The field excursions are designed to allow delegates time to experience Auckland and learn about conservation efforts taking place in Aotearoa. Below is a listing of scheduled field excursions taking place before and after the Congress. Most of these can be booked through registration although there are some that require delegates to book directly with the operator (at the bottom of the page).

Some trips are still available and you can add them on to you existing registration by filling out the registraiton form again using the "None of the above categories - I have paid registration fees in an earlier transaction" check box. All trips, with the exception of the operator run Poor Knights dive/snorkel and river rafting trips, are unique one-off trips lead by local area experts. These trips are designed to be cost nuetral for the Meeting budget to allow you a low cost, tailored trip to enhance your visit to New Zealand!

Registration for excursions need to be made by October 31st. If minimum numbers are not met for a trip, cancellation will result in a full refund. Currently we anticipate that all trips will proceed and none are likely to be cancelled. Delegates registered for trips can expect an email from the trip leader/organiser with greater details shortly after the Oct 31st booking deadline.

ONE DAY TRIPS

Goat Island Marine Reserve: 5th Dec
Cost: $60; 20 min, 49 max, 9am-6pm
This day trip will take you to the first marine reserve established in New Zealand in 1975. It is 518 hectares in size. Explore the wonders of New Zealand marine life in an untouched kelp forest home of Snapper, Eagle rays and Blue mao maos. Glass bottom boat rides and snorkelling gear rentals will be available to hire on the day at an additional fee. Led by Auckland University, the day will include a visit to the field station, talks, and lunch. Please dress for the weather and bring a towel.
DEPARTURE LOCATION: Please note the new meeting location- the bus will meet delegates on Federal Street across from the Convention Centre/SkyCity Grand Hotel entrance at 8:45am. Someone will be stationed at the old meeting point to make sure everyone gets to the correct pickup location.

Rangitoto Island: 10th Dec
Cost $60, 20min, 300max, 9am-5pm
Rangitoto Island is the youngest and largest island in the Hauraki Gulf (~600 years old). This volcanic island is a public reserve and has the largest Pohutukawa forest in the world. This trip, led by the Department of Conservation, will focus on pest eradication and how the management of the islands is integrated with several stakeholders. There may be a demonstration of rodent detection dogs. Lunch and ferry transport included. Please dress for the weather and hiking.
DEPARTURE LOCATION: 8:45am Meet group at Pier 2 at downtown Auckland ferry wharf

Tiritiri Matangi Island: 4th Dec
Cost $85, 20min, 50max, 8:30am-4:30pm
Tiritiri Matangi is one of the most successful conservation projects in the world. Unwanted predators have been eradicated, and the once-pastoral island has been replanted with native trees. Rare native birds and animals have been returned to its now-safe and restored habitats. As an open sanctuary you can visit Tiritiri Matangi and see some of New Zealand's most endangered birds in the wild, including takahe, kokako, saddleback/tieke and hihi or stitchbird. It is the best example of an established offshore island open sanctuary in New Zealand. Ferry transport, lunch, and a guide will be included. You are welcome to explore the island independently. Please dress for the weather and hiking. *Information sourced from DOC and ARC
DEPARTURE LOCATION: 830am group meets at 360 Discovery Cruise kiosk (Pier 4 in Quay St at the bottom of downtown Auckland)

Waitakere Ranges and Muriwai Regional Parks: 4th Dec
Cost $42, 20min, 48max, 9am-5pm
Cascade Kauri, Lake Wainamu and Fairy Falls are located in the northern part of the Waitakere Ranges and offer great places to explore. See giant Kauri trees, huge sand dunes and spectacular waterfalls. Walk through ancient forests and along picturesque streams. In the Cascade Kauri area you will discover excellent examples of large kauri, many over a hundred years old surrounding the Waitakere stream. This trip will also visit the Muriwai Regional Park which is home to one of only three mainland Takapu (gannet) colonies in New Zealand. The chicks hatch in November so it is the perfect time to visit! Lunch, bus transport, and guides/guest speakers are included. *Information sourced from DOC and ARC
This trip will be led by Forest & Bird
DEPARTURE LOCATION: Please note the new meeting location- the bus will meet delegates on Federal Street across from the Convention Centre/SkyCity Grand Hotel entrance at 8:45am. Someone will be stationed at the old meeting point to make sure everyone gets to the correct pickup location.

