Rotorua
New Zealand is seen as clean, green and 100% pure, and staying true to that Rotorua has been voted New Zealand’s most beautiful city six times in the 11-year history of the Keep New Zealand Beautiful competition. Along with stunning floral displays, perfectly manicured gardens and litter free streets, sustainability also has a crucial role to play in Rotorua being perceived as a ‘beautiful’ destination.
Transport Options
Rotorua, located in New Zealand’s Bay of Plenty region, lies 200 km’s SE of Auckland International Airport. There are a number of transport options for international conference attendees to choose from.
Air
Air New Zealand flies a daily service (3-4 flights) between Auckland and Rotorua. It is a 45-minute flight and costs between $80 and $130 (NZD).
Car
A typical economy car seating 4, and including such options as low or no excess on insurance, GPS and roadside assistance (breakdown support) will range between $350 and $750, or about $90- $100 (NZD) per day. Fuel is extra, but mileage unlimited.
This is an attractive (and possibly most desirable) option when a group is able to coordinate and share the cost. Travelling by car means that, with some pre-planning, garden enthusiasts could stop to visit the Hamilton Gardens, the Lord of The Rings aficionados could stop to visit Hobbiton while those wanting some adventure could go rafting in the glow worm caves.
Bus transfer
A journey by bus from Auckland International to Rotorua will cost between $30 and $60 (NZD) depending on whether you want a flexi fare. The trip is about 6 hours in length.
Here is a link that will summarise several options
Rotorua Airport
Rotorua Airport is the gateway to the Bay of Plenty region for domestic visitors. It’s location in the heart of New Zealand’s North Island makes it the region’s true air travel port.
Rotorua Airport is only 10 minutes from the CBD with a regular bus service running to and from the Airport throughout the day.
For taxi bookings and enquiries contact Rotorua Taxis: 07 348 1111
Banks
Banks in New Zealand are open Monday to Fridays. Most banks are closed weekends and public holidays. Automatic Teller Machines are open 24 hours and are located throughout the city and surrounds. Facilities for exchange of currency are available at the airport, larger hotels and banks.
Car Rental
Cars can be rented in New Zealand from local or international companies. All cars are right- hand drive. Information on rental companies is available here (http://www.rotoruanz.com/visit/travel-kit/rotorua-transport/rental-vehicles) for your convenience.
Climate
Delegates can expect mainly fine weather in December with average temperatures ranging from 22 - 26°C.
Credit cards
Credit cards are widely accepted. Commonly recognised cards include Visa, MasterCard, American Express. Only these cards are accepted by the Conference.
Currency exchange
Decimal currency is used in New Zealand (NZD) and currency units are dollars and cents. New Zealand notes are: NZD100, NZD50, NZD20, NZD10, NZD5. Coins are: NZD2, NZD1, NZD .50, NZD.20, NZD.10 cents
Disabled Facilities
If you require disability specific facilities, please notify the Conference Organiser by indicating on your registration form.
Electricity
The electrical supply is 240 volts, 50 Hz. The connection for appliances is a flat 3-pin plug. Most city hotels provide 110 volts for shavers.
Health
Vaccinations are not required unless you have come from a yellow fever-infected country zone within six days prior to your arrival. You do not need any other health certificate to enter New Zealand. New Zealand has a high standard of hygiene and doctors and dentists are highly trained and hospitals are well equipped. In the event of illness, hotel staff can arrange a doctor for you.
Insurance
It is strongly recommended that delegates take out adequate travel and health insurance prior to commencement of travel. Further information can be obtained from your travel agent.
Liability Disclaimer
In the event of industrial disruption or other unforeseen circumstances, the Conference Organisers accept no responsibility for loss of monies incurred by delegates. The Conference Organisers accept no liability for injuries/losses of whatever nature incurred by participants and/or accompanying persons, nor for loss or damage to their luggage and/or personal belongings. Delegates should make their own arrangements with respect to personal insurance.
No Smoking Policy
Delegates should be aware that smoking is banned in public buildings and many hotels and restaurants throughout New Zealand, including the Conference venue.
Official Language
The official language of the Conference is English.
Passport and Visa
You usually do not need a visa to visit New Zealand if you are:
- A New Zealand or Australian citizen or resident
- A UK citizen and/or passport holder (you can stay up to six months)
- A citizen of a country which has a visa waiver agreement with New Zealand (you can stay up to three months).
For further information regarding New Zealand visas, please visit: https://www.newzealand.com/au/visas-and-immigration/
Quarantine
New Zealand is free from many plant and animal diseases prevalent in other countries. Very strict quarantine rules apply to the importation of animals and plants which cannot be brought into the country without prior application. Animal and plant products are also restricted.
For further information please contact: https://www.mpi.govt.nz/travel-and-recreation/arriving-in-new-zealand/items-to-declare/
Time Zones
Rotorua operates on New Zealand Standard Time (NZST), which is 13 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT). For international passengers, we suggest that you try to allow yourself at least a day in which to adjust to the time difference and relax after your flight, before the Conference commences. Travellers flying westward across the Pacific Ocean are reminded that they will lose a day by crossing the International Date Line. The 'lost day' will be regained on the return journey.
Tipping
Tipping is not as widespread or regulated in New Zealand as it is in other parts of the world. Tipping is your prerogative, a reward for service. It is customary to tip hotel porters, and a gratuity of about 10% is usual in restaurants if good service is received. NO service charge is added to hotel or restaurant bill.
Travel and Program Disclaimers
In the event of any travel disruptions, the Conference Organiser will not be held responsible for any losses incurred by delegates at or enroute to or from the Conference.
The program is correct at the time of printing, but the Conference Organiser reserve the right to alter the program as necessary.