Accompanying Persons’ Programme
The accompanying person’s registration fee includes:
- Powhiri (Welcome) and Cocktail Reception on Sunday
- Cocktail Reception on Monday
- Cocktail Reception on Tuesday
- Study Tour on Wednesday (including morning tea, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner)
- Conference Dinner on Thursday
Tickets for the following optional tours can also be purchased via the registration form:
Waiheke Island (day trip)
Monday, 21 April
Departs from conference hotels at 08:30, returning at approximately 5.15pm
NZ$160 per person
Travel by ferry from the city to Waiheke Island. Your tour begins with a scenic drive to Connell’s Bay Sculpture Garden at the eastern end of the island. Hosts John and Jo Gow's vision is to unite art and nature by planting sweeps of native trees and creating special spaces for site-specific commissioned New Zealand sculpture. Viewing these awe-inspiring art works on a guided walk in this environment is an experience to be treasured. The collection currently includes 25 sculptures in various mediums and a temporary sculpture installation project. The sculpture library and Gowshed gallery are available to visitors to the sculpture park. The guided walk takes two hours so please wear sensible shoes! It is on a 2km track through bush and over farmland with commanding views of the Hauraki Gulf. For more information, visit http://www.connellsbay.co.nz/sculpture-about.html. There will be time after the visit for lunch before heading back to Auckland by ferry.
Price includes ferry and coach transport, commentary and sculpture park entry fee.
Lunch can be purchased on the tour.
Best of Both Worlds (day trip)
Auckland city sightseeing in the morning followed by a wilderness experience in the afternoon
Tuesday, 22 April
Departs from conference hotels at 09:00, returning at approximately 5.30pm
NZ$175 per person
Auckland is set on 48 dormant volcanic cones and between two harbours, the sparkling Waitemata and the brooding Manukau. Known as the City of Sails, it is New Zealand’s largest city. Your morning tour includes the main street, Queen St, stunning views of the harbour and yacht marina from the Harbour Bridge, a visit to the Auckland Domain, Parnell village, Paratai Drive – with the most exclusive homes in Auckland – and the waterfront. Another highlight is a drive up the city’s most prominent volcanic cone, Mt Eden, with 360o views of the city.
Only 30 kilometres from downtown Auckland is the city’s largest regional park, the Waitakere Ranges. No other city in New Zealand has such a wonderful asset so close to it. In just 30 minutes you leave behind the bustle of the city and step into the tranquility of the rainforest. Travel to the Arataki Centre perched high on the ridge of the Waitakere Ranges and enjoy breathtaking panoramic views from the Tasman Sea to the Pacific Ocean. Learn about and admire the magnificent traditional Maori carvings. Continue on to the lush rainforest where you can walk the easy bush tracks amongst giant tree ferns and view New Zealand’s famous kauri trees. Unwind by a spectacular cascading waterfall or swim beneath it. Move on to experience the power of the wild and rugged west coast. Feel the black sand beneath your feet as you stroll along some of the most awe-inspiring beaches the world has to offer.
Lunch can be purchased on the tour.
Auckland Museum and Local walks
For those who would like to explore the sights closer to the central city, there are guided local walks available including Downtown, Midtown, Uptown, the Shoreline and Heritage sights. For more information click here.
The Auckland War Memorial Museum is also well worth a visit for information on the evolution of New Zealand as a nation, our contribution to the world, our people, our experiences, our culture.
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