Field Trips

Experience Taranaki by participating in one of the following field trips on Thursday 23 September 2010.  All groups will depart from conference venue at 3.00pm

New Plymouth Golf Club     $55.00 per person
www.golfer.co.nz
The New Plymouth Golf Club, "Ngamotu" is ranked one of the top 5 golf courses in New Zealand, a must for every golfer to play.  A 9 hole Ambrose competition has been organised for those that wish to have some fun for a couple of hours on this course.  Then back to the clubrooms for prizegiving and refreshments.  You have the option of bringing along your own clubs, or you may hire them at your own expense at $30 a set.  Also golf carts are available for up to 2 people at $30 each.

Tawhiti Museum      $65.00 per person
www.tawhitimuseum.co.nz 
The Tawhiti Museum is a truly unique enterprise. The creation of artist Nigel Ogle, its attention to detail is simply stunning.  Widely acclaimed as the best private museum in the country, the museum uses life size exhibits and scale models to present our heritage in a series of super realistic and engaging displays.  All these displays are designed and built on the premises in the 'Body Shop' and accompanying studios, which can be viewed as part of a museum visit.

You will be transported from New Plymouth down to Hawera to the museum (50 minute drive) to spend time looking around this amazing museum.  Then you will stay for light refreshments in their cafe and returned to New Plymouth while having a bit of a guided tour on the way back.

North Egmont (Te Wai Whakaiho) Visitor Centre     $50.00 per person
www.doc.govt.nz
This is a pleasant drive through native forest on Mt Taranaki's northern slopes taking you to the North Egmont Visitor Centre at an altitude of 936 metres. It is the start point for a number of walks on this side of the mountain.  The visitor centre houses comprehensive displays on the volcanic history and ecology of Egmont National Park along with displays of the European and Maori history of the mountain. There is a small café and a retail area where you can buy maps and brochures, and DOC staff are available for help with track information and weather updates.  This is a wonderful place to visit, offering stunning views of the Mountain, surrounding countryside and the Taranaki bright.

While at the visitor centre, you will be taken on a guided walk (approx 20 - 30 mins) - this is a easy to walk track.  Bring along good walking shoes and warm clothing.  After your visit you will return to Egmont Visitor Centre for light refreshments prior to being returned to New Plymouth.

Taranaki Thermal Spa     $40.00 per person
www.wellnessescapes.co.nz 
Taranaki Thermal Spa incorporates the historic Tarawhata Mineral Baths. The Bonithon Spa Health Co has re-opened this artesian mineral well, transforming it into a modern healing waters facility with 29,000 year-old water.  Taranaki Thermal Spa also offers bodywork, beauty treatments, a sauna and a boutique organic hair studio. Alkaline mineral water - bottled at source are available to purchase on-site.

For your pleasure and after a hard day sitting at conference, we have arranged for a soak in the mineral pool and then a food and hand massage.  There are other things to do at the spa which you can make private arrangements to go to in your spare time after conference is so desired.  Ensure that you bring along your own swim suit, towels will be provided.

Chaddy's Charters     $40.00 per person
Enjoy the thrill and excitement of launching from the boat shed on rails in Chaddy's Liverpool Class C Lifeboat.  Visit the seals, learn the history of the area and catch a fish along the way. This is a one hour cruise then you can visit the Paua Pearl Factory where you can look at the most exquisite jewellery.  You can also nip into one of the nearby cafes for a quick coffee or a wine - this is at your own expense.  For those that would like to walk back to the central city to their accommodation, you can go along the foreshore walkway which is a lovely refreshing walk after a long day of sitting at conference.  Bring warm clothing and suitable footwear suitable.

Faull Brothers Supershed - Dairy Farm Milking Experience     $35.00 per person
The Supershed began operation in February 2007 and provided a place for people wanting to watch a milking operation in action.  The dairy has its own conference room which opens out onto a platform overlooking the operation, so you don't have to be in amongst the cows.  The cowshed consists of a 60 bail Irish built rotary dairy which milks up to 620 cows twice a day.   If you have never had a chance to be on a dairy farm, let alone in a cowshed, then this is a wonderful opportunity to experience something different .......  While at this venue you will have a running commentary of the operation, and also be provided with light refreshments.

Burgess House - Picnic in the Park     $62.00 per person
www.burgesshouse.co.nz
Burgess House is situated in the historic Burgess Park, 5 minutes south of New Plymouth on state highway 3. The house nestles on approx 15 acres of the most beautiful natural New Zealand bush with the stunning Waiwakaiho River running through the bottom of the garden.  Burgess house was originally built in 1886 by the Burgess family and gifted to the city in 1937 with the understanding that the people of New Plymouth will always be able to enjoy the beautiful house and gardens. 

For a bit of relaxation and fun, we have arranged for you a "Picnic in the Park" with activities such as petanque, crochet and or volleyball on the lawn.  You will be served with light refreshments and a glass of champagne on arrival.  All other beverages are at your own expense.

Art Galleries and Museum Walkabout     $26.00 per person
This will be a guided walkabout in the central hub of New Plymouth visiting galleries and the museum.  Make sure that you have comfortable walking shoes and your credit card particularly if you are interested in purchasing something local to our region.  The following are the places you will see:

• Govett Brewster Art Gallery maintains and develops a contemporary art collection and presents a diverse programme of exhibitions and events.
• The Real Tart Gallery's focus is on the display of work by local artists, be it in the form of specialised exhibitions or individual pieces.
• Egmont Gallery - presenting top quality local artwork.
• Kina is a boutique design store and art gallery showcasing and supporting designers, craftspeople and artists from all over NZ, and has monthly art exhibitions by predominantly Taranaki artists.
• Puke Ariki Museum is an award winning museum which has won recognition for its design and interactive multimedia displays.

Once your walkabout is over at your last destination you will be provided with light refreshments and a wine at the Puke Ariki café/restaurant Arborio.

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