Symposium Field Trips
Explore Te Whanganui-a-Tara / Wellington with other Symposium attendees through a curated selection of guided nature, culture, creativity and marine‑science experiences. Trips are scheduled within symposium break windows (typically 1–4pm except Friday which is 9-11am). Some offerings have limited capacity, so early booking is encouraged.
Note: Workshops are also offered during the same time windows so see the confirmed workshops page to aid your planning.
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| Dates | Field Trip | Cost NZD inc 15% GST |
|---|---|---|
| Sat 10 & Sun 11 October Available via direct booking | Guided SCUBA dive within Taputeranga Marine Reserve | One Dive $140.00 Two Dives $180.00 back to back (Gear Included) |
| Tues 13, Fri 16 & Sat 17 October | Guided Taputeranga Marine Reserve Snorkel Tour | $92.00 (Gear Included) |
| Tues 13 & Fri 16 October | Zealandia Tour | Day: $63.00 pp Dawn: $133.20 pp |
| Wed 14 & Thu 15 October | Wētā Workshop Group Guided Tour | $45.00 pp |
| Wed14 & Thu 15 October | Waka Tour | $99.00 pp |
| Thu 15 October | Harbour Tour | $35.00 pp |
Photo Credit: Janice Mckenna
Photo Credit: Conferences & Events Ltd
©Wētā Workshop
Field Trip Cancellation Policy
By booking a symposium field trip, delegates agree to the following cancellation terms:
- Cancellation by 11 September 2026:
A full refund will be provided, or delegates may swap to another available trip option, subject to availability. - Cancellation after 11 September 2026 due to circumstances beyond the organisers' control:
We will endeavour to provide a full refund, less any non-recoverable deposits or costs already incurred. - Cancellation after 11 September by attendee: No refund provided if unable to be resold.
General Terms: All trip bookings are subject to the event’s overall registration Terms and Conditions.
Zealandia Te Māra a Tāne – Day & Dawn Tours
Photo Credit: Ian Thomas
Tour Options & Times
- Day Tour: Tue 13 Oct — 1:30–3:30pm
- Dawn Tour: Fri 16 Oct — 6:30–9:30am (breakfast included)
Cost:
- Day: $63.00pp
- Dawn: $133.20pp
Description:
- Day Tour: Explore restored native forest alive with rare species, learning about Zealandia’s pioneering conservation approach.
- Dawn Tour: Experience the valley at sunrise as nocturnal species settle and dawn birdsong fills the sanctuary, including hot kawakawa–ginger tea in the bush
Requirements: Weather‑appropriate clothing, sturdy shoes. Mobility scooters available on request for day tours.
Location & Transport: Self transport to/from 53 Waiapu Road, Karori. More details here.
Wētā Workshop Group Guided Tour
©Wētā Workshop
Dates & Times
- Wed 14 Oct — approx. 2:00–3:30pm
- Thu 15 Oct — approx. 2:00–3:30pm
Cost: $45.00pp
Description:
Step behind the scenes of world‑class film creativity. Explore props, costumes and creatures from major productions including The Hobbit, Avatar, and Black Panther. Meet artists, see practical effects up close, and discover the craft of an award‑winning Wellington icon.
Location & Transport:
Self transport to/from Wētā Workshop Group Space, 129 Park Rd, Miramar, Wellington. Getting the bus? Catch the number 2 (Miramar) bus and get off at stop 6236 on Darlington Road. From there it’s a short stroll to the space. Find out more on the Metlink website.
For more transport options view Wellington transport options here.
Te Whanganui-a-Tara Harbour Tour
©East by West Ferries
Date & Time
- Thu 15 Oct — 1:30–3:20pm (arrive by 1:15pm)
Cost: $35.00pp
Facilitator: Dr Scott Nodder, Earth Sciences
Description: A chartered harbour exploration featuring local expert commentary on geology, marine environments and harbour history—an opportunity to view Wellington from the water and understand its dynamic coastal systems.
Delegate Requirements: Warm/waterproof layers, covered non-slip shoes, sunscreen, snacks, water.
Location & Transport: Self transport to/from East by West Ferry Terminal, Queen’s Wharf which is 1km or ~15min walk from Tākina Convention & Exhibition Centre.
Te Whanganui-a-Tara Waka Tour
©Te Whanganui-a-Tara Waka Tour
Dates & Times
- Wed 14 Oct — between 1:30–4:00pm
- Thu 15 Oct — between 1:30–4:00pm
Cost: $90.00pp
Description:
Paddle a traditional waka tētē with experienced kaiārahi (guides). Learn about Māori maritime traditions, teamwork, culture and connection to Te Whanganui-a-Tara. A powerful and immersive cultural experience.
Delegate Requirements: Comfortable, quick-drying clothes, A hat & sunglasses for sun protection, Water shoes or sandals with a good grip, light jacket or windbreaker for cooler weather.
Note: You may get wet, so please wear appropriate clothing and bring a warm layer to change into afterwards. All passengers and crew are provided with a personal flotation device while on board the waka. We carry a wide range of sizes to ensure all participants including children are safely and comfortably fitted.
Location & Transport:
Self transport to/from Te Wharewaka o Poneke, 2 Taranaki Street which is 2min walk from Tākina Convention & Exhibition Centre.
Love Rimurimu Guided Taputeranga Marine Reserve Snorkel Tour
©Love Rimurimu / Mountains to Sea Wellington
Dates & Times
- Tue 13 Oct — 1:30–3:30pm
- Fri 16 Oct — 8:30–10:30am
- Sat 17 Oct — 11.00am - 1.30pm (includes a seaweed talk)
Cost: $92.00 (gear included)
Description: Snorkel among lush seaweed forests and vibrant marine life on Wellington’s south coast. Guided by experienced local MTSW volunteers, this weather‑dependent tour includes full snorkelling gear and introduces delegates to the ecology of Taputeranga Marine Reserve.
Requirements: Appropriate swimwear; comfort in the water.
Location & Transport: Self transport to/from Scorching Bay. Please ensure your have sufficient time to arrive by the start time above. More on Wellington transport here.
Dive Wellington SCUBA Diving – Taputeranga Marine Reserve
©Dive Wellington
Dive Wellington - direct booking option
Dates:
- Sat 10 Oct
- Sun 11 Oct
Cost: $140.00 for one dive; $180.00 for two back‑to‑back (gear included)
Note:
- Not an official symposium trip.
- Delegates contact Dive Wellington directly to book.
- Requirements: Valid SCUBA certification.
- Contact: https://divewellington.co.nz/