New Zealand is famous for its first-class celebrations, but the Rugby World Cup 2011 will be the biggest yet! Kiwis are rugby fanatics and the country is counting down to Friday 9 September when the Rugby World Cup 2011 will kick off at Auckland’s Eden Park Stadium.

Accommodation and transport are likely to be booked out ahead of time, so make sure you sort everything out well in advance to avoid disappointment. Visit www.destination-nz.com to plan your trip and make your bookings.
Even if rugby is not a strong interest for your clients, September and October 2011 will still be an exciting time to visit, with the REAL New Zealand Festival offering an array of celebratory events.
Remaining tickets for RWC 2011 will go on sale from 4 July 2011. See www.rugbyworldcup.com/tickets.

In September and October 2011, rugby fans from all over the world will flock to New Zealand for one of the world’s biggest sporting events, but it isn’t just for sports enthusiasts! The calendar will be brimming with festivals from one end of the country to the other, making the six weeks of the Rugby World Cup an exciting time to visit New Zealand. Group matches will be held from 9 September till 2 October, and the quarter finals will be played on 8/9 October. Auckland will host the semis on 15/16 October, the bronze final on 21 October and the final on 23 October. Tickets are available through the official Rugby World Cup website. www.rugbyworldcup.com

Experiencing the Rugby World Cup 2011

How your clients wish to experience the Rugby World Cup 2011 will depend on their passion for rugby and their loyalty to one or other of the teams! For some visitors, catching a game at a venue in a destination that is already on their itinerary will be a great taste of New Zealand’s rugby culture – there are games in towns all over the country, from Whangarei in Northland to Invercargill in Southland. Other visitors may want to attend the larger games featuring high-profile teams – if this is the case, remind your clients that the rugby fixtures being held at smaller venues will be a chance for the provinces to shine and they’ll be doing everything they can to make sure they put on a great party! But for passionate rugby fans, there really is only one way to experience the Rugby World Cup 2011. Hundreds of passionate supporters will be embarking on the road trip of a lifetime, following their favourite team all around the country and taking the opportunity to explore the far corners of New Zealand along the way. If your clients are interested in this approach, make bookings as soon as you possibly can as rental vehicles may be in short supply by September.

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Welcome to the Party

Coinciding with the Rugby World Cup, the REAL New Zealand Festival will showcase the best of the nation’s entertainment, arts, food and wine, heritage and lifestyle. Rugby Fan Zones will also be established all over the country, offering a great alternative to being at the game, with mini rugby grounds and big screens, fan stands, food stalls and post-match entertainment. ‘The Cloud’ at Queens Wharf in Auckland will be the main Fan Zone and can host up to 6,000 fans in a spectacular waterfront location. Wellington’s Rugby Village will be centred around the Wharewaka (Canoe House). With Christchurch’s planned Fan Zone, Cathedral Square, damaged in an earthquake on 22 February 2011, the city will now host a massive Rugby Village at North Hagley Park to celebrate the Christchurch rugby festival.

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Fixtures

Group matches (around New Zealand) 9 September – 2 October

Quarter finals (Wellington) 8/9 October

Semis (Auckland) 15/16 October

Final (Auckland) 23 October

Find out details of group matches and venues around New Zealand at www.rugbyworldcup.com/home/fixtures/poolstage.html.

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REAL New Zealand Festival

Running right from 9 September to 23 October 2011, this celebration of all things New Zealand will offer exciting events all around the country. www.nz2011.govt.nz

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