Vets on Tour was started in 2005 by Dave Collins, who felt the need to provide veterinarians with a source of quality educational lectures at a premier skiing destination.

The Edgewater Resort in the beautiful town of Wanaka was found to be a perfect venue for intimate lectures within 30 minutes drive of two of New Zealand's best ski resorts, Cardona and Treble Cone, with a wealth of other activities (and quality eating establishments) available.

2005 "HEARTS AND MINDS"
The 2005 Lake Wanaka Veterinary Conference was a major hit with the attendees, and the theme was "Hearts and Minds", having a cardiology component with Dr Richard Churcher and behaviour with current AVA president Dr Kersti Seksel. The lectures had a very practical emphasis, and the 2 hours in the morning and 2 hours in the evening timetable allowed plenty of time to ski and explore the surrounding area.

2006"SCALPELS AND SKINS "
The 2006 conference attracted more delegates as word got out and the theme was Scalpels and Skins, with a practical surgery series by Tony Black's surgical protegee Dr Steve Fearnside, and dermatology with the only kiwi specialist dermatologist Dr Allan Bell. Improvements were: more snow, and much more quality food for breakfast, afternoon snacks for hungry skiiers and the Conference Dinner degustation feast.

2007"VISSION AND VESSELS"
2007's Vision and Vessels should be bigger than ever with US trained Dr Cameron Whittaker giving a practical, interactive lecture series on ophthalmology such as glaucoma, uveitis, cataracts and conjunctivitis.
Dr Richard Churcher returns to Wanaka to share his wisdom on all things renal and vascular, including what all clinicians should know about hypertension, thromboembolic disease, glomerulonephropathies, and also renal tubular and interstitial diseases.

We have found a wonderful format at Wanaka of a good breakfast before the morning lecture, a days epic skiing, then back for snacks and a bit more learning before sampling the culinary delights of Wanaka.