England and Pumas prepare for Dunedin 'greenhouse' England and Pumas prepare for Dunedin 'greenhouse' STUART CONDIE - AP Sports Writer Share View photos Ground staff make the final preparations to the Otago Stadium in Dunedin, New Zealand, Thursday, Sept. 8, 2011. The newly built Otago Stadium will host the Rugby World Cup Pool B match between England and Argentina on Sept. 10. (AP Photo/Natacha Pisarenko) More DUNEDIN, New Zealand (AP) — With its glass roof, clear walls and close stands, Dunedin's Otago Stadium will provide England and Argentina with a unique experience when they play their first World Cup match on Saturday. Billed as the most southerly professional rugby stadium in the world, the brand new Otago Stadium looks like a traditional four-sided ground except that it is completely enclosed in clear plastic — protecting fans, players and the artificially strengthened turf from even the most foul weather conditions. Both sides trained at the 30,000-seat venue on the eve of the match, with some players likening the environment to a giant greenhouse. And that enclosed space should mean the relatively modest crowd sounds much bigger.

"I think from what you hear from the previous games, it will be very noisy," England team manager Martin Johnson said. "When there's a crowd in there, the sound reverberates around. We've spoken about that and communication on the field. "I think it is a fantastic stadium. It's a very personal stadium, a great size and the surface is pretty good. It's a different feel at night. With the lights on and the crowd, I think it will be a great venue." Most of the England side have experience of playing under the retractable roof at Cardiff's Millennium Stadium, but that venue is far bigger and the turf spends most of its lifetime exposed to nature. "It's the first time I've played indoors with a clear roof but the pitch is the same size — that's all that matters," England captain Mike Tindall said. "It's great. The pitch is outstanding and you can see how people say it's going to be loud and noisy. It's very close around the pitch with the stands.

The seating is right on top." Nestled close to Otago University and overlooking the city harbor, the stadium reportedly cost almost NZ$200 million ($165 million) and replaced the historic Carisbrook "House of Pain" as the home of Super rugby side the Otago Highlanders. Flyhalf Jonny Wilkinson has said the condensation and still air inside the stadium will give him something extra to worry about when it comes time to line up his kicks in England's three Pool B matches in Dunedin. But Tindall said the low-slung lighting won't present any problem to fullbacks trying to track a high ball. "Because they're all the way around, it'll go above and it'll go below," Tindall said. "It'll only be for that split moment." Although Tindall said he always savored the buildup to a match, he said the unique environment added to his excitement. "I love the day before, especially in the evening," Tindall said. "The longer I wait, the apprehension and the excitement just builds in me. I'm running around like a schoolboy toward the end of the day.

"Even the night before, I never want to go to bed because I just like thinking about things. I'm waiting for Santa to come." Reblog Stadium to be renamed for defence | Otago Daily Times Online News Wednesday, 2 October 2013 Stadium to be renamed for defence You are not permitted to download, save or email this image. Visit image gallery to purchase the image. 0 Comments Forsyth Barr Stadium is to be renamed for Otago's first defence of the Ranfurly Shield against Hawkes Bay on Sunday. The stadium will be called ''Tony Brown's Place'' for the day, recapturing the spirit of a previous campaign involving the Otago coach and former player.'' Party at Tony Brown's Place'' was the catchy, week-long campaign used in May 1999, when the Highlanders played the Crusaders in the Super 12 final at Carisbrook. New signs will be put up at each entrance and on the north and south stands, while a 9m electronic sign will illuminate the arena with ''Welcome to Tony Brown's Place''. The name change was proposed by Dunedin businessman Ian Taylor and enthusiastically seconded by Forsyth Barr chairman Sir Eion Edgar.

"Forsyth Barr thought it would be a wonderful way to celebrate the first shield challenge,'' Sir Eion, a former Otago Rugby Football Union president, said yesterday. "It will be very special; particularly as Tony Brown is such a wonderful person and talented coach. "When times were tough and we were having trouble paying our creditors, which included Tony's salary, he was the first person to say `don't worry about me'. That's the calibre of the chap,'' Sir Eion said. "I just hope all of Otago gets along there to support the team.'' The match will also showcase Dunedin technology, with a 30-second pre-match animation of Ranfurly Shield country. ''We're making it right at the moment,'' Mr Taylor, chief executive of Animation Research Ltd, said yesterday. ''It will be a computer-generated flyover up the harbour and across the city and on the stadium roof will be a big 'Tony Brown's Place' sign. ''It will be very similar to our 2011 Rugby World Cup animation and will be going out at the start of the Sky TV feed all over the world,'' he said.

