Travel dates and times
All students attending Hands-On are expected to arrive on Sunday 17 January and depart Friday 22 January 2027.
On Sunday 17 January, arrival registration will be open from 10am–2:30pm. We encourage you to arrive earlier in the day to allow time to settle into your room, meet other Blue Shirts and get familiar with the residential college before the programme starts at 2:30pm.
Friday 22 January is a travel day. Please arrange your departure for the morning. Breakfast will be available before you begin your journey home. Transport to the airport or bus terminal can be arranged either before or after breakfast, depending on your travel schedule.
Our local travel agent will organise travel for all students who receive a Hands-On at Otago scholarship or award.
Travelling by air or bus
If you do not receive a Hands-On at Otago scholarship or award, you will need to organise your own travel to and from Dunedin. You should arrange your travel based on the above dates and times.
As places on the Hands-On programme are limited, we advise against booking non-refundable tickets before you have been accepted.
The Hands-On team will arrange all transfers between the airport or bus depot and the Hands-On accommodation. This service is free with friendly student helpers there to meet you on arrival and ensure everyone gets safely to where they need to be.
Travelling by car
Many families drop their young people off and pick them up again afterwards.
If this is you, our team will meet you at Te Rangihīroa College.
If you are driving yourself, please email us in advance so we can let you know about parking during the week.
Travel form
All successful applicants (including those from Dunedin) will be required to complete a travel form outlining arrival and departure details.
If you are offered a place, this form will be sent to you with your acceptance email.
Providing this information helps the Hands-On team coordinate arrivals – meeting those travelling by bus or plane and having an indication of when to expect those arriving by car.