The 2024 CATE Committee have been busy planning some interesting and diverse excursions for you to take part in after the conference finishes on Friday afternoon.

Please find more information below. 

Please note that all end times are approximate and may vary depending on traffic and other circumstances outside our control.

Many of these excursions require delegates to walk from the University to the City Centre (about a 15-minute, flat walk). If you would like to participate in an activity, but would find the walk difficult, please touch base and we can arrange transport for you if required.

University of Otago Anatomy Museum & Dental School Tour

The Anatomy Museum at the University of Otago was established in 1875, four years after the University itself was founded and only 27 years after the first official settlers arrived in Dunedin. It holds a large collection of anatomical specimens and models, many of which are unique in Oceania. Some models date back to the late 1800s (porcelain models by Steger and wax models by Ziegler). Join us for a tour of the Museum and see some amazing and unique specimens.

The newly updated University of Otago Dental School is a world of mystery unless you study Dentistry. Take this opportunity to get a tour of this facility, and see the inner workings of the Dental School.

Cost: Nil

Maximum Numbers: 40

Arrival time back at the University: 3.15pm

Additional Information:

Anatomy Museum: https://www.otago.ac.nz/anatomy/facilities/museum

Dentistry School: https://www.otago.ac.nz/dentistry

Larnach Castle

Situated on the picturesque Otago Peninsula, Larnach Castle is one of New Zealand’s premier visitor attractions. Lovingly restored by the Barker Family, the Castle and surrounding grounds are at the heart of the Dunedin visitor experience. Take the time to enjoy a guided tour of the castle, followed by time to wander the gardens.

Cost: Nil

Maximum Numbers: 40

Arrival time back at the University: 4.30pm

Additional Information: https://www.larnachcastle.co.nz/

Olveston Historic Home

Enjoy a guided tour of Olveston Historic Home. Opened as a historic house museum in 1967, Olveston is a time capsule as little has changed inside the house since it was occupied as a family home between 1906 to 1966. Olveston is an authentic and original historic home depicting the life of a wealthy merchant family in the early part of the twentieth century.

Cost: Nil

Maximum Numbers: 45

Arrival time back at the University: 4.00pm

Additional Information: https://www.olveston.co.nz/

University of Otago Marine Science Facilities Tour

Situated on the beautiful Otago Peninsula, the Marine Science facilities of the University of Otago are unique in themselves. Come along for a tour of the amazing facilities that are available to students who study Marine Science at the University of Otago. Learn about the opportunities that exist in this field and enjoy the views that surround you.

Cost: Nil

Maximum Numbers: 40

Arrival time back at the University: 4.45pm

Additional Information: https://www.otago.ac.nz/marinescience

Dunedin Craft Distillers

Dunedin Craft Distillers is the first distillery in Aotearoa and one of only a handful worldwide, to produce botanical spirits from surplus bread and bakery products that would otherwise go to landfill. Enjoy a tour of the distillery, as well as a tasting session following the tour.

Cost: Nil

Maximum Numbers: 20

Arrival time back at the University: 4.00pm

Additional Information: https://www.dunedincraftdistillers.nz/

Orokonui Ecosanctuary

Orokonui Ecosanctuary is a 307 hectare biodiversity sanctuary near Dunedin. Home to many threatened species and habitats, Orokonui’s long term goal is to ensure its species and community thrive. Enjoy a 1.5 hour guided tour through the sanctuary, and an afternoon tea.

Please note: The tour requires guests to walk for a full 1.5 hours on a graveled track, with uphill and downhill sections - a reasonable level of fitness and mobility is required to do this and we recommend sturdy walking shoes and outdoor clothing.

Cost: Nil

Maximum Numbers: 40

Arrival time back at the University: 4.30pm

Additional Information: https://orokonui.nz/

City Walks

Put your walking shoes on and enjoy this 90-minute tour of Dunedin’s finest sights. This walk covers all the key locations (including The Exchange, the old waterfront), iconic buildings (including St Paul’s Cathedral and the Railway Station) and examples of sensitive urban renewal.

Please note: Dunedin is a hilly city so there may be some small hills/rises during this walk. We recommend good walking shoes and a reasonable degree of fitness.

Cost: Nil

Maximum Numbers: 20

Arrival time back at the University: 4.00pm

Additional Information: https://www.citywalks.co.nz/dunedin-walks/old-town-walk

Hair Raiser Walking Tour

Join Mr. Smiff on a gritty stroll through Dunedin's notorious 'Devils Triangle' and delve into the chilling truths behind the city's darkest deeds. Brace yourself for an explosive tour that dives deep into the captivating history of crime and punishment in Dunedin. This walking tour offers a variety of stories during daylight hours, with a few surprises along the way!

Please note: Dunedin is a hilly city so there may be some small hills/rises during this walk. We recommend good walking shoes and a reasonable degree of fitness.

