School of Accounting and Commercial Law Te Kura Kaute, Ture Tauhokohoko

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CIGAR 2016: General information about Wellington

Organisers of the 2016 CIGAR Workshop and PhD Colloquium look forward to welcoming visitors to Wellington and New Zealand.

Please contact the organisers if you have queries not covered in the general information below.

Visas

Please check whether you need a visa for your visit to Wellington.

  • Please look into your visa status early at Immigration New Zealand
  • If your home country is on the visa-waiver list, you can enter New Zealand without a visa depending on how long you want to stay
  • If you are not from a visa-waiver country, you will need a visa

Travel insurance

Participants are reminded to take out personal travel insurance for themselves and accompanying persons, including insurance of personal effects.

Airport transfers

There are a number of transport options from Wellington International Airport into Wellington CBD, which can be accessed directly outside the baggage claim area on level 0 of the main airport terminal.

Do not ask to go to the University Campus, otherwise you will be taken to the Kelburn Campus. We are at the Pipitea Campus alongside the Railway Station.

If you would like to carry on your adventure after the conference, a rental car could be a great option for you. Book a car for pick up at Wellington International Airport.

Climate and clothing

The Wellington region has a wintry climate, with plenty of wind at this time of the year. The temperature is likely to range from 4˚C-12˚C, with a high wind chill factor and a good chance of rain. We recommend bringing a good weatherproof jacket on your trip to Wellington.

Telecommunications

Wifi facilities are readily available in most establishments. Free wifi will be available at the conference venue if you bring your own device. Vodafone, Telecom, and 2 degrees mobile networks are available.

Relatively cheap international calling cards may be bought from various outlets (24/7 shops here are called dairies) or from supermarkets.

Currency

The unit of currency in New Zealand is the New Zealand Dollar. Sales tax is called GST; it is 15 percent, and charged on all goods and services. Note: tipping is not expected in New Zealand.

Banks

There are banks all over the central city which are generally open during standard hours of 9am-4.30pm, Monday-Friday. There are also ATMS available throughout central Wellington which provide 24-hour access, and accept most types of bank cards.

Major New Zealand banks:

There are Travelex Bureaux de Change at Wellington Airport and at 120 Lambton Quay (8.30am-5pm, Monday-Friday) for currency exchange.

Electricity

New Zealand's electricity supply runs at 230/240 volts, and we use angled two or three pin plugs (the same as Australia). Do bring your adaptor or buy one as you go through the airport.

Most hotels and motels provide 110 volt ac sockets (rated at 20 watts) for electric razors only. For all other equipment, an adapter/converter is necessary, unless the item has a multi-voltage option.

Leisure

Wellington is a compact city, with a feast of venues restaurants, boutiques, galleries, museums, cafes and bars within walking distance of the CBD. It is rumoured that Wellington has more bars and restaurants per capita than New York, and is really a foodies paradise, with coffee to die for.

As the cultural hub of New Zealand, venues around central wellington constantly host local and international performers and artists, and the exhibitions at renowned national museum, Te Papa, are constantly evolving.  Take a moment out of your day to stroll along the waterfront, littered with sculptural quotes from New Zealand authors, or pop into the Wellington Museum or the National Archives to learn a bit more about New Zealand history.

Wellington is also the craft beer capital of New Zealand, and you can sample the very best of local (and international) brewers at one of the city’s renowned craft beer bars - Basque, Little Beer Quarter, Black Dog, Goldings Freedive (definitely worth the hunt!), Rogue and Vagabond or The Third Eye: Tuatara Temple of Taste.

Health

Delegates should ensure that they have adequate medical cover as part of their travel insurance.

  • Healthline (0800 611 116) is available for free advice from trained registered nurses, 24 hours a day
  • The Wellington Accident and Urgent Medical Centre is open 8am-11pm daily at 17 Adelaide Road, Mt Cook, ph: 04 384 4944.
  • Wellington Hospital Emergency Department is located on Riddiford Street in Newtown, ph: 04 385 5999

Language

English, Maori and New Zealand Sign Language are the official languages of New Zealand. English is the dominant language, and all Conference addresses will be in English.

Postal services

Stamps can bought from most bookshops, and there are post boxes throughout the city. Full postal services are available at New Zealand Post branches located at various spots around Wellington Central:

  • Lambton Quay PostShop
    94 Lambton Quay, Wellington Central
    9am-5pm, Monday to Friday
  • Featherston Street PostShop
    177-183 Featherston Street, Wellington Central
    9am-5.30pm, Monday-Friday
  • Manners Street Central PostShop
    2 Manners Street, Te Aro
    9am-5.30pm, Monday to Friday
    9am-3pm, Saturday

Shopping

Shops are usually open from 9am to 5pm. However, many are open late on a Friday evening. Wellington offers a fantastic shopping experience with everything from upmarket boutiques to vintage outlets to eclectic gift stores. The best shopping can be found on Cuba, Victoria, Wakefield, Willis and Featherston Streets.

Markets

Useful telephone numbers

  • Emergency (Police, Ambulance, Fire) 111. For other emergencies please contact Rachel Baskerville on +64 21 0338671
  • Victoria University of Wellington +64 4 472 1000
  • Flight Enquiries +64 4 385 5100 (Wellington International Airport)
  • Combined Taxis +64 4 384 4444
  • Metlink Wellington (for public transport enquiries) +64 0800 801 700
  • National Directory 018
  • International Operator 0170

Restaurants and cafés

Some eateries which are close to the Workshop and PhD Symposium venue are:

Dinner can cost from NZ$20 - $60 per head depending on the category of restaurant. Cafes can be a cheaper option. Zomato is a good starting point to explore dining options.