OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES

Hocken Collections Tour | complimentary

Meet at the University of Otago library, 90 Anzac Ave (a 10 minute walk from the conference venue)
2.00pm - 3.30pm tour - full
3.30pm - 5.00pm - space available

Enjoy a walk through the public areas and closed stacks of the Library. View selected material from the collections relating to the history of science and technology in New Zealand.

If you would like to add on this activity, please email Mandy to book.

Beverly Begg Observatory visit | FULL

Departs 1.30am. Look for the Book a Tour coach parked outside the main University entrance on Cumberland Street
Returns 3.30pm

The Beverly-Begg Observatory was established in 1922 by the Dunedin Astronomical Society and named after local astronomers: Arthur Beverly and John Begg. An annex was added in the 1960s. The brick building has a 12-foot revolving dome covering the equatorial with a row of shutters in the meridian line for the transit instrument. Telescopes mounted are on concrete pillars. In 2008 the society unveiled a new 35cm Celestron instrument on a Software Bisque Paramount ME robotic telescope mount with camera, replacing a 30.5 cm reflector telescope that had been in use since 1973.

We recommend you take a warm jacket. And please note, there are no bathroom facilities at this venue.

W.D.Trotter Anatomy Museum | complimentary

Meet at the Museum, Lindo Ferguson Building, 270 Great King Street (a 10 minute walk from the conference venue)
2.00pm

A visit to the W.D. Trotter Anatomy Museum at the University of Otago introduces you to 150 years of the collection of a unique teaching and research

If you would like to add on this activity, please email Mandy to book.

Penguin Tour | $250 NZD per person

Departs 3.30pm. Look for the Book a Tour coach parked outside the main University entrance on Cumberland Street
Returns 9pm

We take the high road for views of the Otago Peninsula. At dusk, we will enjoy a close up viewing of little penguins returning from a day at sea within the Takiharuru Pilots Beach nature reserve. Watch penguins as they scurry up the beach to their cliff-face burrows just a few metres away, allowing for awesome viewing and photography.

We head back with a stop at the historic Portobello Hotel (dinner and beverages not included – meals from $27, bar snacks available) before returning to your hotel.

If you would like to add on this activity, please email Bex to book.

Mount Cook overnight | $1,650 NZD per person

Time: depart 9.00am, return the following day 3.00pm

The trip departs early morning for a 3.5 hour ride through the valleys, hydro lakes, and mountains until we reach Mt Cook Hermitage.

Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park is a rugged land of ice and rock, with 19 peaks over 3,000 metres including New Zealand's highest mountain, Aoraki/Mount Cook.

In the heart of Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park we cruise around the Tasman Glacial Lake. Experience the enormity of NZ's largest glacier as we weave in and out of floating icebergs. It’s a surreal and mesmerising experience in a totally unique environment. No two days are the same on the Tasman Lake with a constant shifting of conditions, which simply adds to the magic of this very special place.

This tour is designed to both thrill and educate as you learn about the ever-changing glacial landscape. Icebergs of every shape and size periodically tear away from the face of the glacier into the rapidly growing lake. It’s difficult to predict when a calving will take place but it’s possible we will witness one whilst on tour – it’s really quite spectacular. A trip on Glacier Explorers is a unique opportunity to truly feel small as the lateral moraines, which are sharp-crested piles of glacially transported rocks and debris that are dropped by the ice as it melts, rear up almost 200m. The lateral moraines remind us of the grand scale that the glacier has reached in previous times.

One night accommodation included at the Hermitage allows time to walk some of the stunning tracks before heading back to Dunedin.

No meals included.

Email office@bookatour.co.nz to book.

Taieri Gorge Railway | $165 NZD per person

Time: depart the train station 9.30am, return 2.15pm (Friday 4 and Saturday 5 July ONLY)

Enjoy incredible scenery in the Taieri Gorge as we hear stories about Otago's rich history from our onboard commentator. Admire the engineering feats of early railway pioneers including hand-made tunnels and the Wingatui Viaduct, the tallest wrought iron structure in Australasia.

Email office@bookatour.co.nz to book.

Toitu Settlers Museum | Free admission (donations welcome)

31 Queens Garden
Open daily 10.00am – 5.00pm

The Museum galleries trace the fascinating journeys from the earliest settlers, Kai Tahu and their ancestors, to the most recent arrivals. Themed galleries weave the stories of past and present with future thinking, featuring interactive displays with stunning visuals and powerful narratives.

Local hosts provide a friendly and helpful information service about the museum exhibitions, public programme, events, and facilities.

Lan Luan Chinese Garden | $15 NZD per person

39 Queens Garden
Open daily 10.00am – 5.00pm

A perfect miniature of a traditional Chinese landscape painting, this Garden encapsulates the essence of nature. Recognized as a six-star Garden of International Significance, its purpose is to guide you on a journey towards a deeper appreciation of history, culture, heritage, and tradition.

Its origins come from a desire to celebrate the city's Chinese heritage and its valuable sister city relationship with Shanghai.

Email office@bookatour.co.nz to book.