Cost: Nil

Maximum Numbers: 30

Arrival time back at the University: 4.00pm

Additional Information: https://www.hairraisertours.com/hair-raiser-ghost-walk

Curling

Get your skates on and head to the Dunedin Ice Stadium to have a go at Curling. Instruction will be given if you have never played before and a laugh will be had by all.

Please note: It is cold inside the stadium, so you will require warm clothing (layers are suggested as you will warm up once in the throws of your curling competition)

Cost: Nil

Maximum Numbers: 32

Arrival time back at the University: 4.30pm

Dunedin Cycleway Tour - E-bike

Don your Lycra and head out on a cycle up the Dunedin Harbour. Once at Port Chalmers, climb aboard the ferry with your bike and make your way across the Harbour to Portobello. Head back to Dunedin along the newly created cycleway. Amazing views can be admired along the way.

Please note: E-bikes and helmets will be provided, but you will need appropriate cycling gear. A moderate level of fitness is required as it is an approximately 32-km ride.

Cost: $50.00

Maximum Numbers: 15

Arrival time back at the University: 4.30pm

Additional Information: https://www.dunedincycleway.co.nz/

Dunedin Cycleway Tour - Mountain Bike

Don your Lycra and head out on a cycle up the Harbour. Once at Port Chalmers, climb aboard the ferry with your bike and make your way across the Harbour to Portobello. Head back to Dunedin along the newly created cycleway. Amazing views can be admired along the way.

Please note: Mountain bikes and helmets will be provided, but you will need appropriate cycling gear. A moderate level of fitness is required as it is an approximately 32-km ride.

Cost: $35.00

Maximum Numbers: 10

Arrival time back at the University: 4.30pm

Additional Information: https://www.dunedincycleway.co.nz/

Speights Brewery Tour

The Speight's Brewery tour will take you through our historic site that has been brewing Speight’s in Dunedin since 1876. You will be able to see, touch and smell the ingredients that go into our award-winning beers; and sample the iconic history of the oldest working Brewery in New Zealand. Sample 5oz glasses of some of our most popular Beers!

Please note: Flat-soled, covered shoes must be worn during the tour. No bags can be taken through the tour (but lockers are available for storage). Unfortunately, parts of the building are not suitable for wheelchairs or those with limited mobility. There are approximately 200 stairs on the tour, so a reasonable degree of fitness is required.

Cost: Nil

Maximum Numbers: 30

Arrival time back at the University: 3.30pm

Additional Information: https://www.speights.co.nz/brewery-tour

Tūhura Otago Museum

Discover fascinating stories of nature, culture and science at Tūhura Otago Museum. Explore the galleries, Tūhura Science Centre and Perpetual Guardian Planetarium. You will have the opportunity to enter the Tūhura Tropical Forest and be surrounded by butterflies. On entering the Tropical Forest, visitors will be preset for the first release of butterflies for the day. This is a self-guided tour, so you are able to pick and choose what you would like to see. A scheduled show at the Planetarium occurs at 2.30pm for you to enjoy.

Cost: Nil

Maximum numbers: 40

Arrival time back at the University: at the delegates discretion

Additional information: https://otagomuseum.nz/

Dunedin Public Art Gallery

Join us for a tour of the Dunedin Public Art Gallery. Recognised as one of Aotearoa New Zealand’s premier collections, the Gallery houses an excellent collection of New Zealand works and has significant holdings of European art, Japanese prints and decorative arts. Provided with a guided tour, you will also be given exclusive access to the Gallery's range of collections not on display, not usually seen by the public.

Cost: Nil

Maximum Numbers: 20

Arrival Time Back at the University: TBC

Additional Information: https://dunedin.art.museum/

If you don’t fancy any of the above options, would prefer to do your own thing or want to see how you’re feeling on the day, here are some suggestions of possible activities/sites to see:

●       Toitu Museum - https://www.toituosm.com/

●       Dunedin Chinese Garden - https://www.dunedinchinesegarden.com/

●       Tuhura Otago Museum (especially the butterfly enclosure) - https://otagomuseum.nz/

●       Dunedin Art Walking Tour - https://www.dunedinnz.com/__data/assets/pdf_file/0006/504438/DunedinStreetArtMAP.pdf https://www.dunedinnz.com/visit/see-and-do/tours/activities/dunedin-street-art-trail

●       Dunedin Railway Station (one of the most photographed buildings in New Zealand)

●       Baldwin Street (world’s steepest street - you would require transport to access this) - https://www.dunedinnz.com/insiders/baldwin-street

●       Port Chalmers (you would require transport to get to Port Chalmers) - https://www.portchalmers.com/

●       Dunedin Art Gallery - https://dunedin.art.museum/

●       Dunedin Botanic Gardens - https://dunedinbotanicgarden.co.nz/

●       Dunedin Museum of Natural Mystery - https://www.royaldunedinmuseum.com/