Destination Profile of New Zealand
New Zealand
The Land of the Long White Cloud
A fascinating country, New Zealand or Aotearoa (Maori for ‘the land of the long white cloud’) brims with breathtaking scenery and is one of the most beautiful and unspoilt countries in the world.
There is plenty to explore and discover, from the stunning scenery of the south to the Maori folklore, hot springs and volcanoes of the north. Not to mention the vibrant cities which are hotbeds of Rugby or the vast range of adrenalin-filled activities for which New Zealand is famed.
Kiwis are famous for the warm welcome they extend to overseas visitors and in a country where Rugby is the national religion, you can be sure your experience of Rugby World Cup 2011, New Zealand, will be unforgettable.
Auckland
Auckland is New Zealand’s largest city with a population in excess of 1.5 million. Nicknamed the ‘City of Sails’ thanks to its waterside location and spectacular harbour which has fostered the locals’ passion for the sea, Auckland hosted the America’s Cup back in 1999 and 2003 so it is well used to big sporting events. The surrounding countryside is stunning, with rugged beaches on the west coast and beautiful sheltered beaches on the east coast. Dining out in Auckland is a treat as the local food and wine are outstanding.
Auckland is home to New Zealand’s largest stadium, Eden Park, which is being redeveloped for Rugby World Cup 2011 to increase seating capacity from 48,000 to 65,000. Eden Park’s other claim to fame is that this is where the first tournament, Rugby World Cup 1987, kicked off in May 1987.
Auckland takes centre stage again during Rugby World Cup 2011 as Eden Park hosts the opening match of the Tournament, New Zealand v Tonga, as well as both semi-finals, the Bronze Final and the Final. Various pool matches will be played at both Eden Park and North Harbour Stadium meaning the city will be buzzing with international Rugby visitors throughout The Tournament. In fact, a modern, multipurpose structure is to be constructed on Queens Wharf as part of Rugby World Cup 2011’s ‘Fan Zone’ – it will be a central meeting place for Rugby supporters.
Bay of Islands
The birthplace of modern New Zealand, the Bay of Islands was once a bustling seafaring and political base established by the first missionaries. This is where Maori and European cultures blended and where New Zealand’s founding document, the Treaty of Waitangi, was signed between the British Crown and about 540 Maori chiefs on 6 February 1840. The treaty can be viewed in the Treaty House at Waitangi and that significant day is still commemorated with a public holiday.
The scenery of the Bay of Islands region is spectacular, with sheltered waters and white sandy beaches, making it a popular cruising destination and one of New Zealand’s top holiday playgrounds. You can swim with dolphins and enjoy a myriad of water sports such as diving and fishing and it is an international hub for big game fishing immortalised by American author, Zane Gray, in the 1930s.
Blenheim
In the north east of the South Island, Blenheim has long offered a safe harbour for travellers back to the original Maori traders and warriors and explorers like Captain Cook. Today, however, visitors now seek out Blenheim as an unspoilt haven for gourmet food, wines and adventure activities. Blenheim enjoys one of New Zealand’s sunniest climates and the surrounding region is the centre of New Zealand’s renowned wine industry, where the famous Marlborough sauvignon blanc variety is grown.
Christchurch
The original home of New Zealand Rugby, Christchurch is the heart of the South Island. It is a vibrant and beautiful city, otherwise known as the ‘Garden City’, thanks to its famous and centrally located Botanic Gardens and Hagley Park. The surrounding region offers striking mountain ranges, endless beaches and rolling countryside and the city is a great base from where you can indulge in the active pursuits for which New Zealand is famous, from skiing and mountain biking, to river jet boating, golfing, hot air ballooning and whale watching.
Stadium Christchurch, the premier stadium in the South Island, is enjoying a makeover for Rugby World Cup 2011 to take capacity from 38,000 to 45,000. Five pool games and two quarter-finals are to be hosted at the stadium: this is where the England team is based during their first two matches and where they hope to play in the quarter-finals, as do Argentina, France, New Zealand and Scotland.
Dunedin
Near the foot of the South Island, tourism is Dunedin’s second largest industry after education, so you will not be short of activities during your stay. Dunedin is home to New Zealand’s largest university (University of Otago) and it is packed with historic Victorian and Edwardian architecture, cafés, bars, art galleries and shopping. Previous settlers include an unexpected mix of early Maoris, Scottish pioneers and Chinese gold miners. During Rugby World Cup 2011, the town can expect ‘settlers’ to include the Scots again and the English at different stages. The great outdoors is right on the doorstep and the world’s rarest penguins, a mainland albatross colony, fur seals and sea lions can be found just half an hour away from the city centre.
