Mid Conference Excursions

IMWA 2022 will offer a variety of Mid Conference Excursions on Wednesday afternoon.

All tours depart from the venue (Christchurch Town Hall).

1: Canterbury Coal Mine Closure Tour (195 NZD)

Canterbury coal mine has been operated by Bathurst Resources since 2013. At the time of purchase there were poorly quantified acid mine drainage issues related to prior operations. The mine supplied sub-buituminous thermal into the local industrial market. The mine operated until 2021 when failure to secure on going development consent lead to implementation of closure plan.
 
Walk and drive through the rehabilitated mine site, with guided tour by mine operations staff who will describe waste rock management, operational water management, water management at closure and passive treatment of under-drainages.

1.00pm depart Town Hall
5.00pm return Town Hall
CANCELLED:
2: Cultural Activity including Waka Race (Traditional Māori Canoe) (One Hour Experience: 55 NZD)

Waka is the Māori word for canoe. The ancestors of Māori were among the greatest of canoe builders, navigators and mariners. Over the course of several thousand years, long before they came to New Zealand, Māori ancestors swept out of South-East Asia and Oceania into Micronesia, Melanesia, and Polynesia, and then finally Aotearoa New Zealand in the 1500 century. The Ngai Tahu peoples arrived at the Heathcote estuary on waka from the east coast of the north island in the 1600 century.
 
Once the training and paddling of our waka has been completed, (and subject to numbers) the next step is to race your colleagues.
CANCELLED:
3: City Tour – Earthquake Damage (65 NZD)

Enjoy a fun and informative Christchurch City tour on-board our classic 1960’s London double decker buses. Experience spectacular views from the top deck and discover the city’s fascinating history from pioneering days to modern times. View areas affected by the devastating earthquake of 2011 and see how the vision to rebuild and restore Christchurch is coming to life. Our friendly local guides are passionate about our great city and we look forward to welcoming you on-board.

2.00pm depart Town Hall
5.00pm return Town Hall
SPACE AVAILABLE!
4: Winery Tour (160 NZD)

Relax and enjoy the 45 minute drive through rural North Canterbury to the Waipara Valley, well known for its warm, dry climate and rich alluvial soils, ideal for superior wine production. Over 90 vineyards and wineries pepper the landscape of the valley, with Pinot Noir, Riesling, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc dominating local plantings. Our tasting tour includes Georges Road, Waipara Hills and Torlesse. Should any of these wineries be unavailable on the day, an alternative will be provided.

1.30pm depart Town Hall
6.00pm return Town Hall
5: Christchurch Tram

The Christchurch Trams offer a unique experience combining history and sightseeing. Our beautifully-restored heritage trams are one of the city’s best loved attractions! Our all-day hop-on hop-off tickets allow you to visit the central city sights at your leisure and our friendly and knowledgeable drivers will keep you updated about the latest city changes in their informative live commentaries.
 
Explore the best of the central city from the 18 stops enroute: the Canterbury Museum & Botanic Gardens, Turanga and Margaret Mahy Playground are must-visit spots for families; and the many retail stores, bars and eateries at The Terrace, Cashel Street & Riverside Market, SALT District, Arts Centre and New Regent Street offer fantastic shopping and dining options for all.

Trams run every 15 – 25 minutes