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Rugby World Cup 2011: host centres

Kiwi communities, big and small, in 24 towns throughout New Zealand are preparing to share in the excitement of Rugby World Cup 2011.

The centres chosen - 16 in the North Island, eight in the South Island - will host at least one of the 20 participating teams.

And, in typical Kiwi style, each community has big plans on how they want to ensure their local welcome is the best in the land.

Stadium of four million
The 24 host centres will spread the excitement of the tournament and bring to life the promised stadium of four million, says Rugby New Zealand 2011 Ltd (RNZ 2011) chief executive Martin Snedden.

"We as a nation are passionate about rugby so it’s fantastic that we can bring RWC 2011 to the backyards of so much of New Zealand," Snedden said.

"Teams will be able to experience more of New Zealand’s rich culture and spectacular scenery and these hosting communities will be able to showcase themselves, their hospitality and attractions to the world."

Each host centre will participate in the wider REAL New Zealand Festival which will take place throughout New Zealand during the tournament.

Guide to RWC host centres (north to south):

Kerikeri - a cruisy little town in the Bay of Islands, close to the birthplace of the nation, will host Canada, Tonga and Japan.
Whangarei - the city of Whangarei, on Northland's southern fringe, is preparing a sub-tropical welcome for Canada, Tonga and Japan.
Auckland / Rodney / North Shore - these three centres in the greater Auckland region will host 12 visiting teams (Japan, Namibia, Samoa, France, South Africa, Australia, England, Fiji, Ireland, Italy, Scotland, Tonga) and each of the 34 local communities that make up the super-city plans to adopt a team.
Hamilton - New Zealand’s caving capital will host the Fiji, Japan, Samoa and Wales teams, and generous local hosts are offering free beds to visiting international fans.
Tauranga / Mt Maunganui - home to the kiwifruit, the sunny Bay of Plenty region will ensure a warm and tasty welcome for the Fiji, Russia and Samoa teams.
Rotorua - locals are preparing an authentic welcome for Fiji, Ireland, Namibia, Russia and Samoa in New Zealand’s bubbling tourist destination.
New Plymouth - the Taranaki region will put on its festive arty best for Ireland, Namibia, Russia, Wales and USA.
Taupo - the central North Island lakeside resort is planning family events and a relaxing holiday atmosphere to welcome Ireland, South Africa and Wales.
Gisborne - on the North Island’s east coast, the locals are planning to win Namibia's hearts with a series of grassroots events.
Napier - colourful Art Deco Napier is going to roll out the bunting in all quarters to support Canada, France and Japan.
Palmerston North - the Manawatu region is going for "big bang events" as it hosts Argentina, Georgia and Romania.
Wanganui - to welcome team USA, historic Wanganui is planning a six-week Real Whanganui Festival showcasing vibrant regional arts and Maori culture.
Masterton - the boutique Wairarapa wine region will offer fine, wine and the best local hospitality to Georgia.
Wellington - New Zealand’s cultural capital is planning a festival atmosphere, rugby-friendly zones, a waterfront party central and a grand welcome for 10 teams (Argentina, Australia, Canada, Fiji, France, Scotland, South Africa, Tonga, Wales, USA).
Nelson - the top of the South Island will host Australia, Russia, USA and Italy with long lunches, late dinners, and two fan zones.
Blenheim - in Marlborough wine country, the locals are preparing for a Russian immersion with language lessons, special events, and local tasting.
Hanmer Springs - Australia will be able to take advantage of New Zealand’s premier alpine spa destination and magnificent vistas.
Christchurch - Cantabrians will get their slice of the sporting action when the All Blacks spend five days training in Christchurch, along with day / night action at Hagley Park’s giant fan zone.
Ashburton - rural Canterbury will be a-flutter with kilometres of bunting, and a "first class" rugby welcome for Romania.
Queenstown - New Zealand’s adventure capital will host Georgia, Ireland, Romania and England for a total of 22 nights, and an inexhaustible list of attractions.
Dunedin - the ‘Edinburgh of the South’ will pour out a Gaelic welcome for England, Argentina, Georgia, Ireland, Italy and Romania and their fans.
Invercargill - plans to turn on some famous ‘southern hospitality’ for teams and supporters from Argentina, Scotland, Georgia and Romania.

All Blacks
The All Blacks will be based in four locations: Auckland, Hamilton, Wellington and Christchurch.

More information

RWC 2011 match venues

A REAL New Zealand Festival

Events

Rugby World Cup 2011: host centres

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