Tawharanui Regional Park: 10th Dec
Cost $42, 20min, 48max, 9am-5pm
Set on a remote peninsula, 588-hectare Tawharanui Regional Park boasts some of the Auckland region's most beautiful white sand beaches, forest and shrubland remnants, coastal slopes, wetlands, saltmarshes, dunelands, retired pastureland and restoration plantings. The park is New Zealand's first integrated open sanctuary (mainland island) where farming, public recreation and conservation of native species combine. A key feature of the open sanctuary is a 2.7 km predator proof fence which, along with trapping, poisoning and ongoing monitoring, protects 550ha of the park from exotic mammals. This protection has facilitated the successful reintroduction of 5 bird species, spectacular natural recolonisation by at least 3 others and population increases in resident birds, reptiles and invertebrates. On this field trip we will explore the park and discuss key issues, successes and challenges with staff and volunteer personal. We will also likely engage in a little volunteer work ourselves as a contribution towards this outstanding restoration project. Please bring appropriate footwear (good walking shoes or hiking boots), a rain jacket and suitable clothing for a day outdoors. Lunch, bus transport, and guides/guest speakers are included.
The field trip leader, Dr Kevin Parker, is a reintroduction biologist at the Institute of Natural Sciences, Massey University, Auckland. He has extensive experience translocating birds and has been involved in several reintroduction projects at Tawharanui. He has an intimate knowledge of Tawharanui as he counts it amongst his favourite places on Earth - and he also lives 1.5 km from the park.
DEPARTURE LOCATION: Please note the new meeting location- the bus will meet delegates on Federal Street across from the Convention Centre/SkyCity Grand Hotel entrance at 8:45am. Someone will be stationed at the old meeting point to make sure everyone gets to the correct pickup location.

MULTI-DAY TRIPS

Poor Knights Islands: 10-11 Dec
Cost $315 snorkel or $415 dive, 10min, 48max, 11:00am depart Auckland
Converging warm water currents, a micro -climate and thousands of years of separation from the mainland have resulted in a unique biodiversity below and above the water line. Below the water, and stretching out a nearly a kilometre all around, the Poor Knights Islands are total Marine Reserve. Above, the Islands themselves are a designated Nature Reserve. -Dive Tutukaka Head up to Tutukaka by bus on Saturday the day after the main meeting ends- a late morning start will allow you a chance to sleep in before your next adventure! Once off the bus you are free to explore the area for the rest of the day. A local guide will be on hand to discuss the area and lead some of the day's activities. On Sunday you can choose from snorkelling or diving in the Marine Reserve. The trip includes one day of rental gear, transport to reserve, lunch on the boat, and one night's accommodation (2 people/room). Lunch and dinner on the 10th are not included while breakfast and lunch (on boat) on the 11th are.
DEPARTURE LOCATION: Please meet at 10:45am on Dec 10th at SkyCity Bus Depot (102 Hobson Street).

Island Conservation Field Trip: 1-4 Dec
Cost $400, 10min, 37max
Invasive mammals are the biggest threat to much of New Zealand's wildlife that evolved in the virtual absence of mammals. The use of mammal pest-free islands and "mainland islands" is a major conservation strategy for many of the most vulnerable endemic species. Visit two cutting-edge conservation projects- Tiritiri Matangi Island and the Maungatautari Ecological Island - with local ecologists to meet some of New Zealand's most endangered wildlife and to discuss their ecological challenges and opportunities. Accommodation at the YHA will be arranged for the night of Dec 1st to allow the group to depart on the morning of Dec 2nd to travel to Maungatautari Ecological Island. This is an island of habitat rather than a real island, but the ecological situation is similar. Here we will stay at the 'Out-in-the-Styx' guesthouse where a group dinner is organised and followed with a guided night walk to look for kiwi. On the 3rd we will return to Auckland via the Miranda Seabird Centre where you will stay in accommodation that you have booked yourself. On the morning of the 4th the group will gather at the Ferry terminal (~0.5km) to take a ferry to Tiritiri Matangi Island. You will need walking shoes, a raincoat, and some warm clothes. An experienced ecologist will accompany the party throughout. Lunches will be included on all three days but only breakfast on the on the 3rd and dinner on the 2nd will be included. Accommodation is backpacker style and you MUST book your own accommodation for the evenings of the 3rd and 4th. No activities are planned for Dec 1st.
DEPARTURE LOCATION: 7am on Dec 2nd at Auckland International YHA after staying overnight, information from leader at check in on Dec 1