Tony Brown's Place marketing manager Jo Scully said 12,200 tickets had been sold for the challenge. ''It's been fantastic,'' she said yesterday. If the North and South Stands reached their 19,000 limit, the 5000-capacity Mitre 10 Stand would also be opened, Ms Scully said. The Ranfurly Shield will be at the stadium from 3.30pm-5.30pm tomorrow for photos. Sunday's kick-off is 4.35pm. News Details | allblacks.com Forsyth Barr one of the hidden gems of Rugby World Cup stadia rugbyworldcup.com and James Mortimer 05 Mar 2013 Getty Images As we continue to build towards the forthcoming venue and match schedule announcement for Rugby World Cup 2015, we take a look back at some iconic tournament grounds that have slipped under the radar – with Otago’s brand new stadium on the cherished list. Many will tell you that bigger is better. But what of the other stadiums on the Rugby World Cup scene?

Throughout the tournament’s history there have been classic contests in the pool stages and early knockout phases, when provincial grounds have become the centre of the rugby world and grand old stages have been used for one more show-stopper. Here we run through just a few of the stadiums to have left an indelible mark on the tournament – with the help of some of our friends on the Rugby World Cup Facebook page – thanks to special atmospheres, unforgettable moments of on-field skill and that special kind of pressure found at the sharp end. They may not have hosted the final, but their place in Rugby World Cup history is assured. Otago Stadium (Forsyth-Barr Stadium), Dunedin – Rugby World Cup 2011 Tournament matches: Four You might remember it from: Its thunderous, enclosed atmosphere Carisbrook, Dunedin’s famous old ground, didn’t go quietly into the night. The ‘House of Pain’ hosted New Zealand 38 times between 1908 and 2011, with the All Blacks only losing on five occasions. As Rugby World Cup 2011 came into view though, it was time for a change at the bottom of the South Island.

Boasting a state-of-the-art transparent roof – made from ETFE, a polymer initially for use in space programmes – the new Otago Stadium allowed fans to sit under the sunshine while enjoying the raucous indoor atmosphere generated by fans of England, Argentina, Ireland, Italy, Romania and Georgia. The first Test match staged at the ground was England’s pool victory over the Pumas, but perhaps the best display under the roof came from Ireland in their 36-6 win over Italy some weeks later. On that occasion the sea of green in the stands saw O’Driscoll and Keith Earls star, although the stadium is also likely to feature on highlight reels for years to come after Bryan Habana’s stunning solo try for South Africa against the All Blacks during the inaugural Rugby Championship in 2012. Concord Oval, Sydney – Rugby World Cup 1987 Tournament matches: Six You might remember it from: Serge Blanco’s last-gasp winner against Australia Located in Sydney’s suburbs and redeveloped in 1985, the Concord Oval opened its gates for the inaugural Rugby World Cup as co-host of Pool 1 - alongside Brisbane’s Ballymore.

The Wallabies headlined the cast in their own back yard, with England, the USA and Japan making up the contenders. Australia took top spot with three victories, including a David Campese-inspired 19-6 win over England at Concord, and proceeded to the knockout stages. Thanks to a brace of tries from wing Matt Burke they were able to delight just over 14,000 fans by beating Ireland in the quarter-finals, with France lying in wait after a last eight victory over Fiji. By this point the Wallabies could look on the Concord Oval as a second home, having enjoyed an unbeaten run in its surroundings. France had different ideas. In a match played under a fading sun – the ground didn’t possess floodlights – Serge Blanco shattered the hopes of the home side and their 17,000 fans with one of the tournament’s most-celebrated tries. The match finished 30-24 to Les Bleus, and the Concord Oval’s Rugby World Cup journey ended along with the Wallabies’. It remains home to West Harbour in Sydney’s Shute Shield competition, but hosted its last Test match in 1988.

