SGA 2021

Accompanying Persons' Programme

Conference Functions

The Accompanying person registration includes attendance at the following conference social functions:

Welcome Function – Evening of Sunday 14 November
Industry/Student Evening – Evening of Monday 15 November

Not included: The optional evening activities on Tuesday 16 November, Gala Dinner on Wednesday 17 November, and Farewell Function Dinner on Thursday 18 November require separate registration and payment.

Optional Tours

The accompanying persons' programme will include activities selected from Rotorua’s many attractions. Participants will be collected from the conference venue at 9.00 am and returned by 5.00 pm. Each day of activities requires separate registration and payment. Lunch will be at your own cost.

See some of the Tour Highlight's listed below, but keep checking back for updates and more information about cost, how and when to book. (Provisional and may be subject to change)

Day 1
Blue Baths and Rotorua Museum: A visit to Rotorua would not be complete without a visit to both of these venues located in the Government Gardens. Described as one of New Zealand’s most loved buildings, the Blue Baths have been faithfully restored and are once again the epitome of glamour and style. The Rotorua Museum, located in the world-famous Bath House building (1908), has displays illustrating local history as well as exhibits showing that “taking the waters” in the 1900s could also include a variety of unusual medical and therapeutic treatments.

Te Puia: New Zealand’s premier Maori cultural centre and home of the world famous Pohutu Geyser. Set in a natural landscape of gushing waters and steaming vents, Te Puia has 500 pools and 65 geyser vents, of which 7 are active including Pohutu with its regular eruptions that reach up to 30 m skyward.

Whakarewarewa Village: Set amidst a landscape of erupting geothermal activity, hot thermal springs and hot bubbling mud pools is the living Maori village of Whakarewrewa. Discover the unique lifestyle and traditions by following the path of the Tuhourangi people, a sub-tribe of Te Arawa, from their arrival in Rotorua through to the devastating 1886 eruption of Mt Tarawera.

The Bath House Museum

Pohutu Geyser, Te Puia

Whakarewarewa Village

Day 2

Rotorua Duck Tours: A unique Rotorua attraction offering amphibious sight-seeing tours of Rotorua and its lakes area. The fun begins when you climb aboard one of their amazing WWII military landing craft (known as Ducks) for a 90 minute on-the-road and on-the-lake tour with a commentary by the on-board ‘conducktor’.

Rotorua Skyline Gondola and Cafe: Take a gondola trip up to the Rotorua Skyline where you'll enjoy panoramic views of the city and surrounding lakes while having lunch at this iconic Rotorua attraction.

Duck Tours

Skyline Rotorua

Day 3

Orakei Korako Thermal Park and Cave: Also known as The Hidden Valley, is about halfway between Rotorua and Taupo. Here you will see a world of gushing geysers, hot springs, bubbling mud pools and some of the largest and most amazing silica terraces in the world. The park is accessed by jet boat across the Waikato River.

Lava Glass, Glass Blowing Studio, Gallery and Cafe: In their glass blowing studio, you can view the process by glass artist Lynden Over. His training in glass blowing and jewellery brings a unique quality of form to his glass work- including bowls, stopper bottles, vases, spiral bottles, galactic bowls, pillar platters and more. Lunch can be enjoyed in the onsite award-winning café.

Huka Falls River Cruise: We will take a ride on Maid of the Falls, the only way you can stand above the turbulent white water and experience the awesome power of the Huka Falls. You’ll see lots of great NZ scenery including birdlife, bush, hot springs, Taupo’s famous trout and the crystal-clear water. The boat goes in all weathers.

Orakei Korako

Lava Glass Gallery

Maid of the Falls

Day 4

Hobbiton Movie Set: The Hobbiton movie set of The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies contains 44 complete Hobbit Holes, the Mill, the Double Arch Stone Bridge and The Green Dragon Inn. Wander the rambling paths of the Shire, to get a close look at the submerged Hobbit Holes nestled in rolling green hills.

Mills Reef Winery & Restaurant: Enjoy the option of wine tasting and lunch at this iconic winery.

Mt Maunganui: This spectacular beach has a northern headland known as “the Mount”. You will have the option of a flat walk around the perimeter of the Mount or a walk to the top for spectacular views of Tauranga Harbour and the coast to the south. A third option is a look around the shopping area.

Hobbiton

Mills Reef Winery

Mt Maunganui

Day 5

Mokoia Island: Mokoia Island is a 650 acre predator free wildlife sanctuary in the middle of Lake Rotorua, steeped in culture and history dating back to about 1350 AD. Today, Mokoia Island is managed in combination with the Maori tribal owners and the Department of Conservation. Mokoia contributes to the breeding programme of some of New Zealand’s most endangered birds. There is a 20 minute boat trip to get to the island and a walking track of between 1.5 and 2 kms; mostly flat or a gentle gradient.

Wingspan Birds of Prey Trust: Wingspan has been established for the research, captive management, and rehabilitation of injured raptors back into the wild such as Falcons, Harriers and Morepork owls.

RedwoodsTreewalk™: Majestic and magical, the Redwoods Treewalk™ experience is truly a walk to remember. Suspended high above the forest floor, encounter 75-metre-tall redwoods as you walk across eco-suspended bridges and platforms intricately designed to honour and accentuate the stunning natural environment. Regarded by many as one of the best tree top walks in New Zealand.

Mokoia Island

NZ falcon at Wingspan

Redwoods Treewalk

Adventure Options

Canopy Tour: Experience New Zealand’s only native forest Zipline Canopy Tour on the Mamaku Plateau. You will venture deep into a beautiful native forest on a journey from forest floor to the forest canopy on an incredible network of walking trails, treetop platforms, ziplines (flying foxes) and canopy swing bridges. You will literally fly!

Rotorua White Water Rafting: Steeped in Maori history and beautiful bush, the gorge of the Kaituna River (Grade 5) is also home to the highest commercially rafted waterfall in the world – Tutea Falls at 7 m, among others, to make for an adrenaline pumping but spectacular rafting trip. A swimsuit and towel are required.