Recreation & Sport

Rugby World Cup 2011 will be a chance to experience and relive New Zealand’s rich rugby heritage with a series of REAL New Zealand Festival nostalgic exhibitions and events surrounding the tournament.

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.

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.

The 18 Great Rides of Nga Haerenga - the New Zealand Cycle Trail, have gone global with a new website just launched in Queenstown.

The Lake Track cycle trail along the western shores of Lake Taupo has received a cash injection in the final stage of becoming one of the 18 Great Rides of Nga Haerenga, the New Zealand Cycle Trail.

Glow worms, great food, black water rafting and bungy jumping have left US pop star Katy Perry raving, and in love with New Zealand after her first visit.

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.

Top international snow and ice sports athletes are due to descend on New Zealand’s Southern Alps this winter, for 16 days of cool action in the 100% Pure New Zealand Winter Games.

While it's all about fun, the American Express Queenstown Winter Festival – rated one of the world's top 10 'must-see' festivals – has also revealed a serious side as a major money spinner.

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.