Organised excursions will take place on Wednesday 17 February and Sunday 21 February. We will be releasing booking information on these shortly, but please take these days in mind when booking your tickets and accommodation.

Wednesday 17 February

Karekare Beach Patrol & Wetland Walk

Karekare Beach is a black sand beach on the edge of the Waitakere Ranges Regional Park on Auckland’s west coast. At the base of spectacular rugged cliffs are extensive wetlands, scrubland and sand dune systems that extend southward to Whatipu at the mouth of the Manukau Harbour. Upon arrival, we will undertake a beach patrol of Karekare Beach as part of the Birds New Zealand Beach Patrol Scheme to identify and record any beach wrecked seabirds. From the Pararaha Stream mouth we will walk inland across the dunes to the Pararaha Valley Wetlands to view wetlands birds. After a stop at Tunnel Point, we will return to Karekare along the inland track and Pohutukawa glade. Australasian Bitterns are present in the wetlands, but are seldom seen. Other key species present include: Variable Oystercatcher, Northern NZ Dotterel, Double-banded Plover, White-fronted Tern, NZ Scaup, NZ Grebe, Fernbird, NZ Pipit, Dunnock and Redpoll.

Details:
Cost: NZ $50
Limited to 17 people
Departing: from the bus stop outside of the Sir Owen G. Glenn Building on Grafton Road
Departure time: 8.00am (Report to check-in at 7.45am)
Return time: approx 3.45pm
Lunch is excluded, please pack your own lunch and refreshments
Total Walking Distance: 10.5km
A good walking ability is required, but walking trails are over flat terrain

Tāwharanui Open Sanctuary

Located on the scenic Tāwharanui Peninsula, this regional park is protected by a predator-proof fence and consists of a mosaic of forest, wetlands, beaches and ocean, and farmland. Much of the farmland has been revegetated, a process which is ongoing. Predator trapping/monitoring, bird monitoring and maintenance rely heavily on volunteer input. Existing species have been augmented by reintroductions. Key species include forest species such as North Island Saddleback, North Island Robin, Whitehead, plus Brown Teal, Banded Rail, Spotless Crake, Takahē and many others. On arrival we will be greeted by a head ranger from Auckland Council for an overview of the park.

Details:
Cost: NZ $88
Limited to 45 people
Departing from the Bus Stop outside of the Sir Owen G Glenn Building on Grafton Road.
Departure time: 8.30am (please arrive by 8.15am)
Return time: approx 5.30pm
Lunch is excluded, please pack your own lunch & refreshments

Auckland Whale & Dolphin Safari

New Zealand’s most unique whale and dolphin watching safari departs directly from downtown Auckland. Enjoy a 4.5-hour cruise on board the luxurious ‘Dolphin Explorer’ as we explore the beautiful Hauraki Gulf Marine Park in search of encounters with its amazing and diverse marine wildlife. Enjoy views of famous Auckland landmarks like the Harbour Bridge, North Head and Devonport, and volcanic Rangitoto Island, as you watch out for orca and dolphins known to frequent the inner Waitematā Harbour. The crew provides knowledgeable commentary, with their marine science experts conducting biological studies and invite you to join interactive research activities. Typically encountered Bryde’s whales and common dolphins, but you may also meet pygmy blue whales, New Zealand fur seals, sharks, manta rays, turtles and up to 26 species of seabirds which can include: Little Penguin, Fluttering Shearwater, Buller’s Shearwater, Cook’s Petrel & White-faced Storm Petrel. As we return to Auckland, sit back, take advantage of the licensed café and bar, and enjoy the island views.

Details:
Cost: NZ $200
Limited to 30 people
Departing from the Viaduct Harbour, located at the western end of Quay Street (left as you are looking at the water) in downtown Auckland. When arriving on foot, you will see our boat to your left, immediately opposite the New Zealand Maritime Museum.
Departure time: 7.30am (please check-in before 7.15am)
Return time: 12.00pm

Auckland Museum Behind the Scenes Tour

This is an great opportunity to go behind the scenes at Auckland Museum to view rare specimens and learn about the invaluable work of this priceless collection. There will be time to explore the galleries and/or take in the ponds and gardens of the adjacent Domain. There is a cafe and gift shop at the museum. The Behind-the-scenes visit includes admission to the galleries.

Details:
Cost: NZ $25
Limited to 12 people
Make your own way to the Auckland War Memorial Museum situated in the Auckland Domain. Enter the South Atrium & lookout for your AOC assistant who will be waiting outside of the Museum Store to take you to the check-in.
Departure time: 10.00am (please be in the South Atrium at 9.50am)

 

Sunday 21 February

Auckland Zoo Back-of-House Tour: Tara iti Fairy Tern Conservation Programme

Join a special behind-the-scenes visit to Auckland Zoo’s Tara iti (New Zealand fairy tern, Sternula nereis davisae) captive rearing facilities and learn about the critical conservation work helping to protect one of Aotearoa’s rarest birds. Auckland Zoo plays an important role in supporting the recovery of this critically endangered species through captive rearing and conservation management alongside the Department of Conservation. This exclusive tour offers conference delegates a unique opportunity to gain insight into the husbandry, rearing, and recovery efforts that support Tara iti conservation.

