New Zealand Campus of Innovation and Sport

What New Zealand Campus of Innovation and Sport does

NZCIS (New Zealand Campus of Innovation and Sport) is a privately held integrated sports performance campus operated on an 18-hectare site in Upper Hutt, Wellington, New Zealand. Founded in 2016 by Malcolm Gillies and Kevin Melville through the acquisition of the former Central Institute of Technology site, the campus was officially opened on June 22, 2023, by then-Prime Minister Chris Hipkins. The facility consolidates elite training infrastructure, on-site accommodation, conference venues, dining services, and recovery technology into a single venue serving professional sports teams, corporate groups, government agencies, and community/school organisations. Marquee customers include the Sweden Women's National Football Team, England Rugby Football Union, Welsh Rugby Union, Adelaide Football Club, Hurricanes, Wellington Phoenix, Black Ferns, NZ Football, NZ Netball, NZ Police, Z Energy, and Star Group.

The campus incorporates several proprietary features described as world-first, including a 300kg Accessible Pool Hoist and Railing System spanning four aquatic environments; the Sara(h)s Altitude Studio (a 140sqm environment housing 40 Wattbikes, controllable up to 3,000m altitude, 6-40°C, and 20-70% humidity); a 7m x 9m interactive screen on the indoor field 2.5x larger than any comparable product; and a Clean Skin digital environment with 200+ screens enabling white-label branding for visiting teams. Performance infrastructure comprises four outdoor sand-based turf fields built to FIFA and World Rugby specifications, one 70x50m indoor field, a 1,000sqm gym, cryotherapy chambers at -87°C, hydrotherapy pools with an underwater treadmill, an AlterG anti-gravity treadmill, a DEXA scanner, and VALD force-plate technologies. PTZ and HUDL self-tracking cameras, an on-site weather station, and 18 sub-ground field sensors support performance analysis, with 32km of LAN cable and 300 Mbps Wi-Fi providing campus-wide connectivity.

Revenue is generated across four streams: accommodation in three tiers (Kauri premium rooms from NZD $145/night, Nikau shared wings at NZD $1,235/night per wing, and The Village's 50 luxury apartments including 25 wheelchair-accessible units), conference and event venue hire across eight named spaces (from a 20-person boardroom to a 150-person combined hall at NZD $950-$2,000 per booking), on-campus catering (200-person dining hall plus bespoke menus), and ancillary Performance Institute services. With over 400 beds, NZCIS is the largest hotel in Wellington by bed count. The company operates a direct-to-customer model via website enquiry forms, phone (+64 4 213 9231), and email ([email protected]), with three gate-specific access points (Gate 1 Performance Institute, Gate 2 Gillies Group, Gate 3 Accommodation/Conferencing/Events). Comprehensive multi-day packages are quote-based. The company is founder-owned, with no disclosed institutional investors, funding rounds, or public revenue figures, and holds no subsidiaries.

Name

New Zealand Campus of Innovation and Sport

Legal name

New Zealand Campus of Innovation and Sport

Website

https://nzcis.co.nz

Company type

Private

Founded year

2016

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

NZCIS operates an 18-hectare integrated sports performance campus in Upper Hutt, Wellington, combining elite training, recovery, accommodation, dining, and conference facilities. It serves professional sports teams, corporate groups, government agencies, and community organisations through a single-venue high-performance environment.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Elite Sports Training Campus

NAICS

Fitness and Recreational Sports Centers (713940), Fitness and Recreational Sports Centers (71394), Sports and Recreation Instruction (611620)

SIC

Hotels, Rooming Houses, Camps & Other Lodging Places (7000), Services-Membership Sports & Recreation Clubs (7997)

akta.pro primary industry

Training & Practice Facilities (Team Performance Centers) (MPAKAEAI)

akta.pro secondary industries

Arenas & Indoor Sports Centers (MPAKAEAB), Athletics Facilities & Venue Management (EDALAIAL), Sports & Stadium-Adjacent Conference Hotels (THAGALAO)

