Regional Transformation Agenda
The Policy Agenda
Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland is a spectacular showcase of New Zealand’s most colourful and unique geothermal elements, sculpted by thousands of years’ of volcanic activity. Experience the unique natural landscape at one of the most extensive geothermal systems in New Zealand. A short boat ride and an easy walk along clearly defined walking tracks take you through this unique volcanic vista.
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Are you curious about human centred design and how it might be applied to drive economic and social outcomes to help our regions thrive? Then this workshop is for you! Using insights gathered before and during the conference, you will collaborate with design experts from GHD’s Innovation team & Assurity Consulting for a fast-paced, practical and immersive human centred design workshop. You will have the opportunity to put theory into practice, and explore how human centred design can be used to improve outcomes of your infrastructure investment and solve dynamic city challenges. Join us for a unique interactive session to help us design and build thriving regions.
Experience an unforgettable morning of two walking tours that capture the essence of New Zealand. Ohinemutu is a living Māori village set on the picturesque shores of Lake Rotorua. Our guide will share the legends, history and personal experiences of this special village giving delegates an insight into daily life and Maori culture today, in a one hour walking tour. After the walking tour, enjoy the Redwood Treewalk, a 600m long, eco-tourism walk in the heart of Rotorua’s Redwood Forest. Consisting of a series of 23 suspension bridges, traversing 22 majestic Redwood trees, this gentle canopy walk offers a stunning, elevated view of the spectacular Redwood forest.
An unforgettable three hour ziplining adventure with Rotorua Canopy Tours – Rotorua’s Number one attraction. Journey into ancient New Zealand forest in small groups of up to 10 people. Experience NZ like it once was from the top of the forest canopy with the help of swing bridges and ziplines, and learn about the ecological restoration project that has transformed 280 ha of forest into a flourishing native ecosystem.
Rotorua’s Whakarewarewa Redwood forest is home to world class mountain-biking bike trails. Experience a stunning New Zealand mountain biking adventure, tailored to the needs of a range of different guided groups. Whether you are an elite rider, or a biking beginner, share the exhilaration of 3 hours in the forest, after two days of conferencing. This activity includes guides, full suspension mountain bikes, helmets and DOC and Forest Concessions.
Join an adrenaline pumping rafting adventure on the Kaituna River, the highest commercially rafted waterfall in the world. Inclusive of wetsuit, booties, neoprene jacket, life jacket and helmet hire, this is a great opportunity to experience a quintessentially NZ adventure activity.
Ambrose style golf game at Arikikapakapa (Rotorua Golf Course), one of New Zealand’s leading golf courses, located in a unique geothermal setting. Arikikapakapa is a full 18 hole, 70 par course, providing variety and challenge, with many holes played over and around both dormant and active thermal areas.
Leave a positive legacy behind by getting ‘stuck in’ and making a difference to the local Rotorua community. Lifewise in Rotorua offers Mental Health and Addiction Supported Accommodation Services. Our recovery-focused live-in programme for adults is called Te Ara Ora, the Pathway to Wellness. Volunteers will assist Lifewise with erecting a new fence on their site. Duties will be light and materials and tools will be provided. Come along and grab a hammer, enjoy a cup of tea and support wellness in Rotorua. We look forward to hosting you.
Enjoy a famous Rotorua activity of an 8-seater gondola ride to the top of Mount Ngongataha Scenic Reserve, with spectacular views of Lake Rotorua, the city and steaming geothermal landscapes. Follow this with fast-paced fun on the gravity fuelled part go-cart, part toboggan ride down a thrilling chicane filled track. Activity includes gondola ticket, luge and chairlift ticket (5 rides per person) and helmet.
Soak away the stresses of the world with a luxury mineral bathing and spa treatment (choice of facial treatment, mud glow treatment, mud massage treatment, relaxation massage or honey or deep mud cleansing facial) at the world famous Polynesian Pools in Rotorua. Complimented by a delicious platter of treats with a glass of bubbles or juice, this pamper package is a wonderful opportunity to end Building Nations on a relaxing high!
Discover the distinctive flavours and unique preparation of a traditionally cooked Maori hangi in a geothermal wonderland. The Te Ra and Kai Ngawha experiences include an extended tour of Te Puia, an interactive weaving experience, followed by a traditionally cooked steambox hangi lunch to enjoy while overlooking Pohutu Geyers.