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EXTENDED VERSION - 19 Day RUGBY TOUR OF NEW ZEALAND | ||
| Day One: Auckland, New Zealand | ||
| Upon arrival in Auckland city a short sightseeing tour with its spectacular views of sparkling waters and the Harbour Bridge who you why Auckland is known as The City of Sails. Depending on arrival time there may be the opportunity for a light training run. The rest of the day is yours to relax and acclimatise. | ||
| Day Two: Auckland | Training | |
| This morning’s tour includes a visit to Eden Park. It may be possible to schedule a training session on this probable venue for the final of the 2011 Rugby World Cup. This afternoon why not explore the city and visit The Champions of the World shop in Queen Street to purchase that longed for rugby souvenir. You may also like to venture up Sky Tower for 360degree views of Auckland. | ||
| Day Three: Auckland - Waitomo - Rotorua | Training | |
| Our journey south takes us through the countryside which is home to one of the greatest ever All Blacks, Colin (Pine Tree) Meads. On arrival at Waitomo Glow worm Caves we take a leisurely boat ride underground amongst the glow-worms. Our journey then meanders towards New Zealand’s geothermal hotspot, Rotorua. This is an area of natural beauty and is rich in cultural heritage. On arrival in Rotorua, time is available for a training session. Tonight prepare for lively entertainment - a traditional Hangi (feast), concert and haka. | ||
| Day Four: Rotorua | Game | |
| A free morning to make preparations for our afternoon match against a worthy local team. After our second game and after match function relax in the Polynesian Thermal Hot Pools. These natural mineral pools do wonders for tired and bruised bodies. This evening is yours to relax and take in the sights, sounds and smells of Rotorua. | ||
| Day Five: Rotorua | ||
| Today is an adventure day devoted to exploring the natural wonders of Rotorua! The gushing geysers and boiling mud pools at the Whakarewarewa Thermal Reserve, the Maori craftsmen carving wood, the entertaining Agrodome Sheep Show and Rainbow Springs to view a real live kiwi is followed by excitement and adventure. Luge rides and the Skyline gondola! For those wanting to experience more thrills the Zorb and the Swoop are optional extra activities. | ||
| Day Six: Rotorua - Napier | Training | |
| En route to Taupo this morning, we stop at the Waiotapu Hot Pool which is boiling hot mud – not for swimming! On our descent into Taupo we stop to marvel at the mighty Huka Falls with optional jet boat rides to the foot of the Falls. Lake Taupo is New Zealand’s largest fresh water lake. Continue east to Napier, the premier fruit and vine growing region of New Zealand and the ‘Art Deco capital of the world’. From mid afternoon is available for training prior to Palmerston North game. | ||
| Day Seven: Napier - Palmerston North | Game | |
| This morning we journey through the Manawatu Gorge to Palmerston North where the horizons are dotted with windmills making up the largest wind farm in the South Pacific. After arrival we drive through Massey University grounds to the adidas Institute of Rugby, the home of the All Blacks. Here (subject to availability) we will tour the facilities where the All Blacks train, including the altitude controlled glass enclosure they use for practising team moves. We prepare for our afternoon match at the Rugby Institute. Our second match of the tour is followed by the after match function. | ||
| Day Eight: Palmerston North - Wellington | Coaching | |
| New Zealand’s Rugby Museum beckons us this morning prior to an official Mayoral reception before we bid farewell and head south to our capital city, Wellington. Wellington prides itself as New Zealand’s Arts capital, the home to Parliament and Te Papa, our National Museum. Wellington is rich in culture, political and rugby history. It boasts Tana Umaga’s home ground, the Westpac Stadium, affectionately known as The Cake Tin. Many of our international rugby Tests are played here. Today we visit the International Rugby Academy with coaching aplenty. On conclusion of our coaching session we pay a visit to Te Papa our interactive National Museum. | ||
| Day Nine: Wellington - Picton - Nelson | Training | |
| The passage across Cook Strait between the North and South Islands, through the Marlborough Sounds is one of the most scenic ferry trips in the world. After arrival in Picton in the South Island we head for Nelson, the “Sunshine Capital” of New Zealand. Nelson is also home to many world famous wineries. This afternoon is available for training ready for tomorrow’s 3rd game. | ||
| Day Ten: Nelson | Game | |
