Social Programme

A number of social events are available during the conference to cater for all tastes. All these events draw on and highlight the Victorian heritage of Oamaru. The 'gala' event is undoubtedly the Conference dinner, which will be held in the barrel room of the New Zealand Malt Whisky Company. In addition to the usual types of functions offered at Geosciences meetings, we offer a special night of optional activities for Tuesday 24th November.

Icebreaker
An informal "Icebreaker" function will be held in conjunction with Registration in the foyer of the Oamaru Opera House, 94 Thames Street, Oamaru, from 5:00-6.30 pm Monday 23rd November. The cost is included in the registration fee and all are welcome to attend. Please indicate attendance on the registration form to help us cater for the event.

Optional activities for Tuesday November 24th

Victorian Oamaru - A Dramatized Heritage Experience
Tour Oamaru's historic buildings with costumed guides, meet some of the pioneer characters and hear their stories. Step back in time to learn about the dreams and disappointments of life in this young colonial town. The tour will run from 6pm-7pm and will finish at the New Zealand Malt Whisky Company premises. Note this is a shortened version of the alternative excursion available on Wednesday Nov 25th. $15 per person.

Whisky tasting at the New Zealand Malt Whisky Company
Taste New Zealand's finest malt whiskies. 7pm. $15 per person.
OR

Wine tasting at the New Zealand Malt Whisky Company
Taste some of the local wines from the Waitaki Valley. 7pm. $15 per person.

Package deal!!!
Victorian Oamaru followed by whisky or wine tasting. $25 per person.

Meal to follow
For those doing the above activities, we offer a pub-style meal to follow (e.g. Soup of the Day & Traditional Breads, Hot Havoc (Free Range Organic) Bacon BLT, Warm Salmon & Potato Salad, Tea & Coffee). $15 per person.

Barbeque
To be held on Wednesday 25th November (after the field excursions) in the grounds of Burnside Homestead, a restored Victorian mansion 15 minutes from central Oamaru. Guided tours of the homestead will be available to participants. The menu includes spit-roasted lamb (and vegetarian options) and complementary beverages. 6pm-10.30 pm. Ticket prices, including drinks, are $45 per person and students $35.
Note: most field excursions will finish at the BBQ venue. For those not going on the field excursions, return transport to the BBQ from Oamaru will be available. Similarly, transport back to Oamaru for those on field excursions but not wishing to attend the BBQ will also be provided.

Conference Dinner
The annual Conference Dinner will be held on Thursday 26th November at the New Zealand Malt Whisky Company, 14-16 Harbour Street, Oamaru. The theme will be "Colonial Capers". Pre-dinner drinks will be available from 7pm and dinner will be served at 7:30pm. The cost of the Conference Dinner is not included in the standard registration price and tickets need to be ordered and paid for along with registration. The ticket cost ($75 per person; students $60) includes a three course dinner and some complimentary beverages, followed by a cash bar. The annual awards for the Geological and Geophysical Societies will be presented after dinner. There will also be prizes for the best/most imaginatively dressed participant in the theme of the dinner.

Refreshments and Lunches
Morning teas and lunches will be provided on Tuesday 24th, Thursday 26th and Friday 27th November. A packed lunch will be provided to participants on the field trips on Wednesday 25th. Refreshments will also be available at the poster sessions on Tuesday 24th and Thursday 26th for one hour (drinks and finger food) with a cash bar to follow.