Rugby World Cup

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 been named as number two of the top nine destinations for 2011 by global broadcasting network CNN – coming in just behind New York.

Ticket sales for Rugby World Cup 2011 have already exceeded expectations and with still nine months to go until kick off, New Zealand can count on an influx of at least 85,000 international visitors.