| Morning at leisure to explore the beautiful Nelson region. Preparations begin for this afternoon’s game. Afternoon match and post match function, before relaxing in a city famous for its fine cuisine and good weather. Why not visit the Movies tonight or perhaps view a popular DVD film in your Hotel? | ||
| Day Eleven: Nelson - Kaikoura - Christchurch | Training | |
| Departing the Sunshine Capital, we travel via Blenheim, also well known for its world class vineyards. Have your cameras ready as seals and sea lions will be seen alongside the road as we travel along the Kaikoura coastline. This afternoon we arrive in the South Island’s largest city, Christchurch, the home of The Super 14 team, The Crusaders. This afternoon we have a Jade Stadium tour and training. | ||
| Day Twelve: Christchurch - Mount Cook - Queenstown | ||
| We travel further south this morning into the high mountain country to Lake Tekapo. We visit the Church of the Good Shepherd with its wonderful stained glass windows framing the majesty of the mountains. A magical background for a Team photograph! We pass Lake Pukaki and on to view Mount Cook where there is an opportunity to take an optional flight seeing excursion around Mount Cook before we arrive this evening in Queenstown, one of the most picturesque settings in the world. | ||
| Day Thirteen: Queenstown | ||
| Today is a free day in the Adventure Capital of the World. Opt for a thrilling jet boat ride down a canyon, or for those daring enough there’s the worlds first Bungy jump site and many more adrenalin pumping activities. This afternoon is available for training before tomorrow’s game. This evening we proceed up the Skyline Gondola to enjoy Luge rides followed by a full buffet dinner overlooking the world famous views of Queenstown with its surrounding mountains and Lake Wakatipu. | ||
| Day Fourteen: Queenstown | Game | |
| Pre-game we visit the settlement of Arrowtown, a quaint town rich in gold mining heritage, nestled on the banks of the Arrow River. This river was once one of the richest gold mining rivers in the World. Original buildings of the gold mining era still stand and are a window into the region’s early history. There may also be an opportunity to pan for gold. After the match and pleasantries we return to our accommodation to rest and relax. Why not use this time to review a video/photographs of your game? | ||
| Day Fifteen: Queenstown - Dunedin | ||
| Invigorated from a day’s adventure, or refreshed from rest and relaxation in Queenstown, we depart for Dunedin, the "Edinburgh of the South". Dunedin is the home of the Otago Highlanders Super 14 Rugby Team with many All Blacks, both past and present, having played for this province. This afternoon we visit the steepest Street in the World, Baldwin Street. For those fit enough you may like to try and run up it or just enjoy the leisurely walk to the summit. Dunedin is a city that captivates and enchants, a city in which to linger and explore. | ||
| Day Sixteen: Dunedin | Game | |
| Cadbury’s Chocolate World tour beckons and the rest of the morning is available for training prior to the game. Afternoon match followed by after match function. | ||
| Day Seventeen: Dunedin - Christchurch | ||
| Today we depart Highlanders’ country and head back into Crusaders’ country. Enjoy a walk on the beach to view the enigmatic Moeraki Boulders. Debate continues as to how these formations came to be. Their symmetry amazes even the most accomplished geologist. This afternoon we arrive back in the ‘Garden city’ of Christchurch where you have the option of a light training run. Perhaps try your hand at Indoor Go Kart racing this evening? | ||
| Day Eighteen: Christchurch | Game | |
| This morning’s tour includes a visit to the Canterbury Rugby Jersey factory and shop where you may like to purchase your favourite jersey or souvenir. Before lunch, time available for rugby training prior to this afternoon’s final rugby match. After lunch you may like to partake in some retail therapy for those extra souvenirs to take home. Late afternoon we have our final match of the tour. Tonight is our farewell dinner and presentation evening. NZ Rugby Tours will award a match ball to the Coach’s choice for “Player of the Tour” | ||
| Day Nineteen: Christchurch - Home | ||
| For now it's time to say "Haera Ra" (farewell) to Aotearoa: the "Land of the long white cloud". We hope your New Zealand Rugby Tour has left you with plenty of great memories to reflect on of your spectacular Rugby Tour Down Under. Don’t forget to view your Tour Gallery on www.nzrugbytours.co.nz | ||
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Contact New Zealand Rugby Tours for reliable planning for your NZ Rugby Tour