Travel

Venue

APRICOT 2016 will be held in Auckland, New Zealand from Monday, 15 to Friday, 26 February 2016. The workshops will be held during the first week at the AUT City Campus from Monday, 15 to Friday, 19 February and the conference from Monday, 22 to Friday, 26 February at the SkyCity Convention Centre.

Auckland is the gateway to New Zealand for most visitors and is New Zealand's largest city. With a population of 1.18m, Auckland represents about a third of the New Zealand population.

Auckland is renowned for its beauty, with 100km of coastline crammed with stunning beaches, 23 regional parks, two marine reserves and a landscape dotted with 48 volcanic cones. With all the water surrounding the region, it's no wonder Aucklanders boast the largest boat ownership per capita in the world - that's why it's called "The City of Sails".

APRICOT 2016 Workshop Venue

Auckland University of Technology (AUT) welcomes international students from all over the globe. Located in Auckland, AUT is the third-largest university in New Zealand and the fastest growing so makes it an excellent venue to hold the APRICOT workshops.

Please note that the University of Auckland is located close to AUT. Please ensure you make your way to the correct address.

Venue AUT City Campus
Address Sir Paul Reeves Building
Entrance via 5 Wellesley Street or Mayoral Drive
Map View on Google Maps

APRICOT 2016 Conference Venue

SKYCITY Auckland Convention Centre is ideally situated in the heart of the Auckland CBD and is recognized as one of the premier event destinations for both international and local multi-day events.

Venue SkyCity Convention Centre
Address 88 Federal Street
Auckland
Map View on Google Maps

Accommodation in Auckland

Please note that February is an extremely busy month for accommodation in Auckland with an expected 95% occupancy rate. We have negotiated special rates with the following nearby hotels. However, the number of rooms offered are limited and will be allocated on a first-booked first-served basis. We strongly recommend you book early to secure your booking and enjoy the special rates.

SkyCity Grand

90 Federal Street
Auckland 1010

Rates

  • NZD 270 (incl. GST) for a premium luxury room.
  • Subject to availability.

Extras

  • Wi-Fi is complimentary.
  • Breakfast at Fortuna restaurant NZD 22.90.

13 minute walk to AUT City Campus.


Book at SkyCity Grand now

SkyCity Hotel

Cnr Federal and Victoria Streets
Auckland 1010

Rates

  • NZD 235 (incl. GST) for a premium room.
  • Subject to availability.

Extras

  • Wi-Fi is complimentary.
  • Breakfast at Fortuna restaurant NZD 22.90

13 minute walk to AUT City Campus. Directly opposite the SkyCity Convention Centre.


Book at SkyCity Hotel now

Crowne Plaza

128 Albert Street
Auckland 1141

Rates

  • Rate between 13 – 29 February: NZD 295 (incl. GST) for a superior room.
  • Subject to availability.

Extras

  • WiFi: complimentary internet for IHG Rewards Club Members, or NZD 25.00 per day for 1GB of data usage.
  • Breakfast rate: NZD 34.

9 minute walk to AUT City Campus. Directly opposite the SkyCity Convention Centre.


Book at Crowne Plaza now

Or email res1@crowneplazaauckland.co.nz.

Rydges

59 Federal Street
Auckland 1010

Rates

  • NZD 219 (incl. GST).
  • Subject to availability.

Extras

  • Wi-Fi is complimentary.
  • Breakfast rate: NZD 26 buffet.

13 minute walk to AUT City Campus. 3 minute walk to SkyCity Convention Centre.


Book at Rydges now

Or call +61 9 375 5900,

Or email reservations_auckland@rydges.com (and quote C-APR130216).

Rate is available until 13 January 2016. Any further booking requests will be subject to the hotel’s availability and at our best available rate at the time of booking.

Heritage Hotel

35 Hobson Street
Auckland 6001

Rates

  • NZD 289 (incl. GST) for an executive one bedroom suite.
  • NZD 264 (incl. GST) for a deluxe suite.
  • NZD 239 (incl. GST) for a superior room.
  • Subject to availability.

