About Cordis, Auckland
Cordis, Auckland is a five-star hotel and conference venue in central Auckland (83 Symonds Street, Grafton) operated by Langham Hospitality. Opened in 1983 as the Sheraton Auckland, it was later rebranded The Langham and most recently Cordis, Auckland. After a major upgrade and the addition of the 17-storey Pinnacle Tower in 2021, Cordis became the largest hotel by room count in New Zealand (640 rooms in total) (www.langhamhospitalitygroup.com ). The hotel’s design blends classical luxury with a modern Kiwi spirit: the Great Room ballroom is famous for its 33 crystal chandeliers and grand domed ceiling, and the lobby features antiques, fine furnishings and even an art installation in a lobby courtyard. Architect Jasmax designed the Pinnacle Tower interiors, which host the largest curated local art collection in a NZ hotel – 46 commissioned works inspired by Māori concepts and the local landscape (www.langhamhospitalitygroup.com ). For history and character, Cordis occupies the site of an old flour mill (built 1851), and since 2010 it has hosted dignitaries and celebrities at its lavish banquets. Signature features include high-tea service in the ornate Palm Court, a luxury Chuan Spa & health club, a heated rooftop pool and an exclusive Club Lounge on the 14th floor. What makes Cordis special is its scale and style: one of Auckland’s most capacious, pillar-free event halls (the Great Room) and a distinctly Kiwi atmosphere, from Māori-inspired decor to the new “Our Land Is Alive” bar with native motifs and local drinks (www.theurbanlist.com ).
Every event space is equipped with the latest AV and fast Wi-Fi – in fact the Encore event services page notes complimentary high-speed internet is available in all rooms and public areas (www.encore-anzpac.com ). The venue loves tech-friendly events: along with 13 meeting rooms (13 flexible venues totaling over 2000 sqm (www.encore-anzpac.com )), Cordis offers on-site audio-visual support and presentation gear for conferences, product launches, summits and gala dinners. From executive boardroom meetings to banquet weddings and corporate conferences, Cordis is notable both for scale and luxury. It’s also one of the few Auckland venues with a dedicated Kiwi-themed wine-and-cocktail bar and an outdoor terrace (Jade Room), giving it unique character among city hotels.
Events and Programming
Cordis hosts primarily business and social events rather than public concerts. The most common events are corporate conferences, seminars, trade shows and awards ceremonies. University and professional groups often hold conferences here – for example Auckland Chamber business summits, NZTech forums, and ethnic enterprise forums have been held at Cordis in recent years. The hotel also caters to private celebrations: weddings (ceremonies and receptions), charity galas, weddings for up to 900 guests, and big family banquets (www.cordishotels.com ) (www.cordishotels.com ). You’ll find a few cultural and entertainment events too – Cordis has hosted speakers and show-business functions (international speakers like Gary Vaynerchuk have spoken in the Great Room), as well as live entertainment for private functions. Cordis’ event partners even line up jazz quartets, acoustic duos or swing bands to play at ballrooms and pre-function areas (www.findaband.co.nz ) (www.findaband.co.nz ). However, Cordis is not a public concert venue like a theater; events are usually ticketed by the organizers (companies, charity trust, or wedding party).
Recurring events at Cordis include industry awards and annual galas. For instance, the Auckland Business Awards and Laureates galas often take place here, as do summits for tech and ethnic communities. Ticket prices vary widely: smaller daytime seminars or charity lunches might have tickets around NZ$50–$150, while black-tie dinners or full-day conferences often charge a few hundred dollars per person (e.g. recent business summits ranged $300–$400, gala dinners around $120–$260 (aucklandchamber.co.nz )). Because Cordis is a 5-star hotel, event programming tends to be high-end – expect professionally catered meals (buffet, plated dinners or afternoon tea), stage lighting, and plenty of hospitality, rather than budget shows. On any given week there might be half a dozen functions: morning board meetings in a small room (12–20 people) and evening banquets in the Great Room for hundreds.
