Festival 2011

30 March 2010

From wild foods and adrenaline hits to fine wine and waka-racing – visitors to Rugby World Cup 2011 have the chance to experience a full spectrum of Kiwi culture and entertainment.

A nationwide festival will run in the lead-up to and during the Tournament, to compliment the match and team hosting schedule. It will be the biggest festival ever staged in New Zealand, with every region taking the opportunity to showcase the best of its cultures, peoples and landscapes, as well as its own regional flavours and attractions.

The festival is being co-ordinated by the government’s New Zealand 2011 Office, which is working on a number of programmes aimed at making the most of the opportunities which come with hosting one of the world’s biggest sports events.

Festival Director Briony Ellis says the festival will touch every part of New Zealand, well beyond the 23 centres hosting games and teams. She says while she is bringing the festival together, the bedrock of the programme lies in the regions.

“Every part of New Zealand is committed to making the most of this opportunity to showcase our country to the world,” she said.

“The festival will include iconic New Zealand experiences and events brought together in a comprehensive and engaging programme for the 60,000-plus international visitors who will be here for the Tournament.”

Read more about events festival.