Field Trips
Friday 4 December 2026 - various locations
Join us on Friday 4 December for a selection of optional field trips showcasing the ecological, cultural, and scientific diversity of the Auckland region. These trips are designed to complement the symposium programme, providing opportunities to explore the local environments, engage with practitioners and researchers, and experience Aotearoa New Zealand beyond the conference venue.
Field trips range from half-day urban and workshop-based experiences to a full-day island excursion. All trips will be led by experts with local knowledge and are offered at cost-recovery prices, with numbers limited to ensure a high-quality experience. Transport and logistics are organised for you unless noted otherwise - simply choose the option that best matches your interests and travel plans.
Places are limited. Book when registering for the conference. Scroll down for full details of each trip as well as cancellation terms.
Field Trip Cancellation Policy
By booking a field trip, delegates agree to the following cancellation terms:
Cancellation by 30 September 2026
A full refund will be provided, or delegates may swap to another available field trip option, subject to availability.
Cancellation after 30 September 2026 due to circumstances beyond the organisers' control
We will endeavour to provide a refund, less any non-recoverable deposits or costs already incurred.
Cancellation after 30 September 2026 by the attendee
No refund will be available unless the place can be resold to another delegate.
General terms
All field trip bookings are subject to the conference Registration Terms and Conditions.
Field Trip Details
Ambury Regional Park - Shorebirds, Farming History and Urban Interfaces
Start/End times: 7:30 AM - 12 PM
Fee: $38
A half-day visit to Ambury Regional Park, a working farm on the coast of the Manukau Harbour, showcasing shorebird habitats, working farmland, and the challenges of managing biodiversity adjacent to major infrastructure such as Auckland Airport. The trip will explore the park's cultural and operational history, including restoration following decommissioning of the wastewater treatment plant in the early 2000s.
What's included: Guided walk (~3km return). Bus transport to/from the conference venue will be provided.
Requirements: Weather-appropriate clothing, sturdy shoes, snacks and water bottle.
Notes: Potential airport drop-off afterwards (TBC).
More information here.
Urban Ecology and Restoration Perspectives - AUT Living Laboratories native forest restoration experiments
Start/End times: 8:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Fee: $43
On this trip, participants visit the Te Pourewa restoration experiment, one of three native restoration experiments established by the AUT Living Laboratories Research Centre. These experiments were set up in 2019/2020 to understand various aspects of native forest restoration success on ex-farmland soils, including how the ecosystem as a whole changes over the trajectory of forest restoration.
Consisting of a fully replicated experimental design, the project monitors a range of biotic and abiotic factors that provide detailed insights into restoration success and ecosystem recovery. Co-designed in partnership with Ngāti Whātua o Ōrākei, the Te Pourewa experiment is located on land returned to the iwi that had been previously farmed and used as a pony club. Participants will hear about Indigenous-led restoration, ecosystem recovery, and the cultural, social, and governance dimensions of urban biodiversity projects.
What's included: Morning tea. Bus transport to/from the conference venue to Bastion Point will be provided. Bring a jacket and good walking shoes/boots for the outside component which is weather dependent.
Requirements: Weather-appropriate clothing, sturdy shoes, snacks and water bottle.
Notes: Final sites, walking distances, and accessibility details to be confirmed closer to the time.
More information here.
Ultra-Urban Ecology Walk of Wynyard Quarter and Waterfront
Start/End times: 8:30 AM - 12:30 PM (shorter option TBC)
Fee: Free
A guided urban ecology walking tour through Auckland’s central waterfront, examining the development of ultra-urban ecosystems delivered as stormwater and place-making infrastructure that challenged conventional amenity paradigms by being ‘wilder’ and reflecting Tamaki’s indigenous flora: rain gardens, street tree pits, greenwalls and green screens.
What's included: Expert-led walking tour in central city. No transport provided.
Requirements: Weather-appropriate clothing, sturdy shoes, snacks and water bottle.
Notes: Total walking distance may be 5-7km. Informal lunch stop en route (participants to purchase their own).
More information here.
Behind the Scenes at Auckland Museum - Collections and Biodiversity
Start/End times: 9:30 AM - 12:00 PM or 2:00 PM - 4:30 PM
Fee: $20*
Go behind the scenes at Auckland Museum for an exclusive look at its natural science collections and their role in supporting biodiversity, conservation, and ecological research. The museum holds nationally and regionally significant collections of over one million specimens, including plants, fossils, terrestrial and marine vertebrates, and invertebrates. This is a weather-resilient and accessible field trip option located within the central city.
What's included: A curator-led behind-the-scenes tour with access to natural science collections areas. Participants may wish to extend their visit with:
- Museum gallery access (entry fee applies; discounted access may be available with conference registration)
- Special exhibitions (optional, additional fee)
- Guided walk in the Auckland Domain ngahere (forest) – explore native and exotic plantings (additional cost; limited availability)
- Self-guided visit to the Wintergardens
Requirements: N/A - Indoor, weather-independent activity. Suitable for a wide range of mobility levels.
Notes: Auckland Museum is located in the Auckland Domain. Participants are responsible for arranging their own transport. The venue is accessible via walking, public transport or taxi.
More information here.
*Optional activities and gallery access may incur additional fees.
Rangitoto Island - Volcanic Landscapes and Island Ecology
Start/End times: Full day, approximately 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM (ferry dependent)
Fee: $60
A full-day trip to Rangitoto Island, Auckland’s most iconic volcanic island. We will be climbing to the summit for its panoramic views of the city and Hauraki Gulf. Highlights include walking in the world’s largest Metrosideros forest, exploring lava caves, a close look at primary succession on basaltic lava flows, bird species that are absent on the mainland (e.g. tīeke, pōpokatea, kākāriki and korimako) and historic baches from the mid 20th century. This trip is particularly suited to first-time visitors to Auckland.
What's included: Return ferry travel from downtown Auckland and guided activities.
Requirements: Weather dependent. Participants will need to bring their own lunch as there are no food outlets on Rangitoto; central city food outlets are available before departure. Participants also need to bring stout walking shoes, a raincoat and at least 2 litres of water.
Notes: N/A.
More information here.
UAV Demonstration and Workshop - Ecological Applications
Start/End times: 8:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Fee: $23
A workshop-style session demonstrating the use of uncrewed aerial vehicles (UAVs) for ecological monitoring and research. The session will focus on practical applications, data collection, and emerging techniques relevant to ecological and environmental science.
What's included: Morning tea and bus transport to/from the conference venue to AUT's North campus.
Requirements: Bring a jacket for the outside component which is weather dependent.
Notes: N/A.
Contact
Conferences & Events Ltd
PO Box 24078, Manners Street, Wellington, 6011
+64 4 384 1511
www.confer.co.nz
nzes@confer.co.nz