Tickets and Booking
Cordis itself does not sell tickets directly to the public. If you want to attend an event at Cordis, you typically register or buy a ticket through the event organizer or promoter. Most events are corporate or invitation-only (conferences, trade expos, private parties). Watch event listing sites or industry association websites for Cordis events (online searches will show upcoming Cordis bookings by category). For weddings or private functions, tickets (if any) are arranged by the host couple or company. In short, your “ticket” is usually a registration on the hosting group’s site.
When major conferences or galas are held, organizers often offer tiered pricing (early-bird vs. standard, or VIP table packages). There is no box office at the hotel lobby. If Cordis is hosting a public seminar or talk, details will be on sites such as Eventfinda or chamber pages – but again, sign-up is via the event’s registration. For planning, treat Cordis events like any professional conference: ticketing links will be provided in advance, and you will usually receive an entry badge or e-ticket. Last-minute walk-up tickets are rare, so book early if it’s a major conference or sold-out dinner.
Seating and Layout
Cordis has a very flexible layout across multiple floors. There are 13 distinct meeting/event spaces, plus pre-function foyers. The centerpiece is the Great Room (1160 m², 22×56m, ceiling 4.3m high) – one of Auckland’s largest pillar-free ballrooms (www.cordishotels.com ). In full configuration it can hold 1,100 people theatre-style or seat up to 800 at round tables for banquet (www.cordishotels.com ). (This room can also be divided into four smaller sections of 440m², 220m², 200m² and 300m², each with its own capacities.) The Jade Room is another large hall (about 400 m², 32×12m, 2.9m high) that seats up to 294 in theatre style or 230 banquet (www.cordishotels.com ). Jade even opens onto a private outdoor terrace – nice for pre-dinner drinks or a cigar kai in good weather.
In addition to the Great and Jade rooms, there are smaller “Gallery” meeting suites and boardrooms for 10–100 people. The layout typically features rows of seats or round dining tables facing a stage or focal point. Because the Great Room is pillar-free, sightlines are excellent from any seat – though front-center seats give the best view of the stage or speaker. Some corner or side rows in very large configurations may be farther from the stage. The Jade Room’s low ceiling means sound can feel more intimate, whereas the Great Room’s higher ceiling gives a grand sense of space. Cordis also has pre-function foyer areas (outside the Great Room) stocked with high-top tables and lounge seating – guests often mingle and enjoy cocktails here before entering the hall. VIP or sponsored events sometimes have dedicated lounge spaces or Cordis Club access (the private Club Lounge on level 14) for invite-only guests.
Getting There and Parking
Location: Cordis is set on Symonds Street in the lower Grafton area, a few blocks north of Auckland’s central business district. It’s within easy walking distance of the university and lively Kōwhai Road (Karangahape Rd) precinct. The exact address is 83 Symonds St, Grafton, Auckland 1010 (corner of Symonds and City Rd).
Driving and parking: The hotel has a small underground car park (about 11 spaces) with valet service. Valet parking is usually staffed around the main door; daily rates range roughly NZ$25–$45 (guests dining at the hotel’s restaurants may get a reduced rate of ~NZ$25) (www.parkme.com ). Additional public parking is available on Symonds Street itself (street meters) and in nearby Wilson/secure car parks (e.g. 49 Symonds St for about $5+ per hour, and 100 Symonds St from ~$12+ a day). These are typically a short walk away. Note that Symonds Street has some clearance limits (around 2.1–2.2m), so very tall vans may struggle.
Public transport: Cordis is very transit-friendly. The main bus corridor on Symonds Street runs right past the hotel, with frequent buses from downtown Queen Street, Sky Tower, and Eden Terrace. According to transit apps, routes like the 20, 22, 75, 295 and others have stops nearby. For those coming by train, Grafton Station (on the Southern and Eastern Lines) is about a 5–7 minute walk uphill. The Western Line’s Mt Eden Station is a 10–15 minute walk (slightly longer). If you’re coming by train from the airport, you can take the Eastern Line (from the new airport link at Otahuhu or Puhinui to Grafton) and transfer bus; however, most travelers will opt for a shuttle or taxi.
