Social networking is an important part of APAN 26. Two conference dinners will be held for all delegates as an opportunity to mix and mingle. There are also a range of optional activities on offer to give you a taste of New Zealand.

Conference dinners

Optional events and trips

Conference dinners

Welcome reception: Skyline Gondola Restaurant, 5 August 2008

APAN banquet: Walter Peak High Country Farm, 7 August 2008

Delegates are also invited to attend a Powhiri (Maori welcome) at the Copthorne Hotel on 4 August 2008. A powhiri is a ceremony of welcome extended to visitors by Maori, the indigenous people of New Zealand.

The Welcome Reception and APAN Banquet are included in the registration fee. Additional tickets for friends, partners or colleagues can be purchased in your (online) registration form, at $95 for the Welcome reception on 5 August and $105 for the APAN banquet on 7 August. 

Welcome reception: Skyline Gondola Restaurant

Uniquely situated high above Queenstown and exclusively accessed by scenic gondola, the Skyline Gondola is five minutes from downtown Queenstown and all major hotels.

Skyline Restaurant, the conference reception dinner venue, is a unique dining experience with spectacular panoramic lake and mountain views.

Skyline gondola ride, dinner and refreshments are included in the registration fee.

This event is sponsored by Endace.

APAN banquet: Walter Peak High Country Farm

The APAN banquet will be held at the famous Walter Peak High Country Farm. Delegates will cruise to the Farm on the vintage steamship TSS Earnslaw, one of the last remaining coal fired passenger carrying vessels operating in the southern hemisphere.

Affectionately known as the “Lady of the Lake”, the TSS Earnslaw has a special place in the heart of Queenstown people. She has been carrying passengers on the beautiful Lake Wakatipu since 1912.

The TSS Earnslaw cruise and dinner at Walter Peak High Country Farm is included in the registration fee.

The dinner is sponsored by Microsoft, with drinks sponsored by AARNet.

Optional events and trips

These tours and trips can be booked in your registration form.

Milford Sound full day tour

Grand, brooding, serene and wild, Milford Sound draws visitors from all over the globe to cruise its length – and marvel. Luxuriant rain forest clings to sheer rock walls and waterfalls tumble hundreds of metres to the sea below.

Cost: $225 per person

Includes: Scenic Cruise, commentaries in several languages, lunch, transport, pick-ups and drop-offs from hotels

Details: Choice of Sunday 3 August or Saturday 9 August

6.55am    Depart Queenstown on Scenic Coach, regular stops for refreshments and sightseeing
12.30pm  Arrive Milford Sound and board Scenic Vessel
1.00 pm   Scenic Cruise on Milford Sound
2.40pm    Scenic Cruise ends. Depart in coach for Queenstown
7.30pm    Arrive back in Queenstown

Shotover Jet

Shotover Jet is the only company permitted to operate in the spectacular Shotover River Canyons. It's a thrilling ride - skimming past rocky outcrops at close range in your Shotover Jet 'Big Red', as you twist and turn through the narrow canyons at breathtaking speeds. And a major highlight - hold tight for the world famous Shotover Jet full 360º spins!

Cost: $100 per person

Includes: Pick up and drop off, and jet boat ride. Any optional extras (like photos or t-shirts) are at your own expense

Details: This is a so-called “Out of session" activity, as you will miss out on a small part of the conference programme. Pick up is at 12.45pm on Wednesday 6 August. You will be back at 2.00pm

Updated 24 June 2008