Keywords

• Elite sports training
• Athlete accommodation services
• Conference event venues
• Sports performance recovery
• Inclusive accessible sport

Headquarters

HQ city

Upper Hutt

HQ country

New Zealand

HQ region

Oceania

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Infrastructure, Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Supply Chain

Revenue model

1. Accommodation Services: Revenue generated from three tiers of accommodation: Kauri (premium ensuite rooms from $145/night), Nikau (shared dorm-style wings at $1,235/night per wing), and The Village (50 luxury two-bedroom apartments). With over 400 beds, NZCIS is the largest hotel in Wellington.
2. Conference and Event Venue Hire: Revenue from hiring out diverse conference and event spaces including the Bond Room (100 pax), Murray Room (50 pax), Langman Longroom (20 pax), Sir Harold Gillies Room (80 pax), Bunkers (50-60 pax each), Lecture Theatres (100 pax), Premier Change Room (100 pax), and the Bond/Murray combined space (150 pax). Village Lounge hire ranges from $950 (half day) to $2,000 (full day with kitchen).
3. On-campus Catering: On-campus catering team provides bespoke menus. Dining hall accommodates up to 200 guests in one sitting. Set menus for continental or cooked breakfasts, packed or cooked lunches, and two-course dinners. Additional menus including morning/afternoon tea, board room lunches, and canapé functions available. Open seven days and nights.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels2 records

Marketing channels4 records

Core offering

New Zealand Campus of Innovation and Sport operates an integrated 18-hectate sports performance campus in Upper Hutt, Wellington, combining elite training facilities, accommodation, conference venues, and dining services on a single site. The campus serves professional sports teams, corporate groups, and community organisations with world-first innovations including altitude-controlled cycle studios, accessible pool hoists, a giant interactive training screen, and a 200+ screen digital Clean Skin Environment. The facility is the largest hotel in Wellington with over 450 beds across three accommodation tiers, four outdoor turf fields, an indoor field, a 1,000 sqm gym, and comprehensive recovery and medical infrastructure.