From the airport: By car or taxi it’s about a 20–25 minute drive (via SH20 and Gillies Ave) to Cordis, with taxis costing roughly NZ$85–$95 one-way under normal traffic (www.cordishotels.com ). The hotel itself does not run a daily shuttle from the airport, but it does offer a complimentary city shuttle on weekends for guests: Fridays through Sundays there’s a free Cordis shuttle bus between the hotel (City Road entrance) and Customs Street/Wynyard Quarter downtown. (Shuttle schedules vary, but typically there is an 8–9pm last return. See concierge or hotel website for exact times.)
Rideshare and taxis: The main entrance/valet drop-off is on Symonds Street (City Road side), which is where taxis and rideshares will drop you. Taxis and rideshares (Uber, Ola, etc) can use the hotel’s front driveway. A taxi from the city center (Queen St/Customs St) is under 10 minutes in light traffic. Late-night rides back into outlying areas (Devonport, North Shore, Manukau) are readily available after events, though fares and wait times will increase late at night.
Inside the Venue
On entering Cordis you’ll notice the grand lobby with marble floors, mood lighting and classic decor. During events the check-in table is usually in the foyer outside the event hall. Security is generally cordial – standard badge checks or bag scanners may be in place for large events. Cordis has full Wi-Fi coverage and complimentary Internet for event attendees (www.encore-anzpac.com ). The overall atmosphere is elegant and businesslike (at day conferences) or festive and polished (at evening galas). Staff are uniformly smart in 5-star attire.
Catering and bars: Cordis’ in-house catering is top-notch. The hotel’s Eight restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner (buffet and a la carte), and can cater directly into the event hall. There’s also a bar in the hotel lobby and the new immersive bar “Our Land Is Alive,” which offers Kiwi-themed cocktails and tap beer (www.theurbanlist.com ). During functions, bartenders can serve drinks in the halls and foyers, and waitstaff circulate with appetizers. Cordis uses local, seasonal ingredients – for example their bar menu features NZ gins and wines, and the chef touts a hangi-inspired pumpkin dish at Our Land Is Alive (www.theurbanlist.com ).
Amenities: Attendees at Cordis have access to hotel facilities. The Cordis Club Lounge on Level 14 (open to executive-level guests) has panoramic city views. There’s a fitness gym onsite and a luxurious Chuan Spa (with a hot tub and sauna). The rooftop pool area is indoors but on the top level with glass walls, heated year-round (pool entry is usually for staying guests only during events unless the hotel specifically opens it). Restrooms are well-placed near each function space. For conferences, there are business center services and projection screens in most rooms, as well as air-conditioning and audio systems built in. Note: there is no on-site merchandise shop except a small gift section in the lobby; most conferences will arrange any needed stands in the halls. A coat check service is routinely provided for jacketed events.
Special features: Cordis is known for its dramatic details. The Great Room’s ceiling is covered in gilded panels and crystal chandeliers for a lavish feel. The Jade Room’s highlight is the adjoining sky terrace (with outdoor heaters and plants), which is ideal for fresh-air breaks. Cordis also has original design touches: in the Our Land Is Alive bar a faux-basalt wall emits steam like a geothermal vent, and the ceiling is hand-painted with white clouds by artist Ross Lewis (www.theurbanlist.com ) to evoke “the land of the long white cloud.” For networking or relax breaks, guests often gather in the pre-function lounges or sip coffee in the Palm Court piano lounge. Free phone charging stations and printed event programs are typically available, and there is an ATM near reception if needed. If you have equipment (AV gear, instruments, etc), the loading dock is accessed via a side ramp; event staff will usually arrange drop-offs at the correct hall’s back entrance.
Nearby Amenities
If you arrive early or stay overnight, there are many places to eat and drink around Cordis. On-site the hotel has Eight Restaurant (modern New Zealand buffet/European dining) and Our Land Is Alive bar (Kiwi pub-style cocktails and share plates) (www.theurbanlist.com ). Outside on Karangahape Road (just uphill), you’ll find casual cafes and bars like Cassette Nine (a hip craft beer spot) and the Halcyon Lounge (classic cocktails). Nearby Symonds Street has quick bites (e.g. sushi, kebabs) and the historic **Hotel Auckland City** (Rendezvous by ParkRoyal) pubs. A short walk brings you to K’Road’s diverse food scene: Greek tavernas, Indian curry houses (e.g. Oh Calcutta), and trendy eateries (Burger Garage, Moustache Milk & Cookie Bar). A bit further up K’Road are nightspots and Chinese restaurants. If you prefer shopping or more dining variety, the Queen Street/Queen Elizabeth Square area is ~15 minutes on foot (or one 5-minute bus ride). Sky Tower and the Viaduct harbour bars are about two kilometers south, easily reached by a quick taxi or train from Grafton to Britomart.
