The Ultimate New Zealand Rugby Itinerary

Of course, the perfect itinerary for experiencing RWC 2011 is all about rugby and RWC 2011 fixtures.

Naturally, it’s best to have tickets, but if you miss out, head to one of the many Fanzones in cities and towns around New Zealand. Here you can join other Rugby fans from New Zealand and around the world and watch the game on the big screen (along with live entertainment in many places).

While you travel the country, cheering for the boys on the pitch, you'll want to sample New Zealand’s top activities and attractions including, of course, the REAL New Zealand Festival. This itinerary combines the best of New Zealand with the best of rugby. All you need to do is get your hands on tickets, book your accommodation, transport and activities, and hit the road.

9 September: Kick-off in Auckland – watch New Zealand play Tonga in the stadium or in New Zealand’s biggest Fanzone at Queens Wharf.

10 September: Catch a plane to the bottom of the South Island – Scotland plays Romania in Invercargill.

11 – 17 September: Catch some REAL New Zealand Festival events at A Taste of Southland Festival before heading out to Fiordland to experience world-renowned scenery. Walking and hiking national parks, sea-kayaking or multi-day boat cruises amongst mystical fiords – you choose! When you’ve had your fill of nature, make your way to Dunedin.

18 September: Cheer for England or Georgia at Dunedin’s brand-new Forsythe Barr Stadium, at the Octagon Fanzone or in a buzzing pub full of Dunedin’s students.

19 – 26 September: Check out Dunedin’s REAL New Zealand Festival Celtic Arts Festival as well as Scottish heritage and local designer fashion before heading to the Southern Lakes region. Here you can go for the Kiwi adrenaline rush of bungy jumping. Bear in mind though, that Queenstown is not only New Zealand’s adventure capital, but is also renowned for luxury indulgence, so treat yourself!

Travel further north along the West Coast, stopping off to see glaciers snaking through rainforest or sampling local delicacies at the REAL New Zealand Festival West Coast Whitebait Festival, before crossing the island to Christchurch. Catch a rugby game on the big screen in Christchurch’s Fanzone in North Hagley Park! Finally, head up to Nelson, maybe stopping off for some whale watching in Kaikoura on the way.

27 September: Italy versus USA in Nelson – make sure you’re part on the action!

28 – 1 October: Explore the sunny Nelson region or neighbouring Marlborough. In Nelson, you can pop by the REAL New Zealand Festival RugBeer HopFest Festival, while in Marlborough you can head to the REAL New Zealand Festival Indulge Marlborough Festival. Both regions are great for inspiring nature encounters. Unwind by walking golden-sand beaches, cycling vineyards, hiking in a national park or taking a boat cruise. Then it’s time to catch a ferry/plane to the North Island.

2 October: Catch a plane up to Hamilton to catch Wales versus Fiji.

3 – 7 October: It’s time to backtrack a little. Drive down past Taranaki and work your way to Wellington. A must-do on every rugby itinerary is Palmerston North. Visit the newly revamped Rugby Museum of New Zealand and sample Kiwi culture, music and sport at the region’s REAL New Zealand Festival Our People, Our Place 2011 Festival. In the capital city, soak up New Zealand history, culture and excellent shopping and dining. A visit to New Zealand’s museum Te Papa is a highlight.

8 – 9 October: We’re now at the quarter finals! Two matches are hosted in Wellington so the capital is the place to be for rugby fanatics! Check out the Rugby Village around the renovated Wharewaka on the waterfront!

10 – 20 October: Now it’s time to head towards the heart of the North Island. After a stop-off in the famous Wairarapa wine region and in the Art Deco town of Napier (join the REAL New Zealand Festival Hawke’s Bay Art Deco Experience!), cut inland. Marvel at the volcanic plateau and go for a hike in Tongariro National Park or try spring skiing on a live volcano! Sample water activities on Australasia’s largest lake, Lake Taupo, then head on to Rotorua, the Maori culture and geothermal capital, where a Maori cultural experience and geothermal bathing are must-dos! You’re spoilt for choice, but don’t forget to catch the semi-finals on 15 and 16 October on the big screen! Head on to the coast in the Bay of Plenty. Live the Kiwi beach life before making your way up to Auckland.

21 October: It’s getting close now. Catch the bronze final at Auckland’s Eden Park Stadium or at party central, the Fanzone at Queens Wharf.

22 October: Take a trip to beach paradise of The Coromandel, to explore sandy coves by boat, on land or with a snorkel. Grab dinner from the REAL New Zealand Festival Homegrown Festival and stay the night in a beachside resort before heading back to Auckland the next day.

23 October: The big day has arrived; the day of the RWC 2011 final! Needless to say, you simply have to be part of the action. Of course every Kiwi is convinced that the national team, the All Blacks will come out as the winners. So go on, discover Auckland and help celebrate!

As the perfect end to your road trip experiencing Rugby World Cup 2011, add on the Northland loop. Beach and island paradises, ancient Kauri forests and unique wildlife plus New Zealand history await.