Wānaka is a small town in the Otago region of the South Island of New Zealand. Surrounded by the mountains of the Southern Alps, Wānaka rests at the southern end of the lake for which it is named.
There are many activities to enjoy in the region including hiking, mountain bike riding, boating and other adventure sports. Wānaka hosts a wide range of shops, cafes and restaurants.
Wānaka Recreation Centre is a community owned facility which houses the large hall which we will be using as well as the town swimming pool. There will be a separate entrance for the Seven Treasuries of Longchenpa attendees. We ask that everyone shows respect for the locals as they are sharing their community facility with us. There is ample parking.
There is a large supermarket and several small cafes nearby the venue but we advise people to either bring their own lunch or else sign on for the supplied catering as the local eateries may struggle to cope with the numbers.
Transport to venue
The venue (Wanaka Recreation Centre) is about 3 km from central Wanaka and 15 km from Lake Hawea. Transport options include:
Walk. The walk from town will take 30-45 minutes each way.
Bus. A shuttle bus will operate between several points in town and the venue at the start and end of each day. Another bus will operate between Lake Hawea and the venue. A bus may also be operating between the venue and town at lunchtime. Bookings need to be made with the Wanaka i-site in advance. We cannot guarantee a shuttle service for those who have not made prior bookings. Details are yet to be confirmed1.
Cycle. Bike hire is available from several places in Wanaka, including Green Toad, Racers Edge and Outdoor Sports. We have negotiated a rate (subject to availability) of $45/day with Green Toad (mention the event when booking). There are lots of opportunities for recreational cycling in the area.
Taxi. For groups staying together, taxi hire may be a good option. Local providers include Yello! and Wana-Taxi.
Drive. Car hire is readily available in Wanaka and Queenstown. We recommend booking early to get the best rates, and encourage ride sharing wherever possible.
1 There will be a news release about the bus service when the details are confirmed so please regularly check the Latest News section on our website homepage.
Travel Advice
Travel Tips – Aotearoa New Zealand
New Zealanders are friendly and down-to-earth people who embrace the spirit of manaakitanga, or hospitality.
New Zealand has a rich cultural history grounded in Maori culture which is still very much alive today. You will notice touches of Maori culture throughout the event and we invite you to learn more about our cultural history while spending time in New Zealand.
There are also 26 million sheep!
This rich blend of cultures, combined with geologically fascinating landscapes and unique flora and fauna, make New Zealand an exciting country to explore. Discover some further interesting facts about New Zealand here.
Following is a list of useful tips and links to help you plan your travel and stay.
How to get to Wānaka:
Flights to Wānaka
Wānaka has three international airports in proximity: Queenstown (a 60 minute drive), Dunedin (a three hour drive) and Christchurch (a five hour drive).
Driving to Wānaka
Driving on the South Island roads of New Zealand is a great way to experience the region, with relatively quiet roads and some of the most amazing scenery right outside the window. Major car and campervan hire companies are all located at Christchurch, Dunedin and Queenstown airports. There are also a number of rental car companies based in Wānaka.
Buses to/from Wānaka
The Wānaka region is well serviced by a number of bus companies which connect Wānaka to Queenstown, Te Anau, Christchurch, Dunedin and the Westcoast including five daily buses from Queenstown airport and CBD.
To plan your trip and to make all bus bookings please see Wānaka i-SITE.
The 2023 NZ pocket guide has excellent information around the latest travel restrictions, how to plan a realistic travel itinerary, visa information, how to pack, what to declare at customs, transport information, weather, road rules and much more.
SINZ is working closely with the warm and friendly people of Wānaka i-SITE for local logistical support. Have a good look through their website for further information on Wānaka, including making travel, arrangements and for further useful information and guides. For an excellent overview of accommodation options that are being held for the event see here.
Get travel insurance and check COVID-19 cover
When coming to New Zealand to visit, we strongly encourage you to get travel insurance. Some visa categories require you to hold insurance as a condition of your visa.
