New Zealand International Science Festival | 28 June - 6 July
The NZISF promises to be a fantastic week of workshops, talks, shows, drop-ins and tours for all ages. Check out their website for more information about what’s on!
All Blacks vs. France | 5 July
The battle begins here. The first Test of the Lipovitan-D Series, All Blacks vs. France is more than just a game - it’s a statement. Kicking off at 7:05pm, this rugby match will be held at Forsyth Barr Stadium. Tickets sell fast so be in quick!!
Local tour company Book A Tour will be on site to assist with any last-minute tours. Open Monday 30 June - Friday 4 July, 10.30am - 3.30pm (Thursday, 10.30am - 12.30pm). The Congress program includes a free afternoon for attendees on Thursday 3 July. We encourage you to take advantage of this opportunity and join a tour.
Powhiri at Ōtakou Marae | $90 NZD per person
Departs 10.30am. Look for the Book a Tour coaches parked outside the main University entrance on Cumberland Street
Returns 4.30pm
Ōtakou Marae sits on a site steeped in history - it was where Ōtakou chiefs Korako and Karetai signed the Treaty of Waitangi on 13 June 1840. A local representative will lead a tour of the marae, which overlooks the Otago (Ōtakou) Peninsula. Guests will experience a traditional pōwhiri - a Māori welcoming ceremony involving speeches, cultural performance, singing and finally the hongi. It is used as a welcome onto a marae. A light lunch is included. Bring a warm jacket.
NOTE: In case of a tangi (funeral), this booking may be cancelled at any time and with little notice.
If you would like to add on this activity, please email Mandy for your link to book.
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.
Tūhura Otago Museum | Free admission (donations welcome) OR guided tours $35 NZD per person from 11am daily
419 Great King Street
Open daily 10.00am – 5.00pm
From pinned insects to antiquities, Japanese armour to moa eggs – the Otago Museum collection holds more than 1.5 million items. It believes in the power of knowledge to break down barriers, inspire change and spark creativity.
The Perpetual Guardian Planetarium is a 360-degree dome theatre with a screen stretching from the ceiling to the floor, so you’re immersed in the action and can explore the world, from deep inside our Earth to the edge of the Universe. The planetarium is housed at the Museum. $15 NZD per person.
Email office@bookatour.co.nz to book.