multi-zoned event hub designed to adapt to events of all sizes and styles. The site includes:
Claudelands Arena: A unique C-shaped auditorium, the only one of its kind in Australasia, seating up to 6,000 guests for concerts, plenary sessions, and major sporting events. Its boutique design ensures every seat feels close to the action.
Conference & Exhibition Centre: A four-star facility featuring the Heaphy Room (992 m², up to 900 delegates), 11 breakout spaces, and 10,000 m² of integrated indoor/outdoor exhibition space. Perfect for multi-stream conferences, trade shows, and gala dinners.
Historic Grandstand & The Barn: Character-rich spaces ideal for intimate functions, VIP hosting, and unique corporate events.
With flexible configurations, advanced AV technology, and onsite catering, Claudelands delivers seamless event experiences for everything from small meetings to international conferences.
Why Choose Claudelands?
Capacity & Flexibility: Host up to 6,000 guests in Claudelands Arena, 1,400 for banquets, or 1,200 delegates for conferences. Spaces can be expanded, reduced, or combined to suit your program.
Central Location: Just a 10-minute walk from Hamilton CBD, with easy access to accommodation, dining, and major North Island destinations including Auckland, Tauranga, and Rotorua.
Full-Service Support: Onsite AV specialists, ultra-fast fibre, and award-winning catering by Montana Food and Events ensure every detail is covered.
Sustainability Commitment: From rainwater harvesting and LED lighting to EV charging stations and waste minimisation, Claudelands is designed with the environment in mind.
A Rich Cultural and Community History
Claudelands sits on land originally known as Te Papanui, a traditional bird-hunting ground for Ngāti Wairere. In 1886, a group of Hamilton residents, known as the Claudelands Syndicate, rented more than 80 acres from the Government and on expiry of the lease, purchased the land. By 1887, the site hosted its first horse race meeting. Over the decades, Claudelands evolved from a racecourse and agricultural showgrounds into a hub for community events, including the Waikato Winter Show and the first Waikato Home Show in 1984.
The venue underwent a major redevelopment between 2007 and 2011, transforming it into a purpose-built facility capable of attracting international events. Today, Claudelands represents Hamilton’s vision for a world-class event destination that blends heritage with innovation.
Sustainability at Claudelands
Claudelands is committed to reducing its environmental impact through green design and operational practices. Key initiatives include:
- Rainwater harvesting for toilet flushing in the Arena and Heaphy Rooms.
- LED lighting and motion sensors to reduce energy use.
- Stormwater management via onsite wetlands.
- EV charging stations and bicycle parking to encourage sustainable transport.
- Food waste diversion to local charities and composting programs through venue caterers Montana Food and Events.
These efforts reflect Claudelands’ role as a responsible venue partner for clients who value sustainability.
Awards and Industry Recognition
Claudelands has earned multiple accolades, including Large Venue of the Year (EVANZ Awards) and hosting prestigious events such as the ANZ Premiership Grand Final, FIFA Fan Festival, and national conferences. Its reputation for excellence makes it a trusted choice for event professionals across New Zealand.
Planning Your Event at Claudelands
Whether you’re organising a concert for thousands, a multi-day conference, or an intimate corporate function, Claudelands offers:
Configurable spaces for plenary sessions, exhibitions, and breakouts.
Onsite catering and AV services for a stress-free experience.
Ample parking and easy access for delegates and suppliers.
Proximity to Hamilton’s accommodation and attractions, including Hobbiton, Waitomo Caves, and Raglan beaches.
Claudelands is owned and managed by H3, a unit within Hamilton City Council. As part of the Destinations Group, we contribute to a collective of leading visitor destinations delivering world-class experiences that showcase the very best of Hamilton.
Ready to Host Your Next Event?
Claudelands combines scale, flexibility, and service excellence in a parkland setting just minutes from Hamilton’s CBD. Contact our team today to discuss your event requirements and discover why Claudelands is the premier venue for conferences, exhibitions, and entertainment in New Zealand.