Rugby World Cup 2011: match venues
Twelve towns and cities throughout New Zealand will host matches during the 2011 Rugby World Cup.
The geographical spread - from Whangarei in the top of the North Island to Invercargill at the bottom of the South Island - reflects the New Zealand Rugby Union's (NZRU) desire to make the tournament a nationally supported event.
All venues will host at least two games.
Kick off - 9 September, 2011
The 2011 Rugby World Cup tournament will kick off at Eden Park in Auckland on 9 September 2011; the final match will be played in the same venue on 23 October 2011.
The IRB Rugby World Cup is the third-largest sports event in the world. The inaugural tournament took place in 1987 and it is held every four years.
Match venues
The match venues (from north to south) are:
• Whangarei
• North Shore
• Auckland
• Hamilton
• Rotorua
• New Plymouth
• Napier
• Palmerston North
• Wellington
• Nelson
• Dunedin
• Invercargill
Background: 2011 Rugby World Cup match venues
Whangarei
Whangarei - halfway between Auckland and New Zealand’s northern tip - is the regional launching pad for New Zealand’s far north, a narrow stretch of land surrounded by unspoilt coastline and a seaside playground offering adventure or escape. Birthplace of the modern nation, the region has a rich Māori and early European heritage.
North Shore
North Shore City - New Zealand’s fourth largest city - is a ferry ride or quick drive over the harbour bridge from Auckland’s downtown, and home to many ‘Aucklanders’. This vibrant city inhabits an ancient volcanic landscape fringed by sandy beaches with spectacular coastal views of the Hauraki Gulf and its islands.
Auckland city
Auckland’s big city blend of harbour, islands, Polynesian culture and modern downtown has created a unique urban outdoors lifestyle. Natural assets make it a great destination for land and water activities - from bungy to sailing, casino to wildlife experiences, food and wines - or getting away from it all on island sanctuaries.
Hamilton
Hamilton - bustling commercial centre of the lush Waikato farming region - is a fast-growing university city on the banks of the mighty Waikato River. The Waikato is the home to the Māori royal family, the vast Waitomo cave system, the Hobbiton film set, and one of New Zealand’s great rugby regions.
Rotorua
Rotorua’s natural thermal wonderland has been home to the Te Arawa Māori tribe since ancient times. It’s also the birthplace of New Zealand tourism since the 1880s when tourists from the world over flocked to view the amazing Pink and White Terraces. The terraces disappeared in a massive volcanic eruption in 1886, but the town on the shores of Lake Rotorua is still an adventure, cultural and spa destination like no other.
New Plymouth
New Plymouth, beneath Mount Taranaki’s snow-cap and overlooking the wild Tasman Sea, is an all-year round adventure centre for surfers, snow sports enthusiasts and wild country adventurers. The city also offers a vibrant creative and cultural scene, great cafés, award-winning gardens and nature walks.
Napier
Napier - famed for its extensive collection of Art Deco architecture - is the centre of Hawke’s Bay wine country. With its sunny, Mediterranean-style climate, Hawke’s Bay is New Zealand’s leading producer of red wine, and also known for its artisan gourmet foods, glorious beaches and rugged Cape Kidnappers gannet colony.
Palmerston North
Palmerston North, on the banks of the Manawatu river, has the world’s first dedicated rugby museum - a must-see destination for rugby fans. Between mountains and the sea, this university town is also the stepping off point for many authentic New Zealand experiences inspired by rural life and fresh-air adventures.
Wellington city
Wellington is New Zealand’s creative as well as capital city - a vibrant inner city mix of lively cafés and restaurants, boutique shopping, heritage buildings, museums and galleries, and entertainment venues, all a few steps in any direction. Nestled between harbour and hills, the city also boasts a world famous wildlife sanctuary, easy access to outdoor activities and an enthusiastic sporting culture.
Nelson
Nelson, a sunny pocket paradise in the northern South Island, is home to many of New Zealand’s best artists and craftspeople, including traditional and contemporary Māori artists. Artistic works are often inspired by the region’s luscious coastal, forest and valley landscapes. Food, wine and some of New Zealand’s finest walking tracks are also part of the Nelson experience.
Dunedin
Dunedin’s strong Scottish heritage is a unique colonial experience. On dramatic hills above a natural harbour, the city has been home to Maori, whalers, gold-miners and migrants from Scotland, China and other distant places. One of the world’s best preserved Victorian / Edwardian cities, Dunedin is also incredible for its local wildlife - the world's rarest penguins, an albatross colony, fur seals and sea lions.
Invercargill
Invercargill, Southland’s well preserved little city, serves up its own special brand of ‘southern hospitality’ to visitors who make it to New Zealand’s deep south. Locals are proud of their independent ‘can-do’ attitude, the famous Bluff oyster from the depths of Foveaux Strait, and some of New Zealand’s most spectacular ecological marvels - Stewart Island and the Catlins Coast.
More information:
2011 Rugby World Cup returns to NZ
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