Accommodations and hotels: Cordis itself is a hotel, but nearby options include the Holiday Inn Express (around the corner on 126 Symonds), the Mercure Aotea or Rendezvous hotel. Budget travelers might stay at nearby hostels on K-Road. Late-night transport: after 11pm there are still inner-city buses (CityLink and late-night route) back towards the CBD, or trains to suburbs run until past midnight. Taxis and rideshares are plentiful in the area until late. (If you miss the last bus/train, a rideshare to inner-city suburbs typically costs $15–30.)
What Makes This Venue Special
Cordis, Auckland stands out for its scale, luxury and local flair. Architecturally, its Great Room ballroom was a game-changer – at opening it was one of the largest pillar-free event halls in NZ (hotelmagazine.co.nz ) (over 1100 seat theatre) and still remains a go-to venue for grand scale. The recent Pinnacle Tower expansion has also made Cordis known for cutting-edge design: it boasts Jasmax interiors and an original Auckland art collection with deeply local themes (www.langhamhospitalitygroup.com ). Visitors often rave about the hotel’s blend of old-world elegance (chandeliers, gilded domes) with Kiwi character (indigenous art, recycled kauri wood in the bar). Not many venues in Auckland combine formal luxury with a sense of place the way Cordis does.
Historically, Cordis occupies an important central site (long a landmark on the bustling Symonds corridor) and has hosted countless landmark events, from big weddings and charity galas to global summits and industry awards. In fact, it gained EarthCheck Gold certification under its Langham name for sustainability efforts – a sign of its reputation for excellence (www.afar.com ). Locals also note the Cordis for its warm Auckland hospitality (“Kiwi spirit” as the MD called it), where event technicians, concierge and chefs proudly highlight New Zealand-made products and wines. All this makes Cordis more than a generic downtown venue: it’s a place where corporate New Zealand history unfolds, with a uniquely Kiwi vibe – for example, the hotel installed its own native wētā insect habitat in the garden courtyard years ago as part of its green initiatives. (hotelmagazine.co.nz )
Famous performances at Cordis are not rock concerts but memorable talks and ceremonies – CEOs, politicians and Olympians have given keynote addresses in the Great Room, and many celebrity chefs have cooked in its kitchens for charity dinners. The Penthouse-style Chairman’s Suite (top floor) is one of the city’s most opulent VIP accommodations. Even casual visitors sense the Cordis’s unique flair: check out the moss-covered lounge pods or the live art on its walls. For artists and corporate planners alike, Cordis is loved as a blank canvas (multiple layout options, big screens) wrapped in luxury decor and Auckland pride.
Visitor Tips and Information
Accessibility: Cordis, Auckland is wheelchair-accessible. The main entrance on Symonds St has a ramp. There are elevators serving all levels (lobby, event floors, restaurants, etc.). Event spaces have wide aisles and flat floors. Accessible (disabled) restrooms are available on event floors. If you need seating for wheelchair or a hearing loop, contact the hotel events team beforehand – they can reserve a spot and assist with any special needs. Vision-, hearing-, and mobility-impaired guests should note that all public areas are on one level beyond the lobby. There are wheelchair-accessible hotel rooms and bathrooms for overnight guests.
What to Bring: Dress codes at Cordis events are usually business or cocktail attire. Men often wear suits or jackets at business dinners; women typically wear smart dresses or suits. (Casual wear is only OK for very informal half-day events.) Bring a sweater or jacket for evening events, as ballrooms can be heavily air-conditioned. If you’re attending a conference, be prepared to show photo ID when you check in. Generally no need to bring cash – the event coordinators will handle registration, and food/beverages during an event are usually included or paid by the hosts. Some bags are checked at entry – large backpacks or professional video cameras might be restricted unless pre-approved. Photography/admission rules depend on the event’s policy; personal smartphones are normally fine, but professional filming usually requires permission from the organizers.
