General Information

Registration & Information Desk

The Registration and Information Desk is located in the Owen G Glenn Building.

Transport

The airport is only 40 minutes from the CBD. Taxis are available at all times of the day from the front of the airport terminal. An average fare to the inner city hotels is NZ$70

Car Rental

Avis Rent a Car is offering its corporate rates to conference delegates. Just call the local Avis office in your country and quote the booking reference number: AWD Z994400.

Dress

Dress for all scientific sessions and the welcome function is smart casual. The Gala Dinner will be a glamorous occasion so Black Tie is encouraged.

Time

New Zealand is 13 hours ahead of GMT in February.

Climate

February is the end of summer in New Zealand and the average daytime temperature in Auckland is 24°C dropping to 12°C overnight. Days are long and sunny, nights are mild. Summer is an excellent time for walking in the bush and a variety of other outdoor activities. As Auckland has a maritime climate, it is recommended that you bring a light jacket or sweater.

If you are travelling further south before or after the conference, temperatures are cooler so please pack accordingly. For weather information visit http://www.metservice.co.nz/.

Telephone

In public telephone booths coins and credit cards can be used.

All telephone numbers in New Zealand are composed of seven digits. To call from abroad to New Zealand, it is necessary to dial your international access code and the country code 64.

To call abroad from New Zealand, dial the NZ international access code, the country code, the area code and then the number wanted. The dialling codes of the various countries are affixed in public telephone booths or your hotel directory.

Mobile Phones

New Zealand has both analogue and GSM digital networks. Check with your phone company before leaving home about international mobile roam facilities available in New Zealand. There are two networks providing this service - Telecom and Vodafone with a good national coverage, although there may be some network failures in mountain or beach areas.

Laptops

You will need an RJ45 type plug to be able to connect your laptop into a computer socket in New Zealand, and an adaptor with a flat, angled two or three-point power plug to connect to the power supply.

Currency

The New Zealand dollar is the official currency. For a currency conversion guideline, click here.

Banking

Banks offering currency exchange facilities are located close to the conference venue. Banking hours are 0900-1630hrs, Monday to Friday. The bank at Auckland International Airport is open extended hours for all arriving and departing flights.

All major credit cards are accepted and Automatic Teller Machines (ATMs) are readily available.

Taxes

Goods and services sold in New Zealand are subject to a 15% Goods and Services Tax (GST). Retail suppliers are required to show the GST inclusive price on goods and services, and must clearly state if the tax is not included in the advertised price.

GST cannot be claimed back on purchases when leaving New Zealand. However, depending on the retailer, some goods can be purchased on a GST exclusive basis at the point of purchase, where it can be demonstrated that the items are leaving the country. The retailer is required to courier the items to the airport for you to collect on departure

Insurance

It is strongly recommended that you purchase comprehensive travel insurance to cover the duration of your visit to New Zealand and to protect you against cancellation charges, loss or damage to your luggage and personal effects, loss of cash and medical expenses.

Tipping

Tipping is not required or expected in New Zealand but is appreciated for good service.

Special Requirements

Every effort will be made to ensure delegates with special needs are catered for. Should you require any specific assistance, or catering please give details required on your registration form.