FRIDAY FIELDSHOPS

Ticket price: $20.00 per person
Max numbers: maximum number 24

Perfect for those who like a high step count! An exemplar in conservation efforts within a highly developed area, Kaipupu Point Sanctuary is located just out of Picton and between two busy port operations. A short boat ride will take attendees out to the sanctuary, where passionate volunteers will guide the group through the conservation area and discuss local restoration efforts. Then, attendees will have the opportunity to view Shakespeare Bay, highlighting the juxtaposition between the pristine natural environment and a working port. The wider area is chock-a-block with resource management activities within a small area and in the future, will house updated ferry infrastructure.

Ticket price: $100.00 per person
Max numbers: maximum number 60

Kura Te Au (Tory Channel) is where Kupe killed the giant octopus, Te Wheke-a-Muturangi, causing its blood to run through the channel, turning the water red. In this drowned valley, the cool water and strong currents give life to ecologically significant marine sites along its margins and is a significant source of mahinga kai. It is a main thoroughfare for inter-island ferries, the centre of New Zealand’s salmon farming industry and the erstwhile home of Perano Whaling Station, the last whaling operation in New Zealand which closed in 1964. That alongside forestry, farming, tourism and other aquaculture Kura Te Au is a veritable cauldron of resource management issues.

Ticket price: $40.00 per person
Max numbers: maximum number 45

The Te Hoiere project is a nationally recognised catchment care programme working to restore the mauri of the land, waters, and coast in the area and implement the regional plan on the ground. This Field shop will include visits to multiple aspects of the project, including areas being restored as habitat for the Pekapeka bat, a native taonga species and New Zealand’s only native land mammal. Just as the Te Hoiere Project has brought together multiple parties including iwi, Council, farmers and Department of Conservation, this field shop brings together the past land uses, current efforts, and future aspirations for long-term outcomes for the area to benefit present and future generations to come.

Ticket price: $400.00 per person
Min/max numbers: minimum 2 pax, maximum 6 pax

Take to the skies for a 1 hour 20-minute scenic flight that showcases the beauty of Marlborough and the Sounds. Departing from Koromiko, you’ll follow the Wairau River over rolling vineyards before heading north across Kenepuru and Pelorus Sound. Fly over D’Urville Island and touch down at a remote ocean-side airstrip in Port Gore for 20 minutes to take in the surroundings. The return journey takes you over Cape Jackson and Ship Cove before landing back in Koromiko.

Ticket price: $60.00 per person
Max numbers: maximum number 27

Most of the world’s salt works are close to the equator, but not this one! The very same high sunshine hours, low summer rainfall, and warm nor’westers which cause headaches for South Marlborough farmers are the crucial factors for success in New Zealand’s only solar evaporative salt field. Operating at Lake Grassmere/Kāpara-Te-Hau since World War 1, the fields now cover around 1,400 hectares. This field shop will include a guided tour of the area before moving on to explore the Seaview solar farm. Both locations comprise unique production systems spanning a variety of complex resource management issues which will only become more intricate with a changing climate. Don’t be salty about missing out, secure your spot today!

Ticket price: $25.00 per person
Max numbers: minimum number 20, maximum number 30

Embark on a voyage back in time and ponder the future of our region during this field shop, which will tour Brayshaw Heritage Park and the Omaka Heritage Centre. Both world class facilities, Brayshaw Heritage Park celebrates Marlborough’s diverse history with an exquisitely accurate historical living village, while Omaka Heritage Centre pays tribute to aviation feats of the last 100 years in minute detail.

Included in this tour is a miniature train ride – what more could you ask for?!

Ticket price: Standard bike - $60pp | E-bike - $110pp
Max numbers: maximum number 30

Get your cycling fix during the conference without the hassle of bringing one with you!

Perfect for two-wheel addicts, adrenaline junkies, and those who are sick of making small talk - this field shop will take attendees from Blenheim through to Picton where Wilderness Guides will equip with a bike (and trail map) to suit any height or persuasion. There are multiple trails in the surrounding area, with expansive views through to the beautiful Queen Charlotte Sound / Tōtaranui, perfect for an afternoon out and about in the fresh air. Attendees can take their time or race each other back to the pub for a refreshing beverage. Suitable for most fitness levels.

Ticket price: $50.00 per person
Max numbers: maximum number 30

How did Marlborough become a world leader in viticulture and Sauvignon Blanc? Instead of keeping the answer bottled up, this fieldshop will uncork the journey this region has taken over the past 50 years to become an internationally recognised wine-producing powerhouse.

Traversing the Wairau plains and valley, including visits to the Leefield Station and Allan Scott Wineries, we’ll explore how the region’s unique environmental attributes, innovative practices, and evolving resource management approaches have shaped the landscape—and the glass. Expect robust discussion on the freshwater, land, and spatial planning issues that underpin this sector, past and present, and how they may evolve into the future.

And before you ask - yes, there will be wine!