Major Changes to Conference Tour

Changes to tour arrangements (3 Dec): There will no longer be a group leaving at 12:30pm. All buses will now leave at 1pm. If you had originally registered for a 12:30pm departure your name has now been added to Group 1 or 2. As originally planned, Groups 1 and 2 will go on the main tour to Paua World, either Loopline or Gladstone Vineyard and then to the Tin Hut for a BBQ dinner, returning to Victoria University at 10pm. Group 3 will go on a short tour of Wellington, returning to Victoria University at 4pm. Allocations to the three groups are shown here: tour allocations. If you plan to join any of the three group tours and your name is not listed above, email nsibanda@msor.vuw.ac.nz with your group preference as soon as possible.

Arrangements for the day are here: tour arrangements.

Details of each of the venues are listed below:

Paua World

Paua World, in the heart of the beautiful Wairarapa, is an international visitor attraction. There you will discover how some of New Zealand's unique shells, such as the Paua, and stones, such as the Greenstone (pictured right), are crafted to manufacture an exquisite range of jewellery, gifts and souvenirs that reflect their iconic status to New Zealand. You will also enjoy a tour of the factory and some refreshments. For more details visit the Paua World website at: http://pauashell.co.nz/

Wine Tasting at Loopline Vineyard

Loopline Vineyard (pictured left), named after the road it is situated on, is the most northern Wairarapa Winery. Its stony free draining soils have produced numerous award winning wines. More details about the vineyard are available at: http://www.loopline.co.nz/index.htm

Wine Tasting at Gladstone Vineyard

Gladstone Vineyard is a family business with an international reputation for distinctive, high quality wines of finesse and complexity. Established on the old riverbed of the Ruamahanga River at Gladstone in Wairarapa, it is said to be one of New Zealand's most beautiful vineyards. More details about the vineyard, including a video tour are available at: http://www.gladstonevineyard.co.nz/home

BBQ at the Tin Hut Hotel

The Tin Hut (pictured right), located in South Wairarapa, provides a chic, informal dining area, a comfortable and warm bar to ease winter chills, and a beautiful garden to while away lazy sunny days. For more details visit the Tin Hut website at: http://www.tinhut.co.nz/

Optional day and overnight trips

For those who wish to see more of New Zealand before or after the conference, the following are some of the tour operators and travel agencies you can contact to make arrangements for one day or overnight trips.

Discover New Zealand

Discover New Zealand offers extensive travel and tourism information and booking functionality. You can search for and book your accommodation, transport and activities through their website. Travel advice and enquiries are handled by their 24 hour, 7 day a week Contact Centre based in Auckland (Phone +64 9 356 2190). Information on short tours available around New Zealand is available at: http://www.discovernewzealand.com/FreedomHolidays/shorttours/

Wellington Activities

This is a website with listings of sights and activities in and around Wellington. There is also an online booking facility for your convenience. The website also offers information on accommodation, events, shopping and bars and restaurants. For more information and booking details visit: http://www.wellingtonnz.com/sights_activities

Kapiti Island Tours

Kapiti Island is a wildlife sanctuary off Wellington's West Coast. Access is by ferry from Paraparaumu. You would need to rent a car to drive from Wellington to Paraparaumu (allow 1.5 hours). You will also need a permit from the Department of Conservation as access is limited. The ferry leaves at 9am and 9:30am daily, returning at 3pm and 3:30pm. The cost is NZ$55 an adult. Guided walks are available at an additional NZ$20 per person. Bookings for the ferry and guided walk are required. More information is available at http://www.kapititours.co.nz/.

The Sounds Connection

The Sounds Connection specialise in tours of the Marlborough Region of New Zealand. Tours include visits to local wineries, arts and crafts and fishing trips. Private charters on both Sea and Land are a popular option. They can also help meet your transport requirements. Fore more details about the tours on offer and further enquiries visit: http://www.soundsconnection.co.nz/