Extras

  • 500MB per night of complimentary Wi-Fi is available in all accommodation rooms.
  • Breakfast rate: NZD 25 buffet.

15 minute walk to AUT City Campus. 3 minute walk to SkyCity Convention Centre.


Book at Heritage Hotel now

Enter APRICOT in the promo code field when booking.

CityLife Hotel

171 Queens Street
Auckland 1010

Rates

  • NZD 289 (incl. GST) for an executive one bedroom suite.
  • NZD 264 (incl. GST) for a deluxe suite.
  • NZD 239 (incl. GST) for a superior room.
  • Subject to availability.

Extras

  • 500MB per night of complimentary Wi-Fi is available in all accommodation rooms.
  • Breakfast rate: NZD 25 buffet.

10 minute walk to AUT City Campus. 5 minute walk to SkyCity Convention Centre.


Book at CityLife Hotel now

Enter APRICOT in the promo code field when booking.

Quest on Hobson

127 Hobson Street
Auckland 1010

Rates

  • NZD 264.50 (incl. GST) for a one bedroom apartment.
  • NZD 228.90 (incl. GST) for a studio room.
  • Subject to availability.

Extras

  • Wi-Fi: complimentary for the first night and NZD 15 per day thereafter with unlimited data.
  • Breakfast: NZD 10 for a light continental or NZD 20 for a light continental plus cooked breakfast.

11 minute walk to AUT City Campus. 5 minute walk to SkyCity Convention Centre


Book at Quest on Hobson now

Enter the dates 15 Feb 2016 and 26 Feb 2016 for arrival and departure, respectively, and click search.

Scenic Hotel Auckland

380 Queen Street
Auckland 1010

Rates

  • NZD 179 (incl. GST) for a one bedroom apartment.
  • NZD 199 (incl. GST) for a one bedroom apartment with breakfast.
  • Subject to availability.

Extras

  • Wi-Fi is complimentary.

10 minute walk to AUT City Campus. 5 minute walk to SkyCity Convention Centre


Book at Scenic Hotel Auckland now

Amora Auckland

100 Greys Avenue
Auckland 1010

Rates

  • NZD 210 (incl. GST) for a deluxe king room.
  • NZD 240 (incl. GST) for a deluxe king spa.
  • NZD 280 (incl. GST) for a 1 bedroom executive suite.
  • Subject to availability.
  • Room rates based on room configurations with 1 king or queen bed.

Extras

  • Complimentary Wi-Fi is included in the room rates quoted above
  • Breakfast rate: NZD 20 buffet.

14 minute walk to AUT City Campus. 50 minute walk to SkyCity Convention Centre


To book, email resmgr@auckland.amorahotels.com; please include “APRICOT 2016” in the subject line.

Visa

You will need to apply for a visitor visa (visiting on business) before you come to New Zealand if you are not from a visa-waiver country. Please check your requirements on the New Zealand Immigration website. All delegates who are required to apply for a visa to enter New Zealand must apply at the New Zealand Embassy or Consulate within their country. Once you have completed your APRICOT registration you will receive a tax invoice and also a letter confirming your attendance and the details about the conference. This letter and a copy of your proposed itinerary obtained from a travel agent can be attached to your completed INZ1017 form. We suggest you allow sufficient time for your visa to be processed.

Transportation

Auckland Airport is an easy 45-minute drive by bus, car or taxi, although at peak times this can take longer.

Airbus Express conveniently operates buses to and from the airport 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Between 7am – 7pm it departs every 10 minutes on weekdays and every 15 minutes on weekends (for departures outside these hours, please refer to the Airbus Express website). Tickets cost NZD 16 and can be pre-purchased online from the Airbus website, from the Airbus Ticket kiosk, or direct from the driver.

Shuttles between the airport and SkyCity Hotel are NZD 35 for one person each way plus NZD 8 for each additional passenger.

If you are travelling by taxi, they are located outside the domestic and international terminals and cost approximately NZD 75 into the city. If you are travelling by car, take the Southern Motorway north, exit at Nelson Street, and follow the signs directly to SkyCity.

