2011 RUGBY WORLD CUP™ NEW ZEALAND
The World Cup is one of the most popular sports events across the globe and in 2011 the World Cup is in New Zealand – from September 09 to October 23. Thirteen cities will host 48 games in a 44 day period. And only one team will prevail as Rugby World Cup 2011 Champion.
Rugby is a passion for so many New Zealanders, that the world cup is coming down under to a real 'spiritual home'.
Twenty top teams will participate in the Rugby Union Tournament after being qualified. To date 24 countries have participated in the phenomenal event of 2011 Rugby World Cup and it continues to be a remarkable experience!
Eighteen teams have been allocated for the 2011 Rugby World Cup. They are Argentina, Australia, England, Fiji, France, Ireland, Italy, New Zealand, Scotland, South Africa, Tonga, Wales, Canada, Georgia, Namibia, Russia, Samoa and United States.
The Rugby World Cup 2011 will be staged at 13 venues across 13 exciting Northern and Southern New Zealand cities in various parts of the country - Auckland, Christchurch, Dunedin, Hamilton, Invercargill, Napier, Nelson, New Plymouth, North Shore (Auckland), Palmerston North, Rotorua, Wellington, and Whangarei.
Some information on the host Cities:
Auckland, the largest city in New Zealand, is located on a narrow strip of land between the Waitemata and Manukau Harbors, surrounded by hilly ranges and dormant volcano cones. Here you get the best of both worlds on the east side of the city you have the lovely relaxing white sanded beach, and the west side is going to have more of the city, party type atmosphere. Also, Auckland has one of the most beautiful and exciting building in the area, the Sky Tower, where you can enjoy the beautiful skyline on the observation desk and/or restaurant or you could go a little wild and bungee jump the 192-meter tower!
Christchurch is placed beautifully on the eastern side of the South Island of New Zealand with the Pacific Ocean on the right and the Canterbury plains on the left. Heard to be one of the most livable cities in New Zealand, Christchurch locals know how fortunate they are to live in such an easy-going charming city, but still having the all the excitement and attractions of the city. Although, if the city is too much for you: - you can always enjoy the tranquility of one of the many gardens in the area. Known as the Garden City for the very reason of having a large variety of lavish gardens and parks.
Secluded nicely by the surrounding hills of the Otago Harbor is where you will find Dunedin. Unique to say that least, this city has the comfortable small town feel with the lively reputation of a college party town. Another upside of Dunedin is the food, offering an array of restaurants where you can pamper your stomach with something other than the common noodles you can find almost everywhere else. Said to be the "coolest" city in the South Island's is not just a place where you can find a good drink and party, but also where you can find yourself an assortment of the islands most interesting wildlife.
Built around the gorgeous Waikato River, Hamilton is one of the new up and coming cities in New Zealand. Once only known for agriculture, is now known for much more. The relaxing atmosphere present is a good place to kick back and relax at one of the many local hot spots. Hamilton is also where you can find an original New Zealand dining experience with an assortment of fresh food right from the area. The wine selection there is known for its excellence, mostly the whites, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc, but the reds are making their way up to the top of the list as well.
Set at the foot of the South Island of New Zealand is the warm, friendly hospitality of Invercargill. Combining the cultural attractions, an invigorating city life, and outstanding nature reserves and parks Invercargill is one of the most stop spots in New Zealand. Attractions that stretch from excellent shopping to lively cafes, restaurants and bars. Explore the city and many of the fine museums, art galleries and parks available in the area. There are also short trip that can be taken to one of the bush reserves, beaches or gardens on Invercargill's outskirts. This city is one of the places that will give visitors all the benefits of city life with few of the disadvantages.
On the east side of the North Island in the Hawke's Bay area in beautiful New Zealand is where you will find Napier, a quaint remote city, also known as the Art Deco City. In the early 1930s there was a need to rebuild and that is when older Victorian look was out and the new Art Deco architecture was in. Art Deco's expresses all the energy and optimism of the roaring twenties, and the impracticality and escapism of the grim thirties. More than just amazing architecture there are more than 50 wineries, plus almost any restaurant you find here will have all fresh local meats and fruits.
