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Visitors to New Zealand

International arrivals

For international participants, you should arrange to fly into Auckland International Airport. On arrival, you will need to transfer to the Domestic Air NZ termininal for your flight to Whakatane or see below for options if you intend to rent a car.

For a list of airlines that fly into New Zealand see:
http://www.newzealand.com/travel/getting-to-around-nz/getting-to-nz/airlines/airlines_home.cfm

When arriving in Auckland, passengers must proceed to the passport control point. You will need to have the following documents ready:

• Passport
• Completed passenger arrival card. Click here to view the arrival card translated into different languages

NZ has one of the strictest biosecurity policies in the world to prevent introduction of pests and diseases.  Plant and animal products can not be brought into the country. This unfortunately includes many items indigenous peoples would bring in as gifts (e.g. wild rice, woven baskets, feather or bone adornments.) There are hevty fines for anyone who makes a false declaration and long delays for anyone who doesn't declare an item that is located by a customs agent.. For a list of items you can't bring in and/or must declare see: http://www.biosecurity.govt.nz/enter/declare

Once processed, you may proceed to baggage reclaim to collect your bags. 

Domestic transfer to flight for Whakatane

Before booking a domestic flight please allow around three hours to cover procedures for entry into New Zealand, as well as any unexpected flight or processing delays. Flights from Auckland to Whakatane are limited, 3- 5 flights per day.  The aircraft is a Beech 1900-D 19-seater.  

If you are catching a domestic flight within New Zealand please go to the domestic transfer desk, after collecting your luggage and clearing Customs, on the ground floor to the left of the arrivals hall in the international terminal.

Luggage will only be checked in if you have allowed at least one hour before the departure of any domestic flight. If you miss this check-in time please go directly to the domestic terminal

To get to the domestic terminal you can either use the free inter-terminal bus or walk. To catch the inter-terminal (white)bus, exit the arrivals hall, turn right, cross the road and follow the signs. After the long flight and weather permitting, walking to the domestic terminal can be a welcome relief. It's a 10-minute walk. Exit the arrival hall, turn right and follow the sign-posted blue and white line walkway.

The check-in for Whakatane is at the far end (regional section) of the domestic terminal.  If your checked in luggage weighs more than 20kg, or carry on luggage more than 7kg, an excessive luggage charge may apply.

To see the Whakatane Airport website click here, if provides information for those who are picking up rentals cars, or for those who wish to book an airport shuttle into town.

Options for Car Rentals

If you are planning to rent a car, you can book these on-line and pick-up in Auckland (5 hour road trip to Whakatane), Rotorua or Tauranga (one hour trip to Whakatane) or on arrival in Whakatane.

ACCOMODATION

There are a full range of accommodation options in Whakatane for all preferences and budgets.

Motels

There are only two Motels in walking distance of the Conference Venue. These are; The White Island Rendezvous  http://www.whiteisland.co.nz/motel.html   and Tuscanny Villas http://www.tuscanyvillas.co.nz/.  Both of these motels are now nearing capacity. You will need to go a little further from the conference venue to the Motels on Domain and Landing Roads.  The closest being Camelia Court Motel (http://www.camelliacourt.co.nz). Motels such as Alton Lodge, Barringtons and Cortez which require transport to the conference venue or a 20-minute walk.  There is also a discount site for reservations 1 month out from the conference for late bookings:  www.wotif.com. You can use this same site to book accommodation anywhere in New Zealand if you are planning to travel before or after the Conference.

Holiday Homes

(Can accommodate 4-10 people) - You can arrange directly with holiday home owners to rent a house during the duration of your visit. Locations close (within 20-30 mins) to the Conference venue are: Whakatane, Ohope, Thornton, Edgecumbe. See: http://www.holidayhouses.co.nz/Whakat?ne.asp  and http://www.holidayhomes.co.nz/for-rent/new-zealand/north-island/bay-of-plenty-waikato/Whakatane/

Youth Hostels/Back Packers - for information on back packers accommodation in Whakatane see:  http://www.Whakatane.info/1accommodation_2backpackers.html

Conference Accommodation at a local Ngāti Awa Marae

An opportunity to stay in a traditional Maori meeting house. Marae-style accommodation is a great way to meet people and interact with local hosts. Those who choose marae-style sleep in a large room on a mattress and pillow that is provided. For international guests travelling from overseas, blankets and towels will be provided. For everyone else, (based in Aotearoa) you will need to bring your own blankets and towels. Marae accommodation is mixed sleeping  (men, women and children) in one large room. Separate bathroom facilities available onsite with showers. Wairaka Marae is booked for Conference participants only. There is a 5 minute walk to the Conference venue. Package rate for conference, 5 nights is NZ $200 or a daily rate of NZ$40.

Marae Accommodation Package to include:

Feel free to direct any questions or to book a place (limited to 50) contact ceesp@ngatiawa.iwi.nz

The photo below will gives you an idea of the location of both the marae and conference centre. Both tucked in below the hills here, they are a 3-5 min walk from one another.