New Zealand Volcanic Ecosystems: 10-12 Dec
Cost $295; Min 10, Max 28
New Zealand sits astride the Pacific "Ring of Fire" and vulcanism has shaped both the landforms and the biota. Take a tour through three indigenous ecosystems determined by past and present volcanic activity with local ecologists. In Auckland, visit the island of Rangitoto where Metrosideros dominant forest colonises relatively recent lava beds; in Rotorua visit ecosystems shaped by continuing geothermal activity; and at Tongariro visit ecological successions occurring on an active volcano. The group will gather in the morning (10th Dec) and walk to the Ferry terminal (0.5km) to take a ferry to Rangitoto Island (a shield volcano that erupted 600 years ago) for the day returning in the afternoon. Upon returning to Auckland, you will be transported to Rotorua spending the night at the Hot Rock backpackers. On the 11th Dec, we will visit the Whakarewarewa geothermal areas to see active geothermal ecosystems. At the end of this day we will travel to Turangi, staying overnight at Club Habitat. On the 12th, we will travel to Mt Ruapehu, a volcano that last had a minor eruption in the 1990's, visiting the National Park headquarters and taking a short walk. In the afternoon, we will travel back to Auckland where the trip will end around 5pm. Please pack walking shoes, a raincoat, and some warmer clothing. Accommodation is backpacker style with the night of the 12th NOT included. Breakfasts and lunches are provided in price but NOT dinners. An experienced ecologist will accompany the party throughout.
DEPARTURE LOCATION: 8:45am Meet group at Pier 2 at downtown Auckland ferry wharf, luggage stored prior to this by arrangement with leaders

SOUTH ISLAND TRIPS

Kaikoura Marine Conservation Field Trip: 11-13 Dec via Christchurch
Cost $430; 12 people min, 40 max
Leaving on the morning of Sunday December 11th from Christchurch arranged transportation will take the group 2.5 hours north to Kaikoura-- an ex-whaling seaside township. Upon arrival the group will be taken on a guided peninsula walk to take in the spectacular views while hearing about some of New Zealand's conservation success stories (NZ Fur Seals) and an ambitious fledgling attempt to conserve the Hutton's Shearwater- one of the world's rarest birds. The guide will discuss local marine conservation measures including the local Rahui (MPA) as well as remark on historical and geological features of the peninsula. That evening a night time tour of the Kaikoura sky will "introduce you to the spectacular southern hemisphere night sky over New Zealand." On day two delegates will go out on a guided boat trip to swim with the dolphins (or simply watch) and possibly see other wildlife like albatross and whales. The second half of the day will include a guest speaker focusing on a local conservation issue. Accommodation will be backpacker style, two lunches and two breakfasts are provided, dinners are NOT included but can be obtained at accommodation site or from local restaurants or grocery store. There is an on-site kitchen. Departure is midday on Dec 13th.
DEPARTURE TIME & LOCATION: Organised by email with leaders

Clarence River Rafting Trip: 11-15 Dec via Christchurch
Cost: $1250; 8 min, 45 max; 7am departure Christchurch or 10am Hanmer Springs
Join your fellow delegates on 5 days and 4 nights of bouncy, fun class 2 whitewater adventures. This fantastic expedition travels through the Molesworth Station and then between the Inland and Seaward Kaikoura ranges. A fully guided and catered trip with comfortable camping - this trip is suitable for folks with no rafting experience and a reasonable level of fitness. Included in this trip is: gourmet food and wine, all meals prepared, qualified experienced guides, all personal on-boat gear, all tents and camping gear, and transport to/from Christchurch or Hamner Springs. Departure from other locations is available by arrangement with Clarence River Rafting. Please note that it will take all day on Dec 15th to finish the trip. No accommodation on this night is included but can be organised through the tour company.
DEPARTURE TIME & LOCATION: Organised by email with operator

