AMATA 2008: ToursAs you are travelling TO New Zealand, we strongly encourage you to travel WITHIN New Zealand! When we arrive in Dunedin it will be resplendent with blossom and buds. The city's public and private gardens are ablaze with colour in Spring (September-November). "In my opinion Otago Peninsula is the finest example of eco tourism in the world." David Bellamy, BBC Presenter and renowned Botanist November 15, 2008: ZEST Food Tours of New Zealand OTAGO ICONIC FLAVOURS - OAMARU TOUR THIS TOUR IS CREATED ESPECIALLY FOR AMATA 2008 Join us for a tour of picturesque Oamaru and enjoy a day packed full of flavours that represent the icons of the Otago Region. And continue the conversations! We look forward to a day spent along the coastline with spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean, and the time to indulge in more scientific discussions together - in a more relaxed way!
A unique, not to be missed opportunity to visit the world's only mainland breeding colony of these magnificant birds. Witness the fascinating social and family life of the breeding colony, devoted mothers guarding their chicks; adolescents posturing and displaying as only juveniles can. November is breeding season and these huge birds, with a wingspan exceeding three metres, wheel overhead in spectacular mating displays. ALSO: rare Blue Pengiuns at Oamaru; seals and sea lion colonies
Dunedin Railway Station
Dunedin Railway Station was opened in 1906 to cater for the travelling public of, what was at the time, the commerical centre of New Zealand. Its sheer size, grandiose style and rich embellishments, not surprisingly, earned architect Mr George A Troup, the nickname of 'Gingerbread George' Otago Central Rail Trail - Cycling/Walking
The 150km Otago Central Rail Trail thrusts deep into the heart of Central Otago, the only region in New Zealand with a continental climate; a magical stage for amazing performances by all four seasons. Whereas green is the predominant colour of the New Zealand landscape, here browns, golds and reds rule. Overhead, Central Otago is big sky. Even cloud formations are different...
One of the world's only gravity-fed breweries, Speight's Brewery is a Dunedin icon. The 90-minute tour of a working brewery and heritage centre(with tasting!) is a must see for any visit to the South. Situated on the historic site of Speight's Brewery in Rattray St, the Speights Ale House is a fine example of southern charm and hospitality. Saturday mornings, at Dunedin's picturesque Railway Station carpark from 8am-12.30pm (unless Christmas Day or Anzac Day falls on a Saturday). One of Dunedin's 'must-do' activities and icons - 75 vendors offer you the freshest and best of Otago's wonderful fruit, vegetables, meats, fish, cheese, eggs, wines and many other products including delicious, healthy (or decadent!) foods. The atmosphere is buzzing with buskers, the divine smells whifting from numerous breakfast stands and of course, the passion of the vendors. USEFUL SITES
REGION DIRECTORY NORTH AND SOUTH ISLANDS The countryside is magnificent, the people friendly and there are experiences here that are hard to replicate anywhere else in the world, be it bungy-jumping above Queenstown's Shotover River, overcome by awe in the stillness and beauty of Fjiordland, lying in hot mud in Rotorua, cycling the high Otago Plateau, indulging the senses on Lake Taupo, or over-indulging in the Marlborough! These two beautiful Islands are different in climate and natural features, and linked by a romantic, Inter-Island Ferry... Website has location maps, a New Zealand Distance Calculator, and links to all the regions - 15 in the North Island and 12 in the South Island, stretching from Northland (North of Auckland) to Southland and Stewart Island at the extreme tip of the South Island. The choice is vast! You can be as active or somnolent as you like - adrenalin rush, and quiet solitude seem to co-exist comfortably! Suggested Websites: http://www.queenstown-nz.co.nz/ http://www.tourism.org.nz/regions.html
Central Otago Pinot Noir has become synonymous with the Central Otago region, however there is more... With its stunning lakes, historic townships and more vineyards and wineries that you can count, this is an inspiring and timeless land.
Queenstown - andrenalin rush, and peace and breath-taking, scenic beauty co-exist! One of New Zealand’s premier holiday destinations, Queenstown is both the Adventure Capital of the World - and one of the most beautifully and peacefully situated! Activities are diverse... Locally residing thrill seekers have developed several unbelievable, adrenalin stirring, sanity-reducing adventures in a wildly exciting environment... Bungy jump, skydive, climb mountains, ski, raft, kayak, fish, horse ride, cycle, walk, take a scenic flight, sail, river surf, jet boat, hang-glide, snowmobile, snowboard, dance, go canyoning, heliski, parapente. Queenstown attractions also include eco-tourism, hot-air ballooning, wineries, art galleries, arts trails and challenging golf courses.
Fijordland When you travel to Fiordland, you will be visiting one of the most dramatic and beautiful parts of New Zealand. The townships of Te Anau & Manapouri provide lakeside bases to explore New Zealand's largest National Park and World Heritage area. Fiordland National Park is home to natural wonders such as Milford Sound and Mitre Peak.
Southland and Stewart Island In the deep south of New Zealand, the Southland region offers breathtaking scenery, from pristine waterfalls and rugged coastlines to windswept emerald green hills, combined with a famously warm southern welcome.
Marlborough and the Sounds Delight in exploring Marlborough's myriad of pretty waterways, pristine native forest and internationally renowned wineries - a very special corner of New Zealand.
SOUTH ISLAND Cycling BIKING TOURS (7-14 day schedules) SOUTH ISLAND HIking SECRET SOUTH SAFARI (10 day schedule) A self-drive journey to the historic gold towns of Central Otago would be the perfect accompaniment to a conference in Dunedin. The landscape is hauntingly beautiful, and there are boutique inns and character B & Bs for overnight stays. All Driving routes (longest tours at the bottom of the screen) or try these selected driving routes: Dunedin - Queenstown - Dunedin (4 Days)
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[ Registration for AMATA 2008 now open! ]NEW!! Closing datesClose of Early-Bird Registration and Abstract submission for Oral/Poster presentation selection:
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Guided walks through Dunedin's Old Town and Main Street. The inside word on music, art, faith, shopping, science, history and buildings. Informed and irreverent, the essential introduction to Dunedin. Regular departures from the Octagon i-SITE. 
Arguably one of New Zealand's most photographed buildings, this is a spectacular piece of architecture, and houses: 
This year-round cycling and walking trail is a public reserve owned by the people of New Zealand. There’s no cost for using it, although donations can be made to the Otago Central Rail Trail Charitable Trust manages, which runs the website. Because the trail follows an old railway line, hills are not steep, making it accessible to most ages and those with a modicum of fitness. There’s so much to enjoy, it’s wise to allow at least four days to cycle its full length, a good few days more if you’re walking.
Situated in Dunedin's stunning Railway Station, Scotia Restaurant & Whisky Bar pays homage to Dunedin's strong Scottish links. Featuring New Zealand's best stocked whisky bar, restaurant and a private dining hall, Scotia embodies all of the quality elements of both New Zealand and Scottish culture. Featuring over 370 whiskies including nearly 300 single malts, the whisky wall above is an impressive sight. Generous pricing ensures that the myriad of flavours that are the world of whisky are readily available to all.
