For information on what's happening in Auckland this week, go to  
http://www.biglittlecity.co.nz/ for gig guides, shopping guides, herritage and art walks, and transport information.
A free red bus operates in the central city area, connecting Wynyard Quarter on the water front with Queen Street and Karangahape Road (see below) http://www.biglittlecity.co.nz/gettingaround/city-link

The Auckland City Art Gallery has recently been refurbished and is situated near the symposium venue, just on the other side of Albert Park. Entry is free, and there is a terrace cafe which does light meals and coffee. http://www.aucklandartgallery.com/

Auckland Museum is also very close to the Auckland University campus, and is set in a large park with botanical gardens and bush walk, providing a  pleasant place for a walk away from the city. There are cafes at the duck pond and inside the foyer. Entry is by donation.
http://www.aucklandmuseum.com/

The Auckland waterfront has recently been upgraded and is worth a look. Turn left at the Ferry Building on Quay Street and follow the waterfront along to the new 'Wynyard Quarter' which has a viewing platform, a children's playground, and numerous bars, restaurants and cafes. For a cheaper meal try takeaway fish and chips at the Auckland Fish Market.  http://www.waterfrontauckland.co.nz/

Karangahape Road meets upper Queen Street and is an easy walk from the university campus. You can also take the free red bus up the hill. K Road is known for its vintage clothing and collectibles stores, cheap places to eat, dealer art galleries and bohemian cafes. I can personally recommend Renkon, Satya, and Rasoi Thali for lunch or dinner, Allelujah and Theatre  for breakfast and coffee, and  Coco's Cantina and D.O.C. (Department of Conversation)  for drinks! (AW)  http://www.kroad.com/

For those of you staying on in Auckland for a few days after the symposium, there are a number of excellent day trips to be had on the harbour. Anyone with good walking shows and an interest in vulcanology should visit Rangitoto Island, but if cafes, vineyards and beaches are more your thing take a ferry to Waiheke Island (Matiatia Wharf pictured left). If you are short on time you can take a short trip to Devonport on Auckland's north shore. All ferries leave from the ferry building at the bottom of Queen Street and are operated by Fullers http://www.fullers.co.nz/