Frequently Asked Questions
Please see below a list of commonly asked questions about the IDF World Dairy Summit (WDS 2026).
Further Information
If you can’t find the answer to your question here, or if you have any queries about the Summit arrangements, please do not hesitate to contact the Summit Managers:
E-mail: idfwds@idfwds2026.com
Website: https://www.idfwds2026.com/
Registration and Accommodation
What are the registration fees?
The fees are available to view on the registration page.
Am I eligible for the student registration rate?
These rates are subsidised to encourage attendance for students. You must be enrolled in a tertiary institution at the time of registration.
Are day registrations available?
Yes, day registrations are available and can be selected via the online registration form.
Can I attend the Summit virtually?
No, virtual attendance is not available.
How can I reserve a hotel room and what rates are available?
We are pleased to advise we have secured a number of accommodation options available to Summit attendees. You can book accommodation at delegate rates via the online registration form, or by emailing idfwds@idfwds2026.com.
Will you waive the registration fee for poster presenters if I only plan on attending my viewing session?
All attendees/authors must purchase a registration however there is a day option available if you wish to only attend on the day you are presenting.
Unregistered attendees will not be allowed access to sessions or other Meeting events and at least one author/corresponding person must registered for a poster to be presented at the WDS 2026
Is there funding to help with travel and registrations?
There is no funding available.
I want to cancel my registration. Can I get a refund?
All cancellations must be received in writing so please email idfwds@idfwds2026.com. Cancellation notice received prior to Monday 14 September 2026 will be eligible for a refund, less a NZD150 administration fee. Cancellations after this date are non-refundable, however, you can transfer your registration to another person.
My partner would like to come, but not to the Summit sessions. Is there a partner registration?
Yes there is an accompanying person registration which will have access to the exhibition area including day catering but no sessions. you can also purchase tickets for them to attend the Gala Dinner and Social Tours.
Is the Summit offering media passes?
IDF World Dairy Summit 2026 welcomes media engagement from accredited journalists and media. To apply for media registration, please email media@idfwds2026.com.
Are there volunteering opportunities?
Currently there are no volunteering opportunities however this will be reviewed closer to the time.
Will I receive a Certificate of Attendance?
Yes, a Certificate of Attendance can be requested after the Summit and will be emailed to you.
Visas and Letters of Invitation
Visa Information for In Person Registrations
Please allow significant time when applying for a NZ visa as it may take up to 3 months. Further information regarding Visa applications can be found here.
I am an overseas participant and need a letter of invitation before I can receive my visa. What is the procedure?
All registrations can request Invitation letters upon full payment of the Summit registration fees. Unfortunately invitation letters cannot be supplied to unpaid or unregistered participants, and we reserve the right to refuse to provide invitation letters for attendees. Please note that we do not give any further support or advice about the visa application process. Obtaining a visa remains the sole responsibility of the participant.
Will I get a refund on my registration if my visa is declined?
In the event that your visa is declined, you will be eligible to receive a refund, less the administration fees.
General Questions
What is the dress code?
Please see the dress code for the various events below:
- Summit session – Business Casual
- Welcome Function – Business Casual
- Gala Dinner – Cocktail and Black Tie
- Technical Tours – Smart Casual and weather appropriate
When will I get my name badge?
Name badges will be given to all delegates on registration. We ask that you always wear your badge, including when attending social functions. However we request you remove it when you are not onsite.
Will my details be shared?
If you do not wish your details to be provided to sponsors or other delegates, please tick the appropriate box on the registration form.
What if I have special requirements?
We encourage persons with special needs to participate in the programme and social events. Please contact idfwds@idfwds2026.com to request services or other accommodations for any special needs or note these on your registration form. If you have dietary preferences, please be sure to describe those on the space provided on the registration form when you register.
What time will the registration desk be open?
- Sunday, 15 November 1500 - 1900
- Monday, 16 November 0730 - 1700
- Tuesday, 17 November 0730 - 1800
- Wednesday, 18 November 0730 - 1800
What if I have dietary restrictions?
If you have advised any other special dietary requirements when registering, arrangements will be made for your catering to be available from the Special Dietaries table. All food on the catering tables will be clearly labelled, however, if you have any questions regarding the ingredients of any items, please ask the wait staff.
Are there any childcare options available?
There are no childcare services on offer, however we can provide some local options for you to arrange directly at your own cost. Please email idfwds@idfwds2026.com for more information.
Technical Tours
Can I stay on after the technical tour at the chosen destination?
Technical tours with flights - Flights to Palmerston North (Manawatu) or to Christchurch (South Island) can be purchased as a one way (luggage included) then own arrangements to travel throughout New Zealand.Please note you will be responsible for and transfers to and from the departure point/airport.