Hamilton
Wales play at Waikato Stadium twice during the pool phase of the Tournament, so host city Hamilton will become home to Welsh supporters for a while. Situated on the banks of the mighty Waikato River, Hamilton has a rich history and is the service town to the important dairy farming region surrounding it. Huge factories produce dairy products like milk, cheese and powdered milk extracts which are exported around the world.
There is plenty to do in and around Hamilton and many iconic attractions are within easy reach including Waitomo Caves where the intrepid can go black water rafting, the Hobbiton film set, Raglan’s surf coast and the historic Te Aroha Mineral Pools. Or, if time allows, you could take a tandem skydive, go abseiling or up in a balloon, or visit a farm.
Invercargill
Nestled on the southern coast of the South Island, the city of Invercargill hosts Scotland’s first pool match. A two and a half hour drive from Dunedin, Invercargill has a number of lively bars, restaurants and cafés to enjoy.
First settled by Europeans in the late 1700s, the city is renowned for its mix of Victorian, Edwardian and Art Deco buildings and its Scottish heritage is evident in the main streets names – many of which are named after Scottish rivers. Be sure to try the Bluff oysters when in Invercargill, claimed by the locals to be the best in the world.
New Plymouth
Wales and Ireland both visit New Plymouth during the pool phase of The Tournament to play at Stadium Taranaki. New Plymouth is the major city of the Taranaki region on the west coast of the North Island and named after Plymouth in Devon from where the first English settlers came.
Notable features are the botanic gardens at Pukekura Park, the 7km coastal walkway alongside the Tasman Sea, the Len Lyedesigned 45 metre tall artwork known as the Wind Wand, and spectacular views of Mt Taranaki (formerly known as Mt Egmont).
A must-see for gardeners is the world-renowned Rhododendron Trust at Pukeiti on the slopes of Mt Taranaki which will be on spectacular show during September and October which is spring time in New Zealand.
Queenstown
Nestled on the shores of Lake Wakatipu and surrounded by majestic mountains aptly named The Remarkables, Queenstown is New Zealand’s premier leisure destination. For eating out and socialising, you are spoilt for choice with over 150 bars, restaurants and cafés at your disposal and easy access to Central Otago wineries. Furthermore, Queenstown lives up to its reputation as the adrenalin centre of New Zealand with skydiving, bungy jumping, jet boating, canyon swinging, whitewater rafting, parapenting and heli-skiing available for those who dare. If that’s not your scene, then the walking, sailing, hiking, cycling and golf are all great ways to enjoy the fresh air and outstanding scenery without shattering your nerves. Queenstown is the base from which you can explore Fiordland National Park, Milford and Doubtful Sounds and enjoy its famous guided walks, the Milford Track and the Hollyford Track.
Rotorua
With its unique volcanic landscape, living Maori culture, natural hot springs and plenty of options for adventure, Rotorua is one of New Zealand’s most famous destinations. Make sure you indulge in the fabulous warm mud baths whilst you are here – if that doesn’t make you feel invigorated, the cold shower to clean off the mud will! You will receive a warm welcome everywhere you go in New Zealand but here in Rotorua there is no mistaking it, ‘Rotorua – feel the spirit – Manaakitanga’ is the local slogan: Manaakitanga is a deep rooted Maori concept which places responsibility on your hosts to give the best of themselves, their time and their history and something the locals take seriously. Furthermore, the spirit of Rugby World Cup 2011 will be in town too as Rotorua International Stadium hosts three pool matches, including Ireland’s match against Russia.
Taupo
Situated on the edge of Lake Taupo, Australasia’s largest inland lake was created by one of the world’s biggest volcanic eruptions millennia ago. The town is the perfect base from which to explore the local area: popular activities include fishing for rainbow and brown trout on the lake or in tributary rivers and streams, jet boating along the Waikato River to Huka Fulls, skiing on Mt Ruapehu, soaking in a thermal hot pool or golfing on one of the area’s fabulous golf courses. For something different, Taupo is also a centre for deer and pig hunting in the surrounding forests and bush. Or you can simply put your feet up and enjoy hokey pokey ice cream on the side of the lake like a local and take in the spectacular views across the lake towards three active volcanoes: Mt Tongariro (968m), Mt Ngauruhoe (2291m) and the North Island’s highest mountain, Mt Ruapehu (2797m).
Tauranga
Tauranga sits at the entrance to a beautiful natural harbour in the Bay of Plenty, aptly named by Captain Cook. It is a thriving commercial centre and one of New Zealand’s fastest growing communities. Known for its good food, especially seafood and fresh produce, Tauranga offers stylish shopping, cafés and bars on its waterfront. The climate is mild year-round, enabling orchards growing kiwi fruit, apples and citrus fruits to prosper. The regions beaches are a draw for swimmers, surfers, kayakers and kitesurfers throughout the year with the famous Mt Maunganui beach producing some of the best and most consistent surfing breaks on the coast of New Zealand.
