General Information

Travel

Visa Information

It is mandatory for all visitors to New Zealand to obtain an electronic Travel Authority (eTA). Visit NZeTA Immigration for more information and to complete the online application form. 

Australian citizens do not need a visa for New Zealand but must have a valid passport and complete the New Zealand Traveller Declaration (NZTD) online or via the app before arrival.

All visitors to New Zealand must have a passport which is valid for at least three months beyond the intended stay in New Zealand.

Participants from countries who do not have a visa waiver arrangement with New Zealand will need to apply for a visa before they travel to New Zealand. Here is the list of visa waiver countries.

If you need an invitation letter to apply for your visa, once you have registered and paid, please email blood@theconferencecompany.com to request this.

All participants are responsible for arranging the appropriate VISA arrangements and costs, appropriate to their held passport and regional embassy. Blood takes no responsibility for the application process or outcomes of an individual’s application.

Transit visa for Australia

If you need to travel through Australia to get to New Zealand you may need a transit visa. Some countries are eligible to transit through Australia without a transit visa.  Please check here.

Booking your Travel to Auckland

Auckland Airport is serviced by several international airlines. When travelling internationally by plane, you must also complete a traveller declaration, and receive a Traveller Pass, before travelling. This includes New Zealand citizens and residents, children and infants.

For domestic travellers, there are also intercity coaches which will arrive to the center of the city.

Accommodation

Accommodation will be available to book via the registration form. If you need to change your reservation, please advise The Conference Company rather than the hotel direct: email blood@theconferencecompany.com.

Insurance

It is strongly recommended that you purchase comprehensive travel insurance to cover the duration of your visit.

On your arrival at Auckland airport

All arriving international passengers undergo biosecurity checks upon landing in New Zealand. All food, plant, and animal materials must be declared on your New Zealand Traveller Declaration. 

More information about New Zealand’s biosecurity requirements is available on the Biosecurity New Zealand website.

Transport from the Auckland airport

The airport is only 40 minutes from the central business district. A number of bus, shuttle, taxi and rideshare services operate from the terminal forecourts.

SkyDrive Bus

SkyDrive (operated by Ritchies Transport) offers an express shuttle service between Auckland Airport and SkyCity in Central Auckland.

The first bus leaves the SkyCity bus terminal on Hobson Street at 5.00am, direct to the airport. Buses run every 30 minutes with the last bus from the domestic terminal at 10.30pm. Buses leave from bus stop A at the domestic terminal. Tickets may be purchased directly from the bus driver (card payment only), or via the SkyDrive website at skydrive.co.nz.

Taxis and Shuttles

Auckland Airport licenses specific taxi and shuttle companies to ensure airport visitors and travellers receive a high standard of service.

Taxi and shuttle ranks are located outside the arrivals area (door 8) at the international terminal and outside door 4 at the domestic terminal. You can pre-book with one of the companies listed below or just turn up at the terminal ranks – taxis and shuttles are always available.

Recommended Taxi Companies: 
Alert Taxis - From $65
Auckland Co-op - From $68
Auckland Taxi Service From - $69
Cheap Cabs - From $50
Corporate Cabs - From $75

A one-way shared taxi shuttle from Auckland Airport to the Central Business District, is $30 for one passenger and an additional $10 per extra passengers in the same group.

For specific fare pricing, contact the taxi and shuttle companies directly here.

isite New Zealand 

isite is New Zealand’s official visitor information network with over 60 isite locations found throughout New Zealand. Speak to a travel expert at your nearest i-SITE for local knowledge, itinerary planning, and travel, transport, and activity bookings throughout New Zealand.

Conference Information

Disclosure of information

If you do not wish your details to be provided to sponsors or other delegates, please select the appropriate option on the registration form.

Dress

Dress for all scientific sessions and social functions is business casual. 

Dietary Restrictions / Special Assistance

If you advised us of your special dietary restrictions during registration, these have been advised to the caterers. During the Conference, please visit the special diet buffet in the exhibition hall or ask the catering staff for assistance. During social functions, please advise the catering staff of your dietary restrictions.

If you require special assistance, please let us know in advance so we can advise the venue. Please contact us at blood@theconferencecompany.com if you need any assistance.

Childcare

Blood 2026 is an adult-focused event. While children are welcome in public areas of the conference center, they are not permitted within the exhibition space. For those attending with children, the safety and supervision of minors remain the sole responsibility of the accompanying adult, and Blood accepts no liability in this regard. Attendees will have an opportunity during registration to indicate if they require assistance with childcare, and we will provide further information.

Registration Desk

The registration desk is located in the foyer on Level 3 Foyer of the New Zealand International Convention Centre. All attendees must visit the Registration Desk on arrival to collect their name badge.

Please wear your name badge at all times to ensure access to the sessions, exhibition and social functions.

The Registration Desk will be open at the following times: 

Speaker Preparation Room

A Speakers' Preparation Room is located on Level 5, Room 510. All speakers are requested to visit the Speaker Preparation Room at least 2 hours before their session to ensure their presentation is uploaded and runs smoothly. The Speaker Preparation Room will be open at the following times:

Facilities

The Parenting Room is available on Level 3.

The Prayer Room is available on Level 5, Room 511.

The Luggage Room will be available for you on Wednesday from 0830 – 1300 in Hall 3 of NZICC to store your luggage.

Conference App

Your personal invitation to join the Conference App is included in the Welcome Email, please follow the download instructions log-in with your personal username / password.

We highly recommend you download the app and make use of the features available, including:
•    Full program and the ability to construct your personal schedule.
•    Speaker biographies and abstracts 
•    Full listing of our Sponsors and Exhibitors
•    Venue and Exhibition maps
•    Messaging and connecting with other attendees.