Friday fieldshops

A delightful and bespoke vineyard and farm, the owners and winemakers have set out to successfully build a unique and environmentally appropriate means of production. Biodynamic farming is followed with passion and commitment.

Along with 10 hectares of vines there are over 20 hectares of land devoted to creating an enclosed farm system. Bees and olive groves add to the diversity, and help to create healthy farming. Native species of New Zealand plants, bushes and trees have also been planted to restore native habitats.

At the end of the day, however, the Wine is the winner. Amazing wines, and thoughtful ideas is what makes Burn Cottage a winner winner – you know the rest.

Famously described by Rudyard Kipling as the 'eighth wonder of the world', journey to one of New Zealand’s most visited and iconic locations. A mere hop, skip and a flight away from Queenstown, across the Southern Alps, Milford Sound/Piopiotahi is home to jaw dropping scenery - towering peaks, cascading waterfalls, incredible wildlife (including the “most mischievous animal” – the sandfly) and one of the most photographed peaks in the world, Mitre Peak.

Given its popularity (pre-covid visitors were over a million a year), increasing tourist numbers are putting pressure on this national treasure, with bottle-neck numbers during the day. After a stunning flight in you’ll head out on a private charter boat trip and hear from a representative of the Milford Opportunities Project (a collaboration between Ngai Tahu, Department of Conservation, Southland District Council, Ministry of Transport, Waka Kotahi and the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment) about the new vision for the area - to uphold Piopiotahi’s Milford Sound’s extraordinary natural and cultural heritage, enhance and sustain the visitor experience and harness opportunities to support the communities of Southland and beyond.

Cruise along the open scenic plains of the majestic Kingston to Fairlight track in historical carriages pulled by the recently restored AB Class Steam Locomotive. Surrounded by mountains and expansive farmland, join us for a memorable, round-trip excursion on the Kingston Flyer, with spectacular scenery from the Kingston Train Station on the shores of Lake Wakatipu, to the historical Fairlight Train Station adjacent to the mighty Mataura River. The Kingston Flyer offers a slice of early New Zealand rail history. Hear from the owners and planning representative about the restoration project, resource consenting challenges, and future development plans.
Not suitable for wheelchairs.
Partners, friends and whanau welcome.

The Gorge Road area located just north of Queenstown’s CBD is flanked by our impressive landscapes, but also poses some unique development challenges. Queenstown Lakes District Council has been investigating natural hazards in the Brewery Creek and Reavers Lane areas of the Gorge for rockfall and debris flow risk. A range of risk levels have been identified, and in some places the risk exceeds published guidelines for risk tolerability. Come and visit the area which is located within walking distance from the CBD and hear about what Council is doing to consider how best to manage the risk, including the preferred response package currently being developed. Following this session, we will walk into town for a social catch-up before walking back up to the Conference venue. This field shop is a great option for those wanting to get some fresh air and stretch their legs before the nights’ festivities.

For those wanting some exercise, fresh air and amazing views, come and e-bike 30km of the Lake Dunstan Trail from Bannockburn to the Dunstan Arm Rowing Club near Clyde. Purpose-built for cycling and walking, the trail traverses some of Central Otago’s most dramatic landscapes and scenery and includes sections of cantilevered track and the Hugo suspension bridge. It’s NZ’s latest Great Ride and has quickly become one of the most popular trails in the country. Ride through unique and fascinating landscapes so characteristic of Central Otago as it journeys along Lake Dunstan, the Kawarau River and the mighty Clutha River Mata-au. While mainly Grade 2, the Trail includes some technical grade 3 riding with sharp corners, narrow sections along exposed cliff edges, as well as steep ascents and descents. These grade 3 sections are only suitable for experienced riders – more detail on what to expect can be found here. Moderate fitness required to meet timeframes.

Come and get your hands dirty and help Whakatipu Reforestation Trust achieve their vision of restoring the native biodiversity of the Whakatipu Basin. To date they have planted over 70,000 plants and are not slowing down. The Trust also collaborates with other organisations such as Trees That Count (Project Crimson), Te Tapu o Tāne and Mana Tāhuna projects that include wetland restoration and recloaking and restoring Coronet Peak with the ambitious goal of 1 million trees. At yet to be disclosed locations, this fieldshop will get you out into the fresh air to learn about the Trust's grass roots history and evolution of its community nursery, ecosourcing programme and key native restoration sites encompassing a range of habitats and threatened species, Your hard work will then be rewarded with refreshments, and while you wet your whistle, presenters will round off the day with a discussion on the issues facing restoration of biodiversity generally including monitoring, challenges, resourcing - community and paid entities undertaking restoration, collaboration.

Experience the spectacular Shotover River Canyons on the world’s most exciting jet boat ride! A unique combination of beauty and power, Shotover Jet is an experience like no other, blending pristine natural landscape with wall-to-wall canyon action from start to finish! Your thrill-seeking will be followed by a workshop tour and presentation on what Shotover Jet are doing in the regenerative tourism space, including learning about their "E-Boats". Finally, we will head up to Canyon Brewing for some well-deserved nibbles and beers.