This year, New Zealand hosts the 2011 Rugby World Cup throughout the north and south islands in various sports arenas. If you know a thing or two about rugby, then you'd know why New Zealand is a suitable host. For one, rugby is New Zealand’s national sport and their home team “The All Blacks” have a pretty reputable winning history. What hockey is for Canada is what rugby is for New Zealand…life!
The World Cup has been held six times since the 1987, with Australia and South Africa each winning two of them. Each match is like a United Nations run-up; teams from around the world compete on the field while their culturally colorful fans heighten the energy on the stands. Only during the Rugby World Cup will you see a semi-naked French fan in blue body paint waving around a baguette. What ever happened to team flags and noise makers?
World Cup goers definitely get a taste for world culture in each match. The NZ “All Blacks” start each game with a traditional Maori war dance called the “Haka”. The dance is intended to intimidate the opposing team, but also give recognition to New Zealand’s native people. Games kicked off in Auckland with the All Blacks vs Tonga on September 9th and will continue through late October.
So who are the rugby fans?
The national airline…
This kid
Grandma and Grandpa (but not mine)
And now: ME!
Still don’t know what I’m talking about? Watch the 2009 movie “Invictus” starring Matt Damon. The entire story line is about the South African team who were the 2007 World Cup qinners… You’ll learn a little about South African politics while you're at it.
Not a rugby fan yet? No Problem. Not-so-rugby-fans can explore what the scenic New Zealand has to offer. Believe it or not, New Zealand invented a few of the dare-deviling adventures we know today like bunjee jumping and zorbing. New Zealand has something for everyone from the adventure enthusiast to the nature-hating prim and pampered soul. (I’m a little bit of both) Thus, it made sense to make it a "long weekender" trip.
Despite the 15+ hour flight, a half day pitstop in Australia, and the acquired zombie feeling from all the travel time, watching my first rugby game in the heat of the biggest championship was well worth the long trek and sore bum. It is currently New Zealand's spring time, which is the equivalent of a mild San Francisco winter. And with our luck, it rained for the first time in months during the match between France and Canada. Fans say that the poor weather gave Canada a “lucky advantage” (they still lost).
Tips to maximizing your stay:
- Rent a car: The games are spread out throughout the north and south island if you choose to catch a few. You can tour much of the north island in a few days, and store your luggage (or yourself) in the back in case you can't find a hotel. Many of the scenic lookout points are a good 2-4hr hike and take much of your day if you choose to do by foot.
- Choose a different hotel each night: I was able to explore majority of New Zealand in 4 days though I had to choose between one of two major cities: Auckland and Wellington. I opted for Wellington which gave me the opportunity to take the long scenic drive through Napier, Hastings, Rotorua, and Taupo. You might be as lucky as to score the same hotel as one of the teams (We did!)
- Pre game! Alcohol and food can get pricey at the stadium. Enjoy a pre-game drink and food and nearby venues. You'll make friends to hang out with after the game (pending you both are rooting for the same team)
