Fairway Events Centre hosts conferences, workshops, company functions, birthdays and weddings for up to 200 guests theatre style or 170 at a banquet with a dance floor. The venue is an events building on Auckland's North Shore, in Wairau Valley, behind Eventfinda Stadium, with a deck looking over the Takapuna golf course. It belongs to Toast Group, whose catering company runs the kitchen.
Seminars and company events
Each booking has the building to itself, so a conference does not share the foyers or the deck with another group. The main room has three large screens, a sound system, wireless microphones and plug-and-play AV, with free high-speed Wi-Fi across the site. A day delegate package bundles room hire, projector and screens, microphones, full-day catering and Wi-Fi, with water and mints on the tables. Corporate menus run from working lunches and wraps to full buffets for multi-day conferences, and canapés or drinks can be served on the deck at the end of the day. The Boardroom works as a breakout room or for executive meetings alongside the plenary.
Weddings and receptions
The venue takes weddings of 70 to 170 guests, with space for a band or a DJ and a built-in dance floor. Guests receive a welcome drink in the front foyer, and there are two bars, one at the entrance and one on the deck. In-house decor uses whites, brass lanterns, candles and pink and white flowers, and a base decor package comes with bookings that combine venue and catering. The sound system can show images on the three screens and link up with family overseas. The team can recommend a DJ or a band. Summer dates fill early. The website does not say whether ceremonies can be held on site.
Rooms and capacities
The Fairway Room is the main space: 200 theatre style, 170 for a banquet including a dance floor and room for a band, and 160 in cabaret facing the screens. Classroom and workshop layouts are also possible. The Boardroom is a private room for small groups and can also hold the buffet. Hire includes all rooms, the front and back foyers, the deck, tables and chairs, the sound system and microphones, for up to nine hours. Earlier access for larger setups can be discussed. The venue is not available on Sundays, when a church group uses it until 1 p.m.
Catering
Toast Catering is the exclusive caterer and prepares food fresh on site. Wedding menus include a spit roast buffet, plated dinners and family-style service, and most dietary needs are covered. Outside catering is considered case by case at extra cost. The bar is fully licensed and outside alcohol is not allowed. Couples can bring their own cake, which the team cuts and serves with dessert.
History and setting
Floor-to-ceiling windows give the main room natural light, and the private deck overlooks the fairways, with fountains, ducks and water lilies on the ponds. The building has disabled access.
Getting there
The address is 9 Argus Place, Wairau Valley. Drive in through Gate B and follow the orange signs to the front entrance, as the Silverfield entrance is closed. The venue is about 10 minutes from the Auckland CBD and a few minutes from the Northcote motorway off-ramp, with more than 300 free parking spaces.
