Wildlife Disease Association Australasia CONFERENCE 2026
Join us for our annual conference in Kaikōura, Aotearoa/New Zealand from 29th November - 4th December 2026
Photo: Whale Watch Kaikoura / Destination Kaikōura, CC BY 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
Conference Overview
Welcome to the Wildlife Disease Association Australasian section’s annual conference. This year's conference will be held in beautiful Kaikōura, on the east coast of the South Island, NZ. With stunning seascapes, surf and wildlife, amazing seafood and relaxed culture, Kaikōura is one of New Zealand's favourite tourist destinations!
To get there you can drive north from Christchurch (200km) or south from Picton (170km) - or fly into Nelson or Christchurch airports - see the registration page for transport options.
Join us to learn about the diversity of people, places and species involved in wildlife health research and conservation. This is an inclusive and friendly conference where we share our wildlife knowledge, make lifelong connections and have fun, surrounded by wild nature.
We hope to see you there!
WDAA Conference Committee 2026.
For any questions about the conference, please contact wildlifedz.australasia@gmail.com
Abstracts due: 30 September
Early-bird Registration deadline: 04 October
Field trip options
The below optional field trips (choose only one) incur an extra cost in addition to registration fees.
Note: Please only choose one (1) field trip below. All trips are for Wednesday morning, 02 December.
Whale Watch Tour
Organised through Whale Watch Kaikōura. Embark on a whale watching adventure like no other. Join us in Kaikōura and discover our deep cultural connection between tangata whenua and the giants of the sea.
Giant Sperm Whales share these waters with up to 14 different species of migratory whales and dolphins, NZ Fur Seals and a wide variety of marine birds, including the Great Wandering Albatross. A 95% success rate means a guaranteed 80% refund if your tour does not see a whale.
A journey of spirit, legacy and connection. Experience for yourself a sacred encounter with unseen wonders. Wednesday 2nd December, 7:45am scheduled departure. Limited numbers, get in early!
Sea Kayaking Tour
Organised through Sealkayak Kaikoura. Explore Kaikōura’s Coastline. Come face-to-face with wild New Zealand fur seals and other local marine wildlife. Whether you're a first-timer or an experienced kayaker, you’ll glide through the water in our specialised pedal kayaks. Designed for effortless movement, they are perfect for capturing the scenery and enjoying unforgettable wildlife moments. Skill Level: No experience required; suitable for all ages and abilities. What to Bring: sunscreen, a hat, water, and a camera. NO JEANS! Spray jackets available. Wednesday 2nd December, 9.30 am tour start. Limited numbers, get in early!
New Zealand Fur Seal Colony Visit
Department of Conservation hosted visit to the Ōhau Point Fur Seal Colony, the largest fur seal colony on mainland New Zealand. Bring binoculars, cameras, warm clothing/layers. Morning of Wednesday December 2nd. Limited numbers, get in early!
Local reserve visit
Join the Kaikōura Wildlife Centre Trust for a visit to a managed kororā reserve, with discussion around local threats and conservation efforts. The reserve is a picturesque 10 minute walk from the Memorial Hall via the Esplanade pathway. As the visit is during the day, penguins are unlikely to be seen. The total visit will take around 30 to 60 minutes, depending on interest and Q&A. A $15 donation/koha per person will support the Kaikōura Wildlife Centre Trust. https://www.kaikourawildlifetrust.org
Additional Field trip options
Note: Wednesday morning, 2 December, is set aside for field trips. As all trips run during this time, please only consider/register for one trip during this time.
Additional local wildlife tours (independent booking)
As an alternative to the conference organised field trips, several local wildlife tours are available to book independently.
Options that align with the Wednesday morning field trip timeslot include:
- Dolphin Encounter: departures at 5.30 am and 8.30 am; approximately 4 hours. https://www.dolphinencounter.co.nz/
- Albatross Encounter: departures at 6.00 am and 9.00 am; approximately 2.5 hours. https://www.albatrossencounter.co.nz/
Note: These tours are not organised through the conference and should be booked directly with the providers.