Stretched along the coast of the South Island of New Zealand is the relaxing exciting city of Nelson. Due to the geography, Nelson is equipped with popular activities for those adventurous tourists. Activities such as caving, kayaking, and hiking make the region a natural playground for those who desire to get on the unbeaten track. Nelson is not only for the adventurous types, it is also for those who are artsy. The pubs, galleries and hip cafés set the scene for creative discourse; a vigorous coffee culture keeps the locals humming.
Seated on the west coast of the North Island, New Plymouth is a modern city with wonderful urban amenities set against the stunning landscape that stretches from the Tasman Sea to Mount Taranaki. The natural attractions in the region have boosted the international report of tourism over the years. The area has also become home to an excess of potters, craftspeople and other artists providing a large range of galleries and studios to explore. Also New Plymouth, one of the few places in the whole world where you can ski and surf all in the same day.
Situated near the heart of Auckland on the shores of the Waitemata Harbor, is the place known for its magnificent beaches, North Shore. Commonly known as "the Shore", is the link to Auckland's central business district by a short drive over Auckland Harbor Bridge or a ferry ride across Auckland Harbor. Almost entirely surrounded by sea, the city has a marvelous 140-kilometre urban coastline. Attractions here go from lively cafes and restaurants, to great sports and leisure pursuits, a thriving arts scene, to a scenic walks taken in one of the many parks, will get you associated with the city in no time.
On the banks of the Manawatu River, is Palmerston North, containing the charm of rural New Zealand with all the appeal of Palmerston North city. In the center of the city is a large reserve known as 'The Square' which has a rich and lively arts and theatre scene. The locals here are known as Palmerstonians, who affectionately renamed their city simply 'Palmy'. The rugby heritage is well known in this city, because of the New Zealand Rugby Museum. It contains one of New Zealand's biggest and most comprehensive collection of Rugby memorabilia and records, including some of the world's rarest Rugby artifacts.
Rotorua is a major-inland city in the Bay of Plenty region of the North Island of New Zealand. Visitors here have an assortment of choices to choose from whether you're looking to relax or for a thrill. If relaxing is what you're in the mood for than you can take a dip in the healing waters of the hot springs, have a therapeutic spa or massage, or a soothing mud-rap. Or, if you're in the mood for a thrill than this is also the place as well. Some of the options are; river rafting, mountain biking, jet boating, 4X4 driving, or being launchied downhill in a plastic ball or luge.
Situated on a beautiful harbor at the Southern tip of the Northern Island is the capital of New Zealand, Wellington. The culture and nightlife is what makes Wellington the undisputed party capital of New Zealand. With wall to wall restaurants, bars, art-house cinemas, live music rooms, late-night cafes and coffee shops, and cultural venues all combined to create the unrivalled energy and vibe you will find there. The capital city has managed to balance the creative enthusiasm and the institutional mindset that is critical to have when running a country.
Whangarei is where the city meets the sea. There are about 100 beaches, harbors and off-shore islands, and it is famous for diving at the Poor Knights Islands. The Whangarei Town Basin has yachts from around the world mooring there to soak up the semi tropical climate and explore the stunning coastline of Northland; there is also unique shopping there as well. Although the main shopping place is Cameron Street Mall which has charming gift shops and boutiques. Also, the nightlife is relatively relaxed there with plenty of restaurants and bars to choose from.
Match Schedule:
Pool A: New Zealand, France, Tonga, Canada, Asia 1 (announced later)
Pool B: Argentina, England, Scotland, Georgia, Final Place Playoff (announced later)
Pool C: Australia, Ireland, Italy, Russia, USA
Pool D: South Africa, Wales, Fiji, Samoa, Namibia