Technical Tours with coach only tickets – unfortunately we are unable to accommodate one way travel for tours travelling by bus.
Can my partner/family travel with me to the destination but not attend a technical tour?
Unfortunately we are unable to arrange partners/family travel (bus or flights).
When will I know if my tour is cancelled?
We reserve the right to cancel a tour due to low numbers or adverse weather. This will be advised by Monday 21 September 2026 allowing delegates to change to another tour or a full refund will be provided.
I've booked a technical tour but now I want to cancel?
All cancellations must be received in writing so please email idfwds@idfwds2026.com.
Technical Tours with flights cancelled before 20 July 2026 will receive a refund less $150, flights cancelled after 20 July 2026 will not be refundable. Please note this is additional to the general conference cancellation charges.
Technical Tours with coach only tickets cancelled before 18 September 2026 will receive a refund less $50, bus tickets cancelled after 18 September 2026 will not be refundable. Please note this is additional to the general conference cancellation charges.
Are there restrictions around attending a farm visit?
Due to biosecurity rules in New Zealand if you have been on a farm or in contact with livestock outside of New Zealand within 7 days of your visit, please inform us before your visit.
Social Tours
How can I book a Social Tour for my family/partner?
Social tours can be booked here.
Can I book a Social Tour once I have arrived onsite?
No, due to these tours being tailor made for the IDF World Dairy Summit there is a final date that can be booked and paid for by 1 September.
There will be a Social/Day Tour help desk present at the summit for any last minute questions or concerns.
For further social tour details and T&Cs please contact kim@venturetravel.co.nz.
What is the difference between a social tour and day tour?
Social tours are multiday tours available pre and post conference, where as day tours are during the summit occurring for a single day only. only.
Destination
What will the weather be like?
In November, Auckland typically experiences moderate temperatures and moderate rainfall. Throughout the daytime, temperatures often hover around 19°C (66°F). However, as the sun sets and evening approaches, there is a noticeable cool-down with the temperature dropping to 14°C (58°F). Visitors are advised to bring a waterproof rain jacket and plan on layering clothes.
What is the currency and taxes in New Zealand?
The legal currency is the New Zealand dollar (NZD). Banknotes are NZD5, NZD10, NZD20, NZD50 and NZD100. Coins are 10, 20 and 50 cents, as well as 1 and 2 dollars. Bank and credit cards are accepted almost everywhere.
The applicable tax is the Goods and Services Tax (GST) of 15%.
What language is spoken in New Zealand?
English is the everyday language in New Zealand, with Māori and New Zealand Sign Language also official languages.
Is New Zealand safe?
New Zealand is generally a very safe place to travel, with a relatively low crime rate. However, it is advisable to observe the same precautions with your personal safety and your possessions as you would in any other country or at home. New Zealand is a democratic and politically stable country. The New Zealand government has some Health & Safety advice.
What type of electricity supply and plug/socket system is used in New Zealand?
240 V, 50 Hz, with Australian/New Zealand pattern three-pin sockets. Internationally known as a Type I plug.
What mobile phone coverage is available?
The major cellphone network operators in New Zealand are Spark, One NZ and 2degrees. Each offer eSIMs which can be purchased in advance and activated once you arrive in New Zealand. Some internationally-sold phones may not support bands that are commonly used by networks here - for example Spark recommends that your device should support at least 4G Band 3 and Band 28.
Smoke-Free Policies
In New Zealand it is illegal to smoke indoors. Many cafés, bars, restaurants, parks, playgrounds and sports grounds are smokefree and vape free outside as well. Cigarettes cannot be sold to anyone under 18.
Visitor Information
i-SITE is New Zealand’s official visitor information centre network with more than 80 i-SITEs nationwide, including locations in Auckland. i-SITEs provide free expert local knowledge and services
What if I need medical attention?
Public and private hospitals provide a high standard of treatment and care. Medical services are not free to visitors, so travel insurance that covers medical and health is recommended. New Zealand has reciprocal health agreements with Australia and the United Kingdom. New Zealand also has a no-fault scheme called ACC that covers injury treatment.
What are the Emergency Services numbers?
111 is the emergency phone number for police, fire and ambulance services.
105 is for reporting non-emergencies to police (things that have already happened and don’t need urgent police assistance).
*555 is for driving incidents such as minor crashes, breakdowns and reporting continuous poor driving.
Travel and Transport
How can I get from Auckland Airport to the venue?
Auckland’s city centre is approximately 30 minutes drive from Auckland airport.
SkyDrive Bus
SkyDrive (operated by Ritchies Transport) offers an express shuttle service between Auckland Airport and SkyCity in Central Auckland. Tickets may be purchased directly from the bus driver (card payment only), or via the SkyDrive website.
