About

Welcome to the 2026 OHTA New Zealand Conference!

Discover the rich heritage of New Zealand’s historic pipe organs on a journey through Te Ika-a-Māui, the North Island. From grand cathedrals to regional treasures, hear and play instruments of exceptional character while connecting with the musicians and stories that bring them to life.

Beginning with a cathedral service in Auckland, the conference travels south via Cambridge to Rotorua, including a visit to Whakarewarewa Living Māori Village and the culture of the Tūhourangi Ngāti Wāhiao people.

In Napier, hear the St John’s Anglican Cathedral organ—likely for the final time before major changes to the building. The journey continues through Woodville and Masterton, across the Remutaka Range, before concluding in Wellington.

There, delegates will be among the first to play the newly restored Wellington Town Hall organ, part of a landmark strengthening and upgrading of this historic venue.

Set against some of New Zealand’s most striking landscapes, this is a week of music, place, and connection—an invitation to experience a living legacy.

Featuring historic instruments by Norman & Beard, Croft, Lawton & Osborne, Hill & Son, and more.

Conference programme accurate at time of printing and subject to change.

A Full Conference itinerary will be provided to all attendees two weeks before commencement.

The Conference starts with Registration at 9am on Sunday 27 September in Holy Trinity Anglican Cathedral, Auckland, 10 minutes walk from The Parnell Hotel. It ends at 4:45pm on Friday 2 October in Wellington Town Hall, 2 minutes walk from West Plaza Hotel. 

Visit ohta.org.au for updates on the Conference, including travel tips for your time in New Zealand.

Conference Packages and Day options are available, with and without Coach travel.  Note, day options do not include accommodation or the Conference Dinner (Dinner available separately).

Bookings close Friday 21 August 2026.

Early Bird Discount available until 13 July 2026, automatically applied in payment section.

All Conference Packages and Day Ticket prices in AUD. Auckland and Wellington Hotel extras in NZD.

Payments made using PayPal or international credit cards will attract a surcharge.

TRAVEL

Participants must arrange their own travel to Auckland and from Wellington.

ACCOMMODATION

Conference Packages include single room accommodation in Rotorua (Tue 29 Sept) and Napier (Wed 30 Sept). Twin-share option available $198pp less.

Conference Packages excludes other accommodation. Coach will go to the Auckland and Wellington hotels below, which you can book directly using the instructions for each.

Prices for hotels in $NZ.

Excludes breakfast. Breakfast options are available.

Auckland – The Parnell Hotel & Conference Centre

18 King Balcony $187/night; 10 One Bedroom Balcony $216/night; 10 Premium Balcony $216/night up to 2 people, extra person $35 each/night (Max 4 people); 8 One Bedroom Standard $199/night.

Breakfast not included; Continental Breakfast $25 per person or the Full Buffet Breakfast $32 per person, other options are available.

Identify yourself as an OHTA Conference attendee
P: +64 09 303 3789
E: reservations@theparnell.co.nz

Wellington – West Plaza Hotel

26 Queen $NZ235/night; 5 Twin $245/night. These special OHTA rates only if you book by the end of August, and only for Oct 1 & 2. Using the OHTA group code below gets better cancellation terms too.

Breakfast. $25 for Full Cooked Buffet, but only if you pay when you book your room in advance ($32 if paid later). Alternatives onsite if you choose to pay later include $14 (toast & tea/juice) and $22 (Continental Buffet with tea, filter coffee & juice). The Full Cooked Buffet includes continental buffet offerings.

Book by phone or email (not website).

Quote group code 'CD58 Organ Historical Trust of Australia'
P: +64 4 917 6544
E: reservations@westplaza.co.nz

BRIEF SUMMARY OF ITINERARY

Sunday 27 September, Auckland

Monday 28 September, Auckland

Tuesday 29 September, Auckland to Cambridge to Rotorua

Wednesday 30 September, Rotorua to Napier

Thursday 1 October, Napier (Hawke’s Bay) to Wairarapa to Wellington

Friday 2 October, Wellington

TWO OPTIONAL EXTRAS

Friday 2 October Post conference dinner - Venue to be advised.

Saturday 3 October, 12 noon, National War Memorial / 1850 Henry Erben organ visit – Visit is free.

REFUNDS

A full refund of registration fees will be offered to anyone withdrawing from the event, provided notice is provided by email (see below) before 27 August 2026. Note that a full refund for all accommodation we book may not be available, as some of the hotels do not provide a refund after we make a block booking with advance payment.

CONTACT

For more information, contact Dominic Perissinotto by email at conference@ohta.org.au or by clicking on the link below and typing in your message.  You may also phone him on mobile +61 (0)412 200 516.