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Dunedin is a beautiful small city, located in the South Island of New Zealand. A true 'university town', it buzzes with student life and academic activity. It hosts a number of independent art galleries, bookshops and radical institutions. Alongside these cultural sites, Dunedin and its environs offers stunning opportunities for nature tourism and is a perfect taste of New Zealand's natural beauty. Tramping (hiking) tracks are within easy distance of the town, as is the striking Otago Peninsula, home to albatross colonies and rare penguin breeds.

Experience Dunedin

Getting here

Most international flights arrive in New Zealand at Auckland airport, but in some cases (in particular from Australia) Christchurch, Wellington or Queenstown airports. There are regular flights each day between Auckland/Wellington/Christchurch and Dunedin; Christchurch is the closest and typically offers the most frequent direct flights to/from Dunedin.

Currently, the only direct international flights from Australia to Dunedin are from Brisbane.

Those of you considering some travel and sightseeing before or after the conference may also consider flights into Queenstown. (Buses are the only other form of transport connecting Dunedin with other centres; sorry, no rail.)

On arrival
Dunedin Airport is 28km from central Dunedin (30 mins Taxi or 45-60+ mins in Shuttle). Public transport to and from the airport is by taxi (approx NZ$100.00+) or by a door-to-door airport shuttle service (approx NZ$20.00-NZ$25.00). Rental cars are also available at the airport should you want to travel before or after the conference.

Airport transfers - registrants are advised to make their own arrangements and to speak to their accommodation venues about their airport transfers. Please have your flight number and departure time available for them.

Airport Shuttles
Shuttles are an affordable way to get to the city / Dunedin Airport, especially for the solo traveller. Each way will cost approximately $20 for a single and decreasing cost per head for groups (e.g. 2 in group = $18 per, 3 = $16, 4 = $15) and we strongly recommend that you book your shuttle in advance. (If you are in a group, some shuttles offer an express service which will speed up your transit time to that of a taxi.)

Taxi services
Taxi services will be a quicker with a direct ride to your destination, but it will cost you for the convenience.

Where to stay

Please book your accommodation now as Dunedin's accommodation fills up fast, especially at this time of the year.

  • University College
    University College is an on-campus residential College that will offer guest accommodation for conference delegates. A king single bedroom as well as a cooked breakfast will be available for NZ$75 per night.  The College has modern, well-maintained facilities including large and small common rooms, Refectory, Reading Room, Study and Seminar Rooms and a small gymnasium which are all available to conference guests. The College is a short walk away from the main conference venue and the Postgraduate Day will be hosted at the College.

    For direct booking at University College please click here.

  • Allan Court
    Allan Court Motel is a 4 star plus accommodation provider based in Dunedin, New Zealand. Centrally located on George Street, Allan Court is an ideal base for any visitor offering a range of affordable accommodation in Dunedin.

  • 858 George Street
    858 George Street Motel is an Architecturally designed, Award Winning motel complex located on George Street, main Street of Dunedin City, providing a range of Luxurious Studio, Executive and Family Units and One Accessible Unit.

  • Bluestone on George
    Bluestone on George offers the latest in architectural design and ambience with patios or balconies off every room and various outdoor courtyard settings.

  • Distinction Dunedin Hotel
    The Distinction Hotels Group has transformed the 1930's former Chief Post Office in Dunedin into an elegant 4 1/2 star hotel, located in the vibrant exchange area in the heart of the city. The Distinction Hotel is approximately a 30 minute walk from campus.

  • Alhambra Oaks Motor Lodge
    Alhambra Oaks Motor Lodge Motel with Conference Room is located at 588 Great King Street, Dunedin.  4 star plus rated motel rooms with ample parking and a 5 minute drive from campus.

  • Woodlands Motel and Apartments
    Woodlands Village Motels & Apartments Dunedin offer a range of units to suit your needs and is located on State Highway 1 in the City adjacent to the University and 200m from the main street.

  • Cumberland Motel
    Cumberland Motel offers a range of spacious 2-bedroom motel units which are fully-equipped for your stay in Dunedin.  It is located at 821 Cumberland St, a short distance from campus with off-street parking available.

  • Cable Court Motel
    Cable Court Motel has a range of services and accommodation options to make your stay comfortable, satisfying and enjoyable. It is located at 833 Cumberland Street, a short distance from campus.

  • Mercure Dunedin Leisure Lodge
    Nestled in landscaped gardens, Mercure Dunedin Leisure Lodge is located adjacent to the Dunedin Botanic Gardens, within walking distance of Otago University.

Getting around

Weather & Climate

As this conference is being held in early December, temperatures could range anywhere from as low as 5°C at night up to potentially 25°C during the day. Dunedin has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, all of which often occur in the same day. As with most travel, 'layers' are the answer to packing, with something warm for the evening. Check the Metservice website for quite accurate forecasts prior to your travel to help your planning.

Visas and Custsoms duty

Depending on what country you are travelling from, you may need to get a Visa before you enter New Zealand. Information on this can be found on the Immigration New Zealand website.

Please also be aware of what you can and can't bring into the country. Information on this can be found on the New Zealand Customs Service website.

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