Southland

Essential to the New Zealand experience is the unique sound of the beautiful song birds heard in forests, hills and backyards all over the country.

Thirteen host towns and cities in different New Zealand regions will help fill the 'stadium of four million' promised by the New Zealand Rugby Union for the 2011 Rugby World Cup.

Rugby World Cup excitement is spreading as communities from the north to the south of New Zealand react enthusiastically to the announcement of team hosting venues for the 2011 event.

Passionate rugby fans and hospitable Kiwi hosts all over New Zealand are throwing down the Rugby World Cup 2011 welcome mat – nowhere more so than in the 24 communities that will officially host rugby teams.

Birds have a special place in the folklore of New Zealand Maori, who believed the graceful winged creatures to be messengers from the spirit world.

Environmentally-aware tourists interested in off-the-beaten-track travel are monitoring progress on New Zealand’s national cycleway project, an ambitious project that’s due to begin development in November 2009.

Background information on the host centres for the 2011 Rugby World Cup in New Zealand.

Background information on the match venues for the 2011 Rugby World Cup in New Zealand.

The smallest and rarest species of dolphin, the Hector’s dolphin, is undergoing a population boost due to conservation work at the dolphin sanctuary at Banks Peninsula.

Set-jetting movie buffs on the trail of favourite characters will find plenty to do in the iconic New Zealand landscapes that have supported many Hollywood blockbusters and international hits.