Buses leave from outside the Arrivals Hall at the International Terminal and Bus Stop A at the Domestic Terminal every 30 minutes from 05:30 with the last bus at 22:30.
Returning to the airport, the first bus leaves the SkyCity bus terminal in Hobson Street at 05:00 with the last bus at 22:00.
Taxis and Ride-shares
A taxi fare from the airport to the central business district is approximately NZD100.00-120.00.
If you use a ride-share app like Uber, to meet your driver you must exit the terminal and follow the signs to the Rideshare (Uber) Transport Pick-up zone, located in Lane 1 outside international arrivals via door 11 - about a 1-2 minute walk or Lane 2 outside domestic arrivals via Door 2.
Shuttles
Super Shuttle provides door to door service around Auckland using multi-passenger vans. You can find the Super Shuttle rank outside International Arrivals (exit through Door 11). More information including a booking facility is available here.
Buses
The AirportLink bus leaves from bus stop B at the domestic terminal and bus stop A in the transport hub at the international terminal. At Puhinui Station you can catch a train to Britomart Station (Auckland CBD). Fares must be paid using either an AT HOP card or a contactless debit or credit card, as drivers do not accept cash. AT HOP cards are available at Auckland Airport from a vending machine outside door 4 (domestic terminal), Take Home Convenience (international terminal) or at the vending machine at Bus stop A in the transport hub. For full details on routes, fares, and planning your onward journey, visit the Auckland Transport website or call +64 9 366 6400.
How can I get around Auckland?
Getting around Auckland is easy, and most facilities are within walking or cycling distance of the central city.
Car Rental
Avis Rent a Car is offering its corporate rates to Summit delegates. Please call your local Avis office and request a quote giving the booking reference number AWD: Z994400.
Driving
Drive on the left side of the road in New Zealand. All drivers, including visitors from other countries, must carry their licence or permit at all times when driving. Delegates will only be able to drive the same type of vehicles they are licensed to drive in their home country. See the Guide to Driving in New Zealand from the New Zealand Transport Agency.
Parking
New Zealand International Convention Centre has 1327 parking spaces available onsite at 46 Nelson Street. Electric vehicle charging bays are available on parking levels B1 and B2. There are 28 accessibility spaces on parking level B1. Additional parking is also available eat SkyCity, Wilson Parking on Hobson Street and Tournament Parking at the City Works Depot.
Drop off and pick up zones
New Zealand International Convention Centre has three designated pick-up and drop-off bays on Hobson Street, along with 30-minute waiting zones on Nelson Street. These are large enough to accommodate buses, vans, and taxis.
E-Bikes and E-Scooters
There are e-scooters and e-bikes available for public use in Auckland, provided by Lime and Flamengo. These can be ridden on the footpath, shared paths and roadways. Be sure to review the cycling code and look at some tips here.
For access, you must download the app. Download Lime or Flamengo here.
Bikes
There are bike hoops located on Victoria Street West near the Sky Tower, and along Federal Street.
Public Transport
Britomart Transport Centre, Waitematā Train Station, and Downtown Ferry Terminals are all within a 20-minute walk. Regular bus services run throughout the CBD. For more information, visit the Auckland Transport website.
Posters/Abstracts
When is the abstract submission deadline?
Submissions close on 4 May 2026.
Do you accept late breaking abstracts?
No, there is no late breaking abstract submission facility.
In which language should the abstract be submitted?
English.
Is there a template to submit my application?
Yes, these can be accessed in the submission’s portal.
When will I know if my abstract has been accepted?
Authors will be advised by the end of June via email.
My abstract has been accepted but I cannot attend, what do I do?
The poster presentation can be delivered by another named author. This author must have been included on the original proposal submission. Please email idfwds@idfwds2026.com to advise of any change of presenter.
I submitted an abstract but the data has changed or is not available, what do I do?
Please email idfwds@idfwds2026.com to advise you will need to withdraw or update your abstract.
When will the proposals be published?
Proposals will be made available via the Summit app.
What if I need to print something while at the Summit?
Please send any printing requests to NZ Print Shop at https://www.printshopauckland.co.nz/. They can handle sponsor branding, speaker materials, and more, with all items delivered directly to the venue by 15 November.
Where are the guidelines for my poster presentation?
You can find all the information regarding your poster or oral presentation by clicking here.
When will the Speaker Preparation Room be open onsite?
The Speaker Preparation Room will be open at the following times.
- Monday, 16 November 0730 - 1730
- Tuesday, 17 November 0730 - 1730
- Wednesday, 18 November 0730 - 1730