Destination Auckland

HERDSA Conference 2019

Next Generation, Higher Education: Challenges, Changes and Opportunities

2-5 July 2019. Auckland, New Zealand

Auckland is New Zealand’s international gateway and economic hub and its global reputation as the “City of Sails” means you’re never far from the sea.

Getting around

SkyBus

At the airport, SkyBus’ pick-up and drop-off points are right outside the domestic and international terminals. In the city, their airport or shuttle service stops near most of the major city hotels and transport hubs.

SkyBus operates 24 hrs a day, 365 days a year, departing every 10 mins between 7am – 7pm (every 15 – 30 mins between 7pm – 7am).

View more information on SkyBus.

Public transport – train, bus and ferry

Auckland’s public transport network comprises inner city buses, trains, ferry or regional buses throughout the wider region. The main transport hub is located downtown, with the ferry terminal, Britomart train station and Link bus departure points all in this area. (Due to construction in the downtown area, some bus departure points have moved further up town).

Find public transport services, maps and timetables at AT journey planner.

Taxi

There are a number of taxi companies that operate in Auckland. One of the largest operators is Auckland Taxi Co-op: Ph +64 9 300 3000 or book on their website: http://www.cooptaxi.co.nz

Sightseeing

Local attractions

Waiheke Island in the Hauraki Gulf is easily accessible from the downtown Ferry Building. It offers bushwalks, rural escapes, arts, beaches, restaurants, and wineries.

Maori performers in front of the Auckland War Memorial Museum

Auckland Museum is the cultural and spiritual touchstone for the many cultures that inhabit this beautiful land, and the first stop for anyone wishing to gain an insight into New Zealand and its peoples.

Manaia – Experience Māori culture at the Auckland Museum with a welcome dance, poi dance, stick game, weaponry display and a haka.

Auckland Explorer Bus is a hop on, hop off sightseeing tour with full commentary, visiting Auckland’s big 14 attractions.

Tours and Nature

360 Discovery – Explore the Hauraki Gulf and its history, the Tiritiri Matangi island sanctuary, and Motuihe Island.

Ananda Tours – Discover Waiheke Island (Waiheke means “cascading waters” in Māori) and its award winning wines along the wine trail, olive oils, arts and crafts, scenic and eco tours.

Auckland Wine Tasting Tours offers a personalised experience encompassing the scenic North/West Auckland and/or Matakana regions. Enjoy a full day winery tour with lunch from $135 per person and a half day tour from $90 per person.

Harley Tours New Zealand operates both Harley Davidson Pillion Passenger Tours and Harley Davidson Self-Ride Guided Tours. From majestic coastlines through to magnificent mountains, it would be no exaggeration to say that these are some of the finest motorcycling roads in the world.

Goat Island Marine Reserve is renowned for its amazing marine life. It is New Zealand’s first marine reserve, also known as Cape Rodney-Okakari Point Marine Reserve, and is a great place to spend a day in the outdoors with friends and family. At Goat Island you will discover an abundance of New Zealand marine life and enjoy the experience of being surrounded by schools of playful fish and beautiful coral.

Activities and Adrenalin Rush

Sky Walk – Dare yourself to walk the circumference of the Sky Tower, 192 metres above ground, with no rails or balcony, just a safety harness on a ledge 1.2 metres wide.

Sky Jump – Throw yourself off the top of the Sky Tower and plunge 192 metres in a controlled fall while wearing a safety harness.

Restaurants

Auckland’s cosmopolitan urban culture is prominent at the newly redeveloped Wynyard Quarter, Viaduct Harbour and Britomart precincts, which offer harbourfront dining and nightlife. Bordering the CBD is Ponsonby to the west and Parnel to the East, which also boast many trendy shops and restaurants.

For a comprehensive website that includes diner’s reviews try Zomato (set location to Auckland CBD for nearest results)

The above information is provided as a point of interest only. The organising committee takes no responsibility for the services provided by any of the groups mentioned above, nor does it receive any incentives from businesses listed on this page.

All overseas visitors are required to have a valid passport and, with the exception of delegates from visa-free countries (please see below), are required to have the appropriate visa – typically either a visitors visa or a visiting academics visa. For information on obtaining a visa, including necessary funds and health requirements, please explore visa options for visiting New Zealand.

We suggest that you allow for a minimum of six weeks to have your visa processed by Immigration New Zealand or the applicable New Zealand embassy or consulate in your country of residence.

Passports & Visas
When you arrive, you’ll need to ensure your passport is valid for at least three months beyond your intended departure date, and if required, have a valid New Zealand visa.

You do not need a visa to visit New Zealand if you are:

A New Zealand or Australian citizen or resident, or
A UK citizen and/or passport holder (you can stay up to six months), or
A citizen of a country which has a visa waiver agreement with New Zealand (you can stay up to three months)

If you don’t meet the criteria above, then you will need to apply for a visitor visa.

Transiting through Australia

If your flight has a stop-over in Australia, you may be required to obtain a transit visa. Please review the Australian transit visa requirements or contact your nearest Australian Embassy for more information.

Biosecurity
In order to protect New Zealand and its environment, certain items are not allowed to be brought into the country, have restrictions for entry, or must be declared if they are deemed to present a biosecurity risk. These include food, plants, animal products and outdoor recreational equipment. You may risk a fine if you fail to comply. More information on biosecurity items to declare.

Vaccinations: No vaccinations are required to visit New Zealand.