Rugby World Cup

An authentic Māori cultural experience that includes sailing on a traditional waka to the Bay of Islands to celebrate Waitangi Day – New Zealand’s national holiday – is being offered by a new Auckland tour operator.

New Zealand has confirmed its reputation as a rugby-loving nation – just one day after tickets went on public sale, the 2011 Rugby World Cup has become the country’s biggest money-making event.

The best of Kiwi music will sound throughout the country during the Rugby World Cup when 50 top bands play 22 different cities as part of a REAL New Zealand Music Showcase tour.

Two Brits with a couple of bicycles are the ultimate rugby fans – Londoners Tom Hudson and Jodie Burton have cycled almost 28,000km through 28 countries to New Zealand for the Rugby World Cup tournament.

Teams arriving in New Zealand for Rugby World Cup 2011 will be embraced by the warmth of the local culture from the moment they arrive in their host regions.

Traditional Māori culture and 21st century New Zealand innovation have added a new dimension for rugby fans exploring Auckland’s waterfront at Waka Māori.

It’s no surprise to the locals, but Lonely Planet has just made it official – Wellington is “the coolest little capital in the world”.

Rugby World Cup visitors to New Zealand’s capital city Wellington are getting a giant Hollywood-styled greeting as they fly into the city.