Common Mistakes: A typical mistake is arriving too late. Check the event’s door time; for banquets or keynote speeches, doors often close right at start time. Aim to arrive 15–30 minutes early to network or grab a drink. Another pitfall: parking. Don’t plan to park for free on the street during weekday business hours – it’s mostly metered zones. Instead, budget for valet or a nearby paid lot. Also, double-check what floor your event is on: Cordis events can occupy ground, mezzanine, or tower levels, and each event floor has separate entrances. The lower lobby entrance (City Road side) serves most ballrooms, while some meeting rooms are upstairs. If in doubt, ask at the main front desk.
Age and Policies: Many Cordis events are business-oriented, so some may have age limits (typically 18+ if alcohol is served). Cordis itself has no explicit age restriction for hotel guests, but specific events may be adults-only. Smoking is not allowed inside the building; there are designated outdoor smoking areas for event attendees. Cordis is a non-sectarian venue, so religious attire is acceptable. Cell phones should be on silent in meeting halls. If attending a food-inclusive function, note any allergy announcements (keto, gluten-free, and vegan meals can often be requested in advance through the organizer). Make use of the coat check (usually free) and do not bring large suitcases into ballrooms.
Connectivity: Plan to use Cordis’s complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi or turn on mobile data – phone coverage is good throughout the hotel. Power outlets are available at tables in conference-style setups, but if you need extra adaptors or extension cords, ask the venue staff. For tech presentations, the in-house AV technicians can help connect laptops (HDMI/VGA) to screens.
Local Tips: If you have downtime before or after the event, stroll up Kōwhai Road (Karangahape Rd) for cool boutiques and street art. The Hotel’s concierge can advise on taxi or bus routes to tours and museums (the Auckland War Memorial Museum is a 5-minute bus ride away). And don’t miss the chance for a late-night NZ dessert – “cookie shots” or ice cream are popular at the cookie bar on Kō Road. With its blend of grand spaces and local charm, Cordis, Auckland offers not just a meeting place but an Auckland experience. “
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I purchase tickets or register for an event at Cordis, Auckland?
Cordis itself does not sell tickets directly. Events here are usually run by other organizations or private hosts. To attend, you must register through the event organiser’s website or sign-up page. For example, corporate conferences or gala dinners at Cordis will have ticket links on the hosting company’s or association’s site. Always buy tickets from the official event page or let an avenue like an industry group handle registration.
Does Cordis, Auckland have a box office or on-site ticket booth?
No, there isn’t a public box office at Cordis. All ticketing is managed by the event organizer. If an event is open to the public, tickets (or e-tickets) must be obtained beforehand. There are no on-site ticket sales or walk-up door sales for events unless explicitly arranged by the hosts (e.g. a charity fundraiser might sell a few tickets at the door, but that is rare).
Are seats reserved or general admission at Cordis events?
Most events at Cordis use assigned seating. Banquets and conferences usually preset seat or table assignments, often printed on your ticket or name badge. Occasionally, an event may be open-seating (for example a showroom style expo or a reception), but such details are announced by the event itself. In general, if you have a ticket, look for your name or table number at registration, rather than choosing a random seat.
What is the capacity of the Great Room and Jade Room at Cordis?
The Great Room (the main ballroom) spans about 1,160 m² and can hold approximately 1,100 people in theatre-style seating or 800 at round banquet tables (www.cordishotels.com ). It can also be divided into smaller sections for more intimate setups. The Jade Room is about 397 m² and seats up to 294 theatre-style or 230 banquet (www.cordishotels.com ). Both rooms are pillar-free and highly versatile. Smaller meeting rooms have capacities from 10 up to about 200 depending on layout.
Is parking available at Cordis, and what does it cost?