SPECIAL OFFERS, BOOK DIRECTLY WITH OPERATOR

Guided tours by Ngati Whatua in Tamaki (Auckland)
http://tamakihikoi.aucklandnz.com/
Tamaki Hikoi offers guided walks around some of Tamaki (Auckland's) most notable heritage places, such as Maungawhau / Mt Eden (an extinct volcanic cone in the heart of the city which was shaped by Maori ancestors as a massive fortified village) and the Auckland Domain (a large public space surrounding the Auckland Museum and Wintergardens, where Maori and European heritage in Tamaki come together). Your guide will be from the local Ngati Whatua tribe. tamakihikoi.aucklandnz.com/

Seabirds and Islands of the Outer Hauraki Gulf with Pterodroma Pelagics NZ: 3 December, 10 December & 11 December 2011
Cost: NZ$250 per person (subject to numbers). We will advise price for transport ex Auckland Downtown to Leigh (return) once we have a clear indication of numbers.
Join us on our Hauraki Gulf seabird tours to see a unique range of locally endemic seabirds. The Auckland marine environment is an internationally recognised region of high biodiversity value. Seabirds, as top predators, are key components of this ecosystem. The region boasts one of the highest diversities of seabirds in the world with over 80 species recorded for the wider Hauraki Gulf region. These include seabirds that breed here, breed elsewhere but forage and feed within the region's water, or are just passing through. Hauraki Gulf islands are vitally important refugia for seabirds. Seabird populations now rebounding in the wake of eradication programmes for introduced predators (from 1990). Twenty-three species of seabirds are confirmed breeding in the Hauraki Gulf: Cook's, Pycroft's, grey-faced and black petrels, Buller's, little, flesh-footed, fluttering and sooty shearwaters, fairy prion, white-faced storm petrel, common diving petrel, blue penguin, Australasian gannet, pied shag, and gulls and terns. We regularly see the recently rediscovered NZ storm petrel. We are actively involved in research in the Hauraki Gulf including seabird restoration projects, island surveys and innovative acoustic surveying as well as maintaining our database of at-sea observations.
We operate in the outer Hauraki Gulf, so to make the most of our day we head out from Leigh Harbour at 8AM. Leigh is 50mins north of Auckland on SH1. From Warkworth to Leigh allow a further 20mins. We can arrange transport for ICCB 2011 meeting delegates between Auckland downtown and Leigh Harbour. Tour costs are reduced for ICCB delegates as regular tour cost is NZ$290pp. Book with Pterodroma Pelagics directly: Chris Gaskin; P. O. Box 686, Warkworth, 0941, NEW ZEALAND; Ph +64 (0)9 4226868; Mob +64 (0)21 668811; Email: info@nzseabirds.com; Website:www.nzseabirds.com
FAQ:
How long will we be out on the water? Our trips are full-day tours, giving plenty of time for you to see the best of the Hauraki Gulf. Trips are usually around 10-hours' in duration.
What do I need to bring? You will need to bring lunch and plenty of fluids to drink. We provide a light snack on our trip home and coffee and tea is available on board. Weather conditions can vary enormously in the Gulf, so you should be prepared for hot and dry as well as cold and wet. Bring warm clothing and a raincoat, but also pack sun block, sunhat, and sunglasses. Don't forget your binoculars and camera.
Will I get seasick? If you are prone to motion sickness you should consider taking medication before departure.
What other marine life can be seen? The Hauraki Gulf abounds with fish-life. We have seen massive boil-ups of trevally and kingfish on a number of our trips to date. Also huge sunfish, sharks, manta rays and flying fish. The Gulf is also home to a range of cetaceans: Bryde's whales, orca, common and bottle-nosed dolphins.