Over the last few weeks we have been working away at trying to secure some nice hotel rates for DUG2011. To that end we have decided to offer a number of choices so you can go with which ever option will best suit your needs. There is one hotel located close to the Observatory (Novotel Ellerslie) and a couple located in the downtown Auckland area. The map below will give you an idea on the spread. Click on it to see the full map in google maps.
E&S are going to be providing pre DUG training (Monday 31st October-Wednesday 2nd November) and there will be post conference tours arranged for those that want to stay on Saturday (5th) and Sunday (6th), at this stage we are looking at hiring some vans and on Saturday driving down to Rotorua to see the geothermal parks, and on Sunday driving to the Hobbiton set for the tour around the movie set (at this stage it looks like it will be open for visitors in November). For planning purposes can you please let me know if you are interested in going on one or both of the tours, we are also looking for sponsors to help bring the tour costs down as well. Anyone interested in sponsoring the tours please contact me (colinj@stardome.org.nz).
Registration forms will be coming soon, but best to secure your flights and accomodation now while the going is good.
Also I am aware that there will be many of you arriving in the country at around the same time, due to the spacing of flights into Auckland. So some of the staff here have decided to help you out by offering their services to transfer DUG attendees to their hotels, saves tha hassle of trying to find a taxi. If you are interested in catching a lift with one of our staff just send me an email (colinj@stardome.org.nz) with your flight details and I will sort it our at this end for you, if there are enough people arriving at about the same time we can also arrange a van to shuttle you all out to accommodation. This could be a fun way to get a local guided tour out from the airport so let me know if you are interested.
Some more information on each of the hotel options including booking details is contained below. It is highly recommended that you book your accommodation as soon as possible, as the Rugby World Cup will be filling up places in Auckland. If you have any troubles obtaining accommodation for any reason please let me know.
Heritage Hotels Auckland
The Heritage Hotels Auckland have two properties available for DUG attendees, the Heritage Hotel Auckland or the CityLife Auckland. Both properties are located in downtown Auckland with the Heritage being a little more upmarket, and CityLife catering to those that want to be right in the centre of town.
The prices for the Heritage hotel and CityLife are listed below and all quoted prices are in New Zealand Dollars and include GST (Tax):
Heritage Hotel Auckland
Superior Queen – NZ$199 per night
Superior King – NZ$199 per night
Deluxe One Bedroom Suite – NZ$224 per night
Executive One Bedroom Suite – NZ$254 per night
CityLife Auckland
Superior Queen – NZ$190 per night
Superior King – NZ$190 per night
Deluxe One Bedroom Suite – NZ$215 per night
Executive One Bedroom Suite – NZ$235 per night
To access the DUG rates at both of these properties you need to make the booking online. All you need to do is go to www.heritagehotels.co.nz, select either of the Auckland hotels, pop your dates in and enter the code STO1171.

You will then see the discounted rates.
These rates are valid from 25th October to the 10th November and all reservations are subject to availability.
Novotel Ellerslie Auckland
Novotel Auckland Ellerslie is a premier 4 star Auckland accommodation and conference venue. With 144 contemporary rooms featuring the perfect blend of sophistication and style, the hotel offers superior comfort with outstanding facilities including the award winning Acacia Restaurant and Garden Bar, a gym and business centre. Novotel Auckland Ellerslie offers complimentary parking and is just a 10 minute drive from the Auckland central business district and 25 minutes from Auckland Airport.
The prices for the Novotel Ellerslie are listed below and all quoted prices are in New Zealand dollars and include GST (Tax):
Novotel Ellerslie Auckland
Superior Room (Twin or Queen) – NZ$189 per night
Bookings can be made direct with the hotel using the booking code DUGAUCKLAND, the contact details for the hotel are:
Novotel Auckland Ellerslie
Phone: +649 529 9090
email: h3060-re01@accor.com
web: http://www.accorhotels.com/gb/hotel-3060-novotel-auckland-ellerslie/index.shtml
Please note that the special rate for Novotel bookings can only be done via phone or email, the DUGAUCKLAND code will not work for online bookings at the Novotel.
Mecure Auckland
Located in the heart of the Auckland waterfront district, Mercure Auckland overlooks the spectacular harbour and bustling city. Situated within walking distance of Auckland shopping, restaurants, the Viaduct Harbour, ferry terminals and Vector Arena, Mercure Hotel Auckland offers 189 rooms and suites, a gym, undercover valet parking, and a dedicated conference floor catering for 200 delegates. Vertigo Restaurant and Bar is located on the top floor of the hotel and offers great panoramic views.
The prices for the Mecure hotel are listed below and all quoted prices are in New Zealand Dollars and include GST (Tax):
Mecure Auckland
Mecure Guest Room – NZ$199 per night
Deluxe Mecure Guest Room – NZ$229 per night
Jnr Suite – NZ$269 per night
Bookings can be made direct with the hotel using the booking code DUGAUCKLAND, the contact details for the hotel are:
Mercure Auckland
phone: +649 3778920
email: h1721-re01@accor.com
web: http://www.accorhotels.com/gb/hotel-1721-mercure-auckland/index.shtml
Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions around travel or accomidation.
Colin James

