Events

Today (9.9.2011) is the day that New Zealand has been waiting a long time for – the flags are flying, the fans are in town, and Rugby World Cup is ready to roll.

The birthplace of New Zealand rugby – Nelson in the South Island – turned the clock back 141 years today (20.9.2011) with an authentic re-enactment of the first game.

Joy and solemn ceremony brought an epic 136-year journey to an end this week when a treasured Māori wharenui or carved meeting house was reopened in its rightful New Zealand home.

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.

From New Zealand’s deep south to the far north, the inaugural Tour of New Zealand – scheduled for 14 to 21 April 2012 – is destined to put a new spin on cycling New Zealand.

A leading New Zealand boutique wine-producing region is opening its cellar doors to rugby tourists with a rare behind-the-scenes festival event that’s set to reveal some inner secrets.

Tickets for New Zealand’s premier wine, food and music event - Toast Martinborough – sold out in just 24 minutes when released for sale this week.

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

Kicked into touch on home ground for the first time – in Auckland’s Queen’s Wharf Rugby World Cup fan zone – Tourism New Zealand’s giant rugby ball has broken all previous visitor records.

When New Zealand’s pohutukawa tree lights up with crimson blooms, Kiwis know that summer’s here and the festive season is just around the corner.