Product overview

New Zealand Campus of Innovation and Sport (NZCIS) is a world-class sports and innovation facility campus offering an integrated platform of accommodation, training, conference, and dining services. The facility spans 18 hectares in Upper Hutt, Wellington, and serves professional teams, corporate groups, and community organizations. The core Performance Institute provides elite training infrastructure including a 1,000sqm gym, altitude studios (Sara(h)s Altitude Studio with 40 Wattbikes), cryotherapy, hydrotherapy, and medical facilities. Accommodation options range from premium Village apartments (50 units) to shared Nikau wings (78 rooms) and Kauri solo rooms (9 units), totaling over 450 beds. Conference facilities span multiple venues from the 150-person Bond/Murray combined room to 20-person boardrooms. Dining services include a 200-person Dining Hall and Village Lounge. The Data & Innovation division delivers world-first features including a 7x9m Interactive Screen, Performance Tracking Cameras, Clean Skin Environment (200+ digital screens), and Accessible Pool Hoist systems. The campus was officially opened June 22, 2023, and is owned by Malcolm Gillies and Kevin Melville.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Performance Institute The central high-performance training facility featuring a 1,000sqm gym, altitude studios, analysis bunkers, medical facilities, and a recovery wing with cryotherapy, hydrotherapy, and red light therapy. Designed for professional athletes and sports teams seeking elite training and recovery infrastructure.
• Kauri Accommodation Solo traveller accommodation with king single ensuite rooms from $145/night, a double ensuite room, and a queen bed studio apartment, all with ensuites, shared lounge and kitchenette, and free Wi-Fi. Ideal for individual athletes, coaches, and staff.
• Nikau Accommodation Shared accommodation with 78 king single rooms across 6 wings (13 rooms per wing), each with shared bathroom and kitchenette, including 4 altitude-controlled rooms. Booked by wing at $1,235/night for groups of 6+ rooms, suited to teams, school groups, and community sports tours.
• The Village Apartments Premium accommodation comprising 50 modern one-bedroom apartments (~60sqm) with two king-sized beds, full bathroom, kitchenette, and laundry. Includes 25 wheelchair-accessible units and 4 altitude-controlled apartments, designed in consultation with Para Sport NZ and D-Sport NZ for inclusive access.
• Sara(h)s Altitude Studio World-first environmentally controlled Watt Bike cycle studio with 140sqm floor, 40 Wattbikes, altitude control up to 3,000m, temperature range 6-40°C, humidity 20-70%, LED lighting, and high-end sound system. Used by athletes for altitude training and cycle-based conditioning.
• State-of-the-art Gym 1,000sqm gym equipped with cardio equipment (Air Bikes, Treadmills, Rowing machines, Skill Mills, Grinders, Ski Ergs, 40 Wattbikes total), 12 lifting racks, Smith Machines, cable machines, free weights, and specialty equipment including suspension rig, flywheel training, NordBord, and Force Decks.
• Recovery Facilities Comprehensive recovery wing featuring hot and cold plunge pools, hydrotherapy pools with underwater treadmill (90% body load reduction), infrared sauna, cryotherapy chamber at -87°C, red light therapy, and an athlete recovery room with Pilates reformers, massage tables, and recliners.
• Medical Facilities On-site medical centre with DEXA Scanner for body composition and bone density assessment, AlterG anti-gravity treadmill for rehabilitation, VALD technologies (Force Frame, Force Decks, Nord Board), and independent physiotherapist services.
• World Class Turf Fields Four outdoor sand-based turf fields with hybrid surfaces plus a 70x50m indoor field. Features include 500-lux LED lighting, PTZ cameras, HUDL Focus Self-Tracking cameras, field offices, FIFA and World Rugby approved goals, and sideline shelters.
• Analysis Bunkers Two 50-person purpose-built observation rooms with tiered seating, 85-inch interactive screens, AV solutions, and football/rugby floor markings for game and training analysis.
• Conference and Event Spaces Multi-purpose conference and event spaces including the Village Lounge (70-person), Bond Room (100-person), Murray Room (50-person), Langman Longroom (20-person), Sir Harold Gillies Room (80-person), Media Room (40-person), Bunkers (50-60 person), Lecture Theatres (100-person), and the Bond/Murray combined space (150-person). Available for hire by corporate groups, government, and sports teams.
• Dining Hall Catering On-campus catering facility with 200-person capacity, offering continental and cooked breakfasts, packed or cooked lunches, and two-course dinners with customisable menus for dietary requirements. Open seven days and nights.
• Village Lounge Venue Hire Premium dining and relaxation space with fully equipped commercial kitchen, lounge, and meeting area. Capacity for 100 persons; available for half-day ($950 NZD), full-day ($1,500 NZD), or full-day with kitchen ($2,000 NZD) hire.
• Changing Rooms and Accessible Facilities Multiple changing room options including Premier Changing Rooms (50, 40, and 30-person capacities), Performance Institute Change Rooms (25-person), and Foundation Change Rooms. Features accessible bathrooms, parent rooms doubling as accessible change rooms, individual plunge pools, and smart lockers. Inclusive design with 17 parent rooms, 24 accessible bathrooms, and 25 ground-level wheelchair-accessible apartments.
• Accessible Pool Hoist and Aquatic Environments World-first 300kg Accessible Pool Railing System and Hoist connecting four different aquatic environments, a dry-land space, and an accessible changeroom. Supports hydrotherapy, underwater treadmill, endless running/swimming, return-to-play activities, cold/hot plunge, underwater filming, and a dry-land area with handrail for rehabilitation.

Quantifiable outcome

• The Sweden Women's National Football Team described NZCIS accommodation as 'the absolute best we ever had' during 2023 Women's World Cup preparations
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers15 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature7 records

Partnerships

Four partnerships are on record, tiered core.