Cordis offers a limited onsite car park (approximately 11 spaces) with valet service. Daily parking costs are typically NZ$25–$45. Guests dining at the hotel (such as at the restaurant) often receive a discounted rate (~NZ$25) (www.parkme.com ). Additional parking is available on the street (metered pay-and-display) and in nearby lots (e.g. Wilson Parking at 49 or 100 Symonds St, around NZ$5/hour or more). Remember that Symonds Street has time limits, so also consider off-street parking if you plan to stay all day.
Is there public transportation to Cordis, Auckland?
Yes. Many Auckland AT (Auckland Transport) buses run on Symonds Street and nearby Karangahape Road. You can catch downtown routes (for example the 20, 22 or SkyBus corridor) that stop within a block of Cordis. For trains, the closest is Grafton Station (southern/eastern lines), about a 5–7 minute walk. The Western Line’s Mt Eden Station is a ~10-minute walk. The hotel also offers a complimentary weekend shuttle to central Auckland (Customs Street). Taxis and rideshares can drop off at the hotel’s City Road entrance if you prefer door-to-door transport.
What is the best way to get from Auckland Airport to Cordis?
The quickest way is by taxi or rideshare (Uber, Ola, etc.). From the domestic or international terminal, a taxi to Cordis takes about 20–25 minutes and costs around NZ$85–$95 under normal traffic (www.cordishotels.com ). There is no dedicated airport shuttle. You could also take the AirportLink train (up to Britomart or Newmarket) and then a bus or train to Grafton (though this takes longer). Cordis does not have an airport shuttle, but guests sometimes use the hotel’s downtown shuttle from Customs Street on weekends for touring downtown landmarks (though not from the airport).
Is Cordis Auckland wheelchair accessible?
Yes. Cordis was fully refurbished with accessibility in mind. There are flat or ramped entrances, and wide automatic doors. Elevators connect all floors (including event levels and restaurants). The Great Room and other meeting spaces have level flooring and accessible seating options. Restrooms on event floors include large accessible stalls. If you need special assistance (e.g. a hearing loop or reserved seating for a guest with mobility needs), contact the event organiser or hotel in advance to arrange accommodations.
What is the dress code at Cordis events?
Dress code depends on the event type. Cordis itself does not enforce a dress code, but events typically do. For business conferences, “smart casual” or business attire is common (no shorts or casual gymwear). Gala dinners and award nights often call for business formal or cocktail attire (men in suits, women in dresses or evening wear). Always check the specific event’s invitation. The hotel lobby and event halls maintain a polished atmosphere, so most guests wear business or upscale casual.
Can I bring outside food or beverages into Cordis?
Generally no. All catering during events is provided by Cordis in-house or approved partners. Outside food or drink (especially alcohol) is not allowed inside event halls or public areas. If you have dietary needs (e.g. medical dietary restrictions), these are typically handled by pre-arranging with the event organiser (who lets the hotel kitchen know). But for normal snack or beverage requests, use the hotel’s outlets or event catering. Cordis does have a bottle-nosing corkage policy only for special VIP wine events if organized by hosts in advance.
Are photography or video recordings allowed at events in Cordis?
It depends on the event. For most business events, smartphone photos are fine during networking breaks, but stage photography is usually limited to official photographers. If you plan to record audio or video (or bring professional camera gear), check with the event host first. Cordis itself doesn’t have a blanket “no photography” rule, but adhering to event privacy and media policies is important. Also remember to turn off camera flashes during presentations to avoid disturbing speakers.
Is Wi-Fi available for attendees at Cordis events?
Yes. Cordis provides complimentary high-speed wireless internet throughout the venue (www.encore-anzpac.com ). Event attendees can usually get a password code at registration or it will be announced at the start. The signal covers all meeting rooms, halls and public areas. If you need wired connections, event organisers can arrange ethernet drops, but most presentations and attendees use Wi-Fi. The hotel’s public lobby Wi-Fi is also available for casual use (and guest rooms have free Wi-Fi as well).
Does Cordis have a coat check or cloakroom service?
Yes. For evening galas, weddings or winter events, you will find a staffed coat check near the event entrance. The service is typically free for guests, and attendants will take jackets and umbrellas. In winter, they may check thicker coats, and in summer often only heavier items. Remember to pick up your tag at entry. If there’s no official coat check (rare), the registration desk will advise where to store outerwear.
