Rugby World Cup

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.

Sir Richard Branson – in New Zealand to catch the finals of the Rugby World Cup – has been seen out on Auckland waters testing an innovative form of Kiwi transport.

Auckland’s streets are teaming with Gallic and Kiwi pride in anticipation of the Rugby World Cup final as the two rugby hemispheres unite in a weekend to remember.

Traditional Māori culture and 21st century New Zealand innovation have added a new dimension for rugby fans exploring Auckland’s waterfront at Waka Māori.

Winning or losing aside ... off the field and away from the pressures, New Zealand’s great outdoors has provided some amazing experiences for Rugby World Cup players between matches.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.