Pre & Post Symposium Activities

Take To The Waters

From central Auckland you can be on the water in a matter of minutes.

• Enjoy a cruise on a classic yacht or launch. Charter your own yacht if you have sailing skills.
• Meet the local marine mammals. Auckland Whale & Dolphin Safari conducts daily marine mammal eco-safaris, finding common and bottlenose dolphins, Brydes whales and orca in Auckland's magnificent Hauraki Gulf Marine Park.
• Kayak to Rangitoto Island at sunset with Auckland Sea Kayaks. 
• Experience the thrill of sailing on a genuine America's Cup racing yacht - you can participate as much or as little as you desire.

Photo Credit: Julian Apse

Explore The Islands Of The Hauraki Gulf

The Hauraki Gulf, on the doorstep of Auckland city, is home to a multitude of remarkable islands. Don't miss out on these activities:

• Walk to the summit of Rangitoto, the black lava volcanic island in the middle of the inner Hauraki Gulf. Hire a kayak and join an evening paddle to the island.
• Enjoy wine tasting and beachcombing on Waiheke Island, a half hour ferry ride from the city centre.
• Sunbathe and swim at Motuihe Island.
• Discover the historic Mansion House on Kawau Island - once the home of Governor George Grey.
• Visit the wildlife sanctuary on Tiritiri Matangi. The island is home to many endangered birds, including the extremely rare Takahe.

Photo By: Fraser Clements

Take A Walk

• From Devonport, walk to the summits of Mount Victoria or North Head for 360° views. Ferries to and from Devonport depart every half hour. 
• Mount Eden, Mount Hobson and Mount St John are dormant volcanic cones offering commanding views of the city - pack a picnic and walk up.
• Do the Coast to Coast Walkway - a unique walk joining the east and west coasts of Auckland and taking in many of the city’s scenic icons. Enquire at the Visitor Information Centre in the city for a brochure on the walkway.
• Explore the beautifully scenic Waitakere Ranges to west, or the Hunua Ranges to the south of the city.

Photo Credit: Chris Sisarich

Northland & Bay of Islands

Subtropical Northland is a water lover’s paradise offering swimming, snorkelling, diving, dolphin watching and boating. Also be sure to explore lush rainforests, and learn more about our Maori culture at the Waitangi Treaty Grounds.

Northland is a story of two coastlines – the west coast is rugged and soulful while the east coast is relatively more sophisticated and urbane.

In the beautiful Bay of Islands you can take a boat cruise, swim with dolphins, dive, fish or just relax in the sun. Be sure to visit Waitangi Treaty Grounds, one of New Zealand's most significant historic sites.

Photo Credit: Sara Orme

Hamilton & Waikato

Just south of Auckland lies the Hamilton-Waikato region.

This land of lush pastures was chosen to play The Shire in The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit films.

The Waikato is well-known for its underground wonders, black sand surf beaches and rolling green hills, the Hamilton - Waikato region of New Zealand offers a wealth of nature-based activities and attractions surrounding a vibrant city hub.

If you’re a Tolkien fan, drive east to Matamata and visit Hobbiton Movie Set, the amazing Hobbit-sized village created for the movies. Or if surfing is more your style, then Raglan is the perfect spot for you, with one of the longest left hand breaks in the world.

Photo Credit: Corin Walker Bain

Rotorua

Rotorua is known for bubbling mud pools, erupting geysers and natural hot springs, as well as showcasing our fascinating Maori culture.

From crystal-clear streams and magical forests, to epic biking trails and explosive geysers, Rotorua has it all. The city offers a raft of attractions and experiences for everyone from adventure-seekers to those just looking to unwind.

Sitting within the Pacific Rim of Fire, Rotorua is a geothermal wonderland with bubbling mud pools, clouds of steam, and natural hot springs perfect for bathing and relaxing in. After marvelling at the distinctive landscapes and volcanic activity within a geothermal park, enjoy a simple soak in a natural hot stream or indulge in a wellness getaway at a luxurious spa.

Photo Credit: Eric Lindberg

Wellington

Wellington was recently named “the coolest little capital in the world” by Lonely Planet for its cosmopolitan charm, cultural offerings, and fabulous foodie and café culture.

Nestled between a sparkling harbour and rolling green hills, New Zealand's capital city is renowned for its arts, heritage, culture and native beauty.

Relax at Oriental Bay, Wellington’s golden-sand inner-city beach and delve into the many museums, art galleries and theatre shows that make up the city’s pulsing cultural scene. If you’re into the outdoors, Wellington has action-packed adventure activities like mountain biking and sea-water kayaking, as well as beautiful walks around the harbour and surrounding hills.

On the waterfront itself you’ll find Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa, New Zealand’s national museum. Te Papa, as it’s colloquially known, means ‘our place’ and is one of the best interactive museums in the world.

Photo Credit: Ian Trafford

Christchurch & Canterbury

Christchurch mixes old-world charm, river punting and gardens with exciting urban revitalisation. Wider Canterbury’s attractions range from skiing to golf, white water rafting to whale watching.

Located in the middle of the South Island, Canterbury is easily accessible by air, land and sea.

Within two hours of an international airport, you can ski, play golf, bungy jump, go whitewater rafting, mountain biking, wind surfing, whale watching, and visit world-class vineyards and gardens. Where else in the world can you do that?

A must-see is New Zealand’s highest peak, Aoraki Mount Cook. Go hiking in Arthur’s Pass National Park or just wander around the picturesque bays and villages of Banks Peninsula. And then there’s New Zealand's second-largest city Christchurch, known as ‘The Garden City', which around 340,000 people call home.

Photo Credit: Julian Apse

Queenstown

Picturesque Queenstown is the home of adrenaline and adventure. Enjoy skiing in the winter and activities including bungy jumping, canyon swinging, jet boating, and river rafting all year round.

Queenstown sits on the shore of crystal clear Lake Wakatipu among dramatic alpine ranges; it’s rumoured that gold prospectors - captivated by the majestic beauty of the surrounding mountains and rivers - gave this now cosmopolitan town its name.

With a smorgasbord of outdoor activities, Queenstown is the home of the ultimate adventure bucket list. There’s skiing in the winter and activities such as bungy jumping, sky diving, canyon swinging, jet boating, horse trekking and river rafting all year round. It has also become a renowned cycling destination, providing everything from easy scenic tracks to backcountry trails, road rides to heli-biking and the Southern Hemisphere’s only gondola accessed downhill mountain biking.

Photo Credit: Miles Holden