Can Cordis host a wedding or private party?
Absolutely. Cordis is a popular wedding venue. The Great Room can be set up for wedding ceremonies and receptions (it has hosted ceremonies for up to ~900 guests), and there are smaller rooms or the Jade Room for modest-size receptions. The hotel staff offer full banquet and event planning services for weddings, including catering, decorations, and so on. Many couples book Cordis for its elegant ballroom look and city location. To plan a wedding here, you would contact Cordis’s events sales team well in advance.
How far is Cordis from popular attractions or city landmarks?
Cordis is very central. It’s about a 1km walk to Aotea Square and Queen Street (for sky tower and downtown shops). The Auckland War Memorial Museum and Domain are two bus stops away (or a 5–10 minute drive). The Sky Tower, Viaduct Harbour and Britomart area are 10–15 minutes by car or taxi. All of Auckland’s central cultural sites are easily reachable by short taxi, bus, or even on foot via nearby Karangahape Road.
Are there ATMs or other services inside Cordis?
Yes. The lobby garage (City Road entrance level) has an ATM machine for cash withdrawals. Currency exchange services are available at reception (during business hours). There is also a small gift shop area near reception selling snacks, souvenirs and essentials. For printing or office needs, the business center by the front desk can assist (though large printing jobs may require digital submission). Otherwise, most services you need (taxi booking, courier desk, wheelchair) are handled by concierge at the main desk.
Is there a smoking area at Cordis?
Cordis is a non-smoking venue inside. There are designated outdoor smoking zones away from building entrances. For events, you would step outside to smoke at those locations. The hotel lounge and rooms are all smoke-free. This is standard hotel policy. Please use the ashtrays provided outside and respect the indoor rule.
What should I wear to an event at Cordis in summer or winter?
Auckland’s weather can be cool indoors year-round due to air-conditioning. In summer, day events are often in short sleeves, but evening events might still require a jacket or wrap, especially if you need to walk to a car or the shuttle at night. In winter, indoor heating is comfortable but many guests still arrive with coats for outside. Overall, business dress and a light jacket or shawl is a safe bet regardless of season. The event organizer may specify formal versus casual; when in doubt, lean one step dressier (smart casual to business wear is generally accepted).
Are any of Cordis’s venues outdoors or uncovered?
All of Cordis’s event venues are indoors. The Jade Room does have an outdoor terrace attached, but the function space itself is inside. There is no open-air amphitheatre or outdoor lawn at Cordis. So weather should not affect your event inside the ballrooms. (If your event does use the terrace for arrival/drinks, it’s covered by awning or closed in cool weather.) If you need entirely open-air seating, Cordis is not set up for that – everything happens inside.
Can children attend events at Cordis? Are there age restrictions?
This depends on the specific event. Cordis itself has no general age restriction, but many conferences or dinners are 18+ due to alcohol service or adult content. Family-friendly events (like a company picnic at Cordis) are rare since it’s mostly a corporate venue. If you are attending a wedding or celebration that has kids included, that is usually fine. Always check the event invitation: it will state any age policy. For non-event attendees (hotel guests), Cordis welcomes children, but any separate event rules prevail during functions.
What is the nearest train or bus stop to Cordis, Auckland?
The nearest suburban rail stop is Grafton Station (Southern/Eastern Line), roughly a 5–7 minute walk north along Symonds. For the city loop train, Mt Eden Station is about one km away (10–12 min on foot). In terms of buses, nearly every citybound bus on Symonds or Karangahape Road stops within 100 m of Cordis. For example, the Outer Link or the route 22 on Symonds St lets you off right by the corner.
Are pets allowed in Cordis, Auckland?
Service animals are allowed as per New Zealand law (e.g. guide dogs, hearing dogs) when accompanying a guest in events or hotel areas. However, pets or emotional-support animals are not permitted unless you have prior approval from the hotel (usually with proof). So generally, pet dogs/cats cannot roam the event halls or lobby. If you have a service animal, notify the organizer in advance to ensure their needs are met.