Check COVID-19 cover
Before you buy travel insurance, we recommend you check what cover it provides for COVID-19-related events, including medical treatment, the cost of changing your travel arrangements or paying for accommodation if you need to isolate.
Examples of travel insurance are Covermore, 1 Cover or World Nomads. It is important that you read the policy wording as we are not up to date with these, and the cover may not be suitable for you.
What you will need to enter New Zealand
You will need a valid passport and a visa or NZeTA to enter into New Zealand. You can check here if you need a visitor visa or NZeTA.
Stay updated here to check if you will need to complete a New Zealand Traveller Declaration to enter New Zealand.
Before you disembark from your plane or ship, you will be given a Passenger Arrival Card to fill in. This card must be completed before you get to passport control. On it, you will declare what you are – or are not – bringing into the country. Please refer to New Zealand Customs Service for more information.
Visa/Immigration Office for foreigners
Please visit the New Zealand Immigration website for more information. If you wish to extend your stay in New Zealand, visit the visit Longer website for more information.
What to declare when entering into New Zealand?
New Zealand has strict biosecurity rules in order to protect its ecosystem.
Declare all goods, equipment, and food that could carry unwanted pests or diseases into New Zealand. Declare if you have been in contact with livestock. If you visit a farm overseas, ensure your footwear, clothing, and equipment is clean before departure. Please refer to New Zealand Customs Service for more information.
Available at the International Airports
Prepaid SIM Card
Queenstown airport – Sim cards are available at Paperplus
Currency exchange kiosks and shops can be found in the major international airports in New Zealand. Please check the airport website for more information.
ATMs
Can be found throughout the international and domestic terminals. These ATMs accept VISA, MasterCard, Amex, Diners Club cards and all Plus cards.
Weather
November is a pleasant time to travel in New Zealand as it is late spring. Temperatures can be warm in the middle of the day but you should still expect colder early mornings and nights.
Wānaka Weather
One of New Zealand’s most famous songs is called “Four Seasons in One Day.” This gives the visitor a good idea of what to expect! Wānaka is situated in the Southern Alps, surrounded by snowy peaks, so cold weather has to be considered likely.
Spring (from the beginning of September to the end of November) is one of the most unique seasons in Wānaka. The average low temperature is 7.3°C (45.1°F), and the average high temperature is 19.8°C (67.6°F). The weather in November in Wānaka could get summer heat, winds, spring rain and a winter blast. It is recommended to pack clothing which can be layered as needed.
New Zealand operates on a 230 supply voltage (50Hz).
The power plugs and sockets are of type I. This is the same as in Australia and the Pacific Islands. Type I plugs have three flat pins, with two angled to form an inverted ‘v’ at the top and one running straight down underneath. (see the picture below)
Health & Safety information
Covid
Please refer to the New Zealand Government website – United Against COVID-19 for updates and announcements regarding Covid requirements in NZ
Mobility assistance
Wheelchairs and Scooters and potentially other mobility equipment are available for hire through More Mobility Ltd. They will be taking bookings in advance and may also have limited equipment available at the event.
To discuss your specific needs and make a booking, please contact:
New Zealand roads might be a bit different than what you are used to. While the road rules are similar to those you might find at home, there will be some important difference to note. Please visit Safe Driving for more details.
If you are prescribed essential medication for chronic or significant physical or mental health conditions please pack enough for the duration of the teachings as it may be expensive to replace, especially for overseas visitors.
If you have forgotten, lost or run out of prescribed medications during your stay you can find medical and pharmacy services to replace them at the Wanaka Lakes Health Centre.
If you have some confusion around your medications and whether it is necessary to procure replacement or intermittent medication during your stay you can reach out for advice to the health team.
Wānaka Medical – Offers emergency care. Monday to Friday, 8:00 am to 6:00 pm; Weekends, 9:00am to 6:00pm; Public Holidays, 9:00 am to 6:00 pm.