If you would like more information about transport from Auckland Airport, please visit the Auckland Airport Website.

Britomart Bus and Train Station

Britomart is a quick 10-minute walk from the SkyCity Convention Centre and the Intercity Bus terminal is located close by.

For free bus, train and ferry information, please contact the MAXX Contact Centre on +64 9 366 6400; +64 9 366 6400 or visit the MAXX website to use the online journey planner.

Car parking at the SKYCITY Hotel

SkyCity have valet parking available for guests, and also self-parking for a reduced rate.

About Auckland

Auckland is New Zealand's largest city and main transport hub. The city has a huge range of activities and attractions to offer visitors. You can dine at more than 800 restaurants, catch awesome views from atop the tallest tower in the Southern Hemisphere or from one of the city's volcanic vantage points, or take in the theatre at the world-class Aotea Centre.

Auckland’s diverse landscapes provide countless opportunities to get immersed in nature. In the west, lush native rainforest plunges down the hills to meet the sea on dramatic black sand beaches, while the east’s sheltered golden sand beaches are fringed with red-flowering pohutukawa trees. To the north the rolling hills of wine country meet stunning coastlines and in the south you'll find picturesque country gardens, unspoilt forest and tranquil bays to explore.

While English is the main written and spoken language, Auckland is recognized as having the largest concentration of Polynesian people in the world, and you'll hear many people speaking Maori, or Polynesian and Asian languages.

For further information:

Facts

Climate

Auckland enjoys a mild subtropical climate and as February is still one of New Zealand’s summer months you can expect the temperature to range from 20◦ to 30◦ C (60 to 86 F).

Currency

New Zealand has dollars ($) and cents (c). There are five notes ($5, $10, $20, $50 $100) and five coins (10c, 20c, 50c, $1, $2).

Credit Cards

Most credit cards are widely accepted, the exception being American Express which may incur additional charges. Cash machines are widely spread around the city and are available 24 hours.

Driving

Drive on the left side of the road in New Zealand. All drivers, including visitors from other countries, must carry their license or permit at all times when driving.

Electricity

240V, 50Hz with Australian/New Zealand pattern three-pin sockets.

Emergency Numbers

111 is the emergency number for Police, Fire and Ambulance.

Goods and Services Tax

New Zealand has a 15% goods and services tax (GST) which is included on all products and services. Some stores may waive GST if you show onward air tickets.

Health and vaccinations

No vaccination certificates are required. Public and private hospitals provide a high standard of treatment and care. Please note that medical services are not free to visitors so travel insurance that covers medical and health is recommended.

Language and Ethnic Groups

English is the common and everyday language in New Zealand, with Māori also an official language.

Mobile Phones

New Zealand operates on a 900 or 1800MHz network, as do most countries except Canada and USA. You can buy or rent a New Zealand compatible phone or a SIM card upon arrival at the international airport.

Shopping

Standard shopping hours are from Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm, with most shopping centres open until 6pm. Some shops and malls are open late on Thursday and Friday to 9pm. On Saturday and Sunday most malls are open normal shopping hours.

Banks

Normal trading hours are Monday to Friday 9am to 4.30pm.

Safety and Security

New Zealand is generally a very safe place to travel, with a relatively low crime rate. However it is advisable to observe the same precautions with your personal safety and your possessions as you would in any other country or at home.

Smoke-free policies

In New Zealand it is illegal to smoke in most indoor spaces including function venues, pubs, restaurants, and public transport.

Time zone

New Zealand Standard Time is 12 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT). Daylight saving runs from the end of September until Early April.

Tipping

Tipping is not expected but you may wish to tip for any special service.

Tours

If you need assistance with planning and booking pre and post conference tailor made tours and or Auckland sightseeing tours then please contact Sharron Hickman, Exclusive Tours Limited, at sharronh@exclusivetours.co.nz or phone +64 0274732934.

Exclusive Tours Limited will operate a sightseeing and tour desk, located close to the registration desk at the workshop and conference venue, for the same hours that the registration desk is open. Please feel free to visit them. Exclusive Tours Limited staff look forward to meeting you in Auckland.