• Para Sport NZ (Consultation Partner)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPara Sport NZ was consulted during the design phase of The Village accommodation and accessibility features. The 25 ground-level accessible apartments were designed in consultation with Para Sport NZ and D-Sport NZ, arranged for easy wheelchair access with no obstruction from outdoors into the shower.
• D-Sport NZ (Consultation Partner)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerD-Sport NZ participated in the inclusive design consultation process alongside Para Sport NZ, contributing to the 25 wheelchair-accessible ground-level apartments, accessible bathrooms, pool hoist design, and overall accessibility strategy including the hosting of the World Wheelchair Rugby Paralympic Qualification Tournament 2024.
• Foundation Member Sports Organisations (Design Consultation)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNZCIS consulted with Foundation Members and assembled ideas from 35 international sports organisations during the design phase, including Manchester United, NY Giants, Chicago Bulls, NY Yankees, West Coast Eagles, Paris St Germain, Manly Sea Eagles, UFC, NZ Rugby, San Diego Padres and Red Bull. The resulting facility matrix is globally sought after as a blueprint for building or renovating health, wellness and sports facilities.
• Mana Whenua and Local Community (Māori Partnership)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNZCIS consulted mana whenua and the local community to establish core values embodying inclusion, belonging, and hope. These values (KI TE HOE, KORU, MANGŌPARE, TAIAO) are embedded in the facility's ethos. Orongomai and Te Ati Awa representatives welcomed dignitaries at the official opening on 22 June 2023, with a haka powhiri performed by Te Ara Whānui Kura Kaupapa Māori o Ngā Kōhanga Reo o Te Awa Kairangi.

Scale indicators9 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• EXOS (formerly Athletes' Performance): US performance training provider with elite training, physical therapy, and recovery services for professional and collegiate athletes. Comparable as a specialist high-performance training and recovery operator serving elite clientele.
• IMG Academy: US-based integrated sports and academic training campus in Bradenton, Florida, offering elite training, boarding, performance, and recovery across multiple sports. Closely comparable integrated campus model targeting professional and pre-professional athletes.
• Aspire Academy: Qatar-based elite multi-sport training and education academy with integrated boarding, sports science, and recovery facilities. Closest global analogue to NZCIS in combining high-performance training, accommodation, and athlete development on a single campus.

Emerging players

• Michael Johnson Performance: Texas-based elite performance training center focused on speed, strength, and recovery for professional and Olympic athletes. Comparable as a specialist high-performance facility, though narrower in scope than the NZCIS integrated campus.
• Tottenham Hotspur Training Centre: Elite Premier League club training facility featuring medical, performance, hydrotherapy, and analytics infrastructure. Comparable as a purpose-built elite training environment, though narrower in scope (single club) than NZCIS.

Broad incumbents

• High Performance Sport New Zealand (HPSNZ): Government-backed national high-performance sport organization that supports NZ Olympic and elite athletes with training and recovery infrastructure. Operates adjacent facilities and partnerships relevant to NZCIS's national-team customer base.
• Australian Institute of Sport (AIS): Australia's flagship high-performance training institution in Canberra with elite training, recovery, accommodation, and athlete services for Olympic and professional athletes. Comparable as a multi-sport campus destination serving national teams.
• Manchester City Football Academy / Etihad Campus: Elite multi-sport training campus serving a Premier League club and City Football Group with integrated performance, medical, and education facilities. Comparable scale of integrated elite training infrastructure at a globally recognized sport organization.
• Loughborough University — Sport: Long-established UK academic institution with elite sport training facilities, accommodation, and performance services supporting national teams and Olympic athletes. Comparable as a mature integrated high-performance campus with sport, research, and lodging.

Regional players

• Wellington Regional Stadium (Sky Stadium): Major Wellington sports and events venue hosting professional rugby, football, and concerts. Relevant regional peer for events and team lodging demand, though a single-purpose stadium rather than integrated campus.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/new-zealand-campus-of-innovation-and-sport

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles7 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about New Zealand Campus of Innovation and Sport