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.

Rugby World Cup will leave an ongoing heritage in New Zealand long after this year’s event is over – thanks to a native tree planting project involving some of the country’s legendary rugby players.

A road trip, aimed at taking rugby’s greatest prizes back to the grassroots of the game, in what will be the most important year for the sport in New Zealand, has begun its 26-province tour.

Three of the five Rugby World Cup pool matches that were to have been held in Christchurch, but have had to be moved because of the February earthquake, will remain in the South Island.

With just over five months to go until New Zealand welcomes visitors for Rugby World Cup 2011, it’s ‘game on’ for the construction industry especially along the changing face of Auckland city’s waterfront.

Rugby World Cup visitors will leave New Zealand with two words – kia ora – firmly embedded in their vocabulary, if the Māori culture-rich region of Rotorua has its way.

Auckland is on 'Cloud' nine, Wellington’s launching a waka, Nelson’s taking a long Italian lunch, Bluff’s reserving the juiciest oysters, Westland’s celebrating whitebait, and wineries all over New Zealand are dusting off their vintage best.

A super-sized Māori haka, staged simultaneously in New Zealand’s four main cities, will unite Kiwis in sending a powerful message of strength and support for the people of Christchurch.

Hagley Park in Christchurch will become a giant fan zone and festival area during Rugby World Cup 2011 providing a central venue for rugby-mad Cantabrians and visitors keen to be part of the major event.

A team of All Blacks rugby legends will play a feature match against some famous old French rivals in Queenstown this September in a clash of the “classics” to celebrate New Zealand’s rugby heritage.