Auckland

As Scotland prepares to meet England in their Rugby World Cup pool clash at Eden Park tomorrow night (1.10.2011), the skirl of Scottish pipes hit a high note in Auckland this week.

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.

It’s only four days until the seventh Rugby World Cup kicks-off in Auckland on Friday (09.09.2011), and rugby fever is kicking in all over New Zealand.

All Black coach Graham Henry has revealed his 30-man squad for the Rugby World Cup - 17 days out from kick off.

Night skies above New Zealand’s biggest city will glow with the colours of the world, as Sky City’s Sky Tower lights up to welcome 20 teams for the Rugby World Cup.

True fans believe that rugby is art, so it's no surprise to find that the game has also inspired some significant new art installations for Rugby World Cup 2011.

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.

The ‘Robertson Promised Gift’ – a private art collection owned by billionaire New Zealand luxury lodge owners, the Robertson family – is to go on show for the first time at the newly refurbished Auckland Art Gallery.

Whale watching is a year round pastime in New Zealand but come winter, the popular activity takes on a more serious role, and this year a busy migration period is providing valuable data as well as entertainment.

The last of the tickets for Rugby World Cup 2011 have gone on sale and are going quickly as New Zealand continues to ramp up preparations for hosting the major event.