A Maori fortress for hundreds of years, Mt Maunganui itself is a local landmark which stands proudly at the narrow entrance to the harbour. Today it is a popular climb for locals and visitors alike and spectacular views of the harbour and beaches can be enjoyed from its summit.
Wellington
Located on the shores of a beautiful natural harbour and surrounded by rolling green hills, Wellington is the capital city of New Zealand, home to parliament and the civil service. A city of charm and character that’s small enough to be explored on foot, yet large enough to be cultured, Wellington calls itself the best little capital in the world. Wellington knows how to put on a party with the waterfront area and Courtenay Place being the centres of the social scene with plenty of bars, cafés and a superb range of restaurants from which to choose. Furthermore, it is a friendly and welcoming city with a great lifestyle, moderate climate and a lively atmosphere when Rugby is in town.
Wellington has a great Rugby World Cup 2011 draw with Wellington Regional Stadium, or ‘the Cake Tin’ as it’s known, hosting five pool matches and two quarter-finals. New Zealand themselves play here during the pools against Canada and other nations enjoying the unique atmosphere of this stadium within the city centre are Australia, Fiji, France, South Africa, Tonga, USA and Wales. The quarter-finals potentially see Wales, Ireland, Australia and Rugby World Cup 2007 Champions, South Africa coming head-to-head as the knock-out stages begin.
Stopovers
Fiji
From one passionate Rugby country to another, just a three hour flight from Auckland lies tropical Fiji and its 333 beautiful islands. Turquoise seas and white sandy beaches await – your only task is to unwind into ‘Fiji time’, as the locals say.
Spend your holiday enjoying day trips visiting the many nearby islands or simply relax at resort. The Sabeto Valley Hot Springs and Mud Pool are worth a visit and there are plenty of waters sports available, including fantastic diving and snorkelling on Fiji’s coral reefs.
You cannot fail to be affected by the overwhelming friendliness of the Fijians and will not want to leave this tropical paradise once you are here.
Hong Kong
Hong Kong has a vibrant, dynamic atmosphere and there’s so many things to enjoy in this cultural melting pot. Not to be missed is a trip on the Star Ferry to Kowloon followed by high tea at the Peninsula Hotel and we also recommend taking a tram ride to the top of Victoria Peak for breathtaking views, horseracing at Happy Valley and an excursion to the fishing village of Aberdeen.
Santa Monica, Los Angeles, USA
The beach city of Santa Monica is a great base for discovering all the sights of Los Angeles or just relaxing in the sun, which is plentiful during the months of September and October – Santa Monica enjoys an average of 310 days of sunshine a year and September is the city’s warmest month.
Enjoy overlooking Santa Monica’s famous pier – the scene of many a Hollywood movie. From here popular attractions like Hollywood Boulevard, Universal Studios, Rodeo Drive and Venice Beach – home of Muscle Beach are all easily accessible. Or for something a bit different, why not try a guided segway tour around Santa Monica – a fun way to see the area.
Samoa
A four hour flight from Auckland, Samoa is a postcard of natural beauty – it is made up of 10 islands often referred to as the Treasured Islands of the South Pacific, the main island is Upolu, home to the capital, Apia. There are a number of diverse environments to explore including the lush rainforest, rugged volcanic landscapes, cascading waterfalls and sparkling white sandy beaches. The Samoans are proud of their cultural heritage, the Fa’a Samoa (the Samoan way of life) remains strong and a visit here is a fascinating insight into authentic Polynesian culture.
Samoa is a charming South Pacific stopover and tourism is still developing here, making it ideal for the more seasoned traveller. If that’s you, then give this up and coming Rugby nation a try.
Singapore
A stopover in Singapore offers a good taste of Asia. It may appear small but don’t be deceived – its compact size belies its status as a thriving commercial centre and it boasts the busiest port in the world.
Discover the renowned Orchard Road – the retail and entertainment hub of the city. Enjoying a Singapore Sling cocktail at the famous Raffles Hotel is a must and, as you will see, the Colonial legacy is much in evidence – a sightseeing tour will orientate you with the impressive City Hall, Cricket Club and Supreme Court.
Sydney, Australia
If you haven’t been to Australia before then there has never been a better opportunity; don’t leave New Zealand without a stopover here if that's you.
There is so much to see and do in and around Sydney – head to the top of Sydney Harbour Bridge on the legendary BridgeClimb for an unforgettable experience and panoramic views of the city, visit the magnificent Blue Mountains, catch a ferry over to Manly and watch the surfers on one of the world’s most famous beaches – Bondi.
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