Details
Cost: NZ $19
Tour times: 10:00 am, 11:30 am, 1:00 pm
Limited to 10 participants per tour (booking is essential)
Purchase your discounted zoo ticket before entering (a 50% discount for entrance fee to all AOC delegates, thanks to Auckland Zoo)
Meet just inside the main entrance 10 minutes before your scheduled tour time. Auckland Zoo is located at 99 Motions Road, just west of downtown Auckland and next to Te Wai Ōrea Western Springs Lakeside Park. Please bring your own lunch. After the tour, you are welcome to spend the remainder of the day exploring Auckland Zoo’s exhibits and wildlife habitats at your leisure.

A Note About Tara iti Viewing
As the conference takes place near the end of the Tara iti breeding season, it is unlikely that participants will see fairy tern chicks during the tour. By this time, the young birds will have been transferred to protective in situ (soft-release) aviaries at their coastal breeding sites. However, the tour will still provide a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at the facilities, techniques, and dedicated conservation work that support the recovery of this remarkable species.

About Auckland Zoo
Located in Western Springs, Auckland Zoo is home to more than 130 species and is a not-for-profit conservation organisation dedicated to protecting wildlife in Aotearoa and around the world. Your visit helps support the Zoo’s conservation and recovery programmes. Open every day 9:30am – 4:30pm, with last entry at 3:30pm. All AOC delegates will received a 50% discount on entrance fees!

Auckland Whale & Dolphin Safari

New Zealand’s most unique whale and dolphin watching safari departs directly from downtown Auckland. Enjoy a 4.5-hour cruise on board the luxurious ‘Dolphin Explorer’ as we explore the beautiful Hauraki Gulf Marine Park in search of encounters with its amazing and diverse marine wildlife. Enjoy views of famous Auckland landmarks like the Harbour Bridge, North Head and Devonport, and volcanic Rangitoto Island, as you watch out for orca and dolphins known to frequent the inner Waitematā Harbour. The crew provides knowledgeable commentary, with their marine science experts conducting biological studies and invite you to join interactive research activities. Typically encountered Bryde’s whales and common dolphins, but you may also meet pygmy blue whales, New Zealand fur seals, sharks, manta rays, turtles and up to 26 species of seabirds which can include: Little Penguin, Fluttering Shearwater, Buller’s Shearwater, Cook’s Petrel & White-faced Storm Petrel. As we return to Auckland, sit back, take advantage of the licensed café and bar, and enjoy the island views.

Details:
Cost: NZ $200
Limited to 30 people
Departing from the Viaduct Harbour, located at the western end of Quay Street (left as you are looking at the water) in downtown Auckland. When arriving on foot, you will see our boat to your left, immediately opposite the New Zealand Maritime Museum.
Departure time: 7.30am (please check-in before 7.15am)
Return time: 12.00pm
_____________________________________________________________________________________

Pukorokoro Miranda Shorebird Centre

Located on the Firth of Thames, one hour & 30 minutes south of Auckland City. Pukorokoro Miranda is situated near globally significant tidal flats and rare shell-ridge chenier plain, it serves as a crucial sanctuary for thousands of local and Arctic migratory wading birds. Upon arrival, visit the Robert Findlay Wildlife Reserve for a guided tour of the shorebird hides. High tide is at 8.05am. Key species present include: Arctic migrants such as bar-tailed godwit, red knot, Pacific golden plover, ruddy turnstone and sharp-tailed sandpiper. Local species include: Wrybill, South Island Oystercatcher, Variable Oystercatcher, Northern NZ Dotterel, Double-banded Plover, Black-billed Gull, White-fronted Tern and Royal Spoonbill. From the reserve you will be transferred to the Pukorokoro Miranda Shorebird Centre to enjoy morning tea and an opportunity to explore the centre, before returning to Auckland by coach at 11.30am.

Details:
Cost: NZ $105
Limited to 45 people
Departing: from the bus stop outside of the Sir Owen G. Glenn Building on Grafton Road.
Departure time: 6.30am (Report to check-in at 6.15am).
Return time: approx. 1.00pm
Includes: Guided tour, use of telescopes and a morning tea of tea, coffee & biscuits.
Lunch is excluded, please pack your own lunch & refreshments
_____________________________________________________________________________________

Tiritiri Matangi Island

One of the jewels of New Zealand’s conservation crown. An Open Sanctuary, the motu (island) has benefited from massive revegetation projects and reintroductions of birds and other species. Such is the success of these species that they are now used as source populations for other translocations. Endemic bird species such as: South Island takahe, pateke/Brown Teal, hihi/Stitchbird, tieke/North Island Saddleback, Red-crowned Kakariki, toutouwai/North island Robin, titipounamu/Rifleman, North Island kokako & matata/Fernbird. On arrival to Tiritiri Matangi there is a short mandatory biosecurity briefing, followed by a one hour guided walk by an experienced and knowledgeable guide. You will be free to explore the island afterwards. A suggested route is to take the Kawerau Track from the landing to the top of the island, then head toward the lighthouse. The suggested return route is the Wattle Track back to the landing. Walking is along well-maintained tracks, with an altitude gain of around 80m, then along the ridge to the Visitors’ Centre at the lighthouse. Here there is a gift shop with complimentary tea/coffee. Note there is no food available for purchase on the island & you must bring your own packed lunch & snacks.

Details:
Cost: NZ $120
Limited to 30 people
Departing: from downtown Auckland in the Viaduct Harbour (end of Quay St, diagonally across from the NZ Maritime Museum). Look out for the Explore NZ ferry.
Departure: 8.30am (please arrive by 8.10). Arrival on the island is at 9.50am
Return time: 5.20pm (ferry leaves the island at 4.00pm)
Lunch is excluded, please pack your own lunch & refreshments