Stade de la Beaujoire, Nantes – Rugby World Cup 2007 Tournament matches: Three You might remember it from: Fiji’s victory over Wales The home of Ligue 2 football side FC Nantes, the Stade de la Beaujoire got its career in international rugby underway with a bang. Only two years after holding its first football match, the stadium played host to 45,000 fans in 1986 as France defeated New Zealand 16-3 thanks to tries from Denis Charvet and Alain Lorieux. Nantes’ rugby fans would have to wait some time for another taste of international action, but just over two decades later their wish was granted as Rugby World Cup 2007 rumbled into town. Its first two tournament matches were entertaining affairs – as Wales and England saw off Canada and Samoa respectively – but few could have predicted the fireworks to follow. With more than 37,000 fans in attendance, Fiji tipped the tournament on its head by securing their first ever win over Wales in a knockout match.

Very few matches at Rugby World Cups have produced this level of drama, with the lead changing hands throughout a thrilling second half as a total of nine tries were scored. Wales battled back from 25-10 down at the break to lead in the dying moments, only for Fijian prop Graham Dewes to wriggle over for his side’s fourth try and a 38-34 win. There was nowhere to turn for Wales, who lost coach Gareth Jenkins in the aftermath, but Fiji celebrated a second appearance in the knockout stages and an all-time high in the IRB World Rankings. Their next move was to push South Africa, the eventual champions, to the limit in the quarter-finals. Lansdowne Road, Dublin – Rugby World Cup 1991 Tournament matches: Nine You might remember it from: A certain David Campese pass The home of Irish rugby, Lansdowne Road boasted a history as rich and varied as any other major ground. From the days of Jackie Kyle and Karl Mullen through to Brian O’Driscoll and Keith Wood, via Mike Gibson and Fergus Slattery, many special things occurred within its boundaries.

Perhaps the most special was reserved for an October day in 1991, when Australia – fresh from a thrilling 19-18 victory over Ireland – took on New Zealand in the Rugby World Cup semi-finals. By this point, David Campese had already become one of the tournament’s darlings, and scored one of his most famous tries in the defeat of Ireland, but few could have expected his latest daring move. With a packed house of more than 50,000, Campo changed the game with a try and spectacular assist for Tim Horan. In what has become the classic ‘miracle pass’, the Australian wing attacked the New Zealand defence before throwing an audacious no-look ball over his shoulder to set Horan free. It remains one of rugby’s finest moments, and a timeless Lansdowne Road memory. Parc des Princes, Paris – Rugby World Cup 1991 Tournament matches: Six You might remember it from: A little meeting between France and England So old is the rivalry that new chapters must be placed in the context of past deeds.

In terms of France and England, few matches have come close to the ferocity of the Rugby World Cup quarter-final contested by the sides at Parc des Princes in 1991. The current home of Paris St. Germain and their galaxy of football stars, the Parc also served France well with an intimidating atmosphere as they sought revenge against an England team that had cruelly denied them in a Grand Slam decider for the preceding Five Nations. Rugby is a game of skill and power and on this occasion, it was power that left its mark. Few can forget Mickey Skinner’s huge tackle on a rampaging Marc Cécillon close to the England line, nor the stare-down with Eric Champ that followed. England eventually won a game of pure theatre with tries from Will Carling and Rory Underwood, progressing to another crunch tie against Scotland at Murrayfield in the last four. As far as double-headers go, there are few tougher. New Zealand Rugby World Cup cities New Zealand Rugby World Cup cities Wai-O-Tapu thermal reserve, Rotorua.

iStockphoto / Thinkstock With the RBS 6 Nations currently whetting the appetite of eager fans, some are already planning a trip to the 2011 Rugby World Cup in New Zealand this September. Kristina Khoo tackles the tournament's host cities. New Zealand Rugby World Cup: Hamilton Situated on the banks of the Waikato River, pretty Hamilton is a fast-growing, multicultural city in the heart of one of New Zealand ’s greatest rugby-playing regions. The North Island province is home to the Maori royal family, the vast Waitomo cave system and the Hobbiton (Lord of the Rings) film set; providing something for all tastes. Just a 15-minute walk from central Hamilton, Waikato Stadium is a world-class venue and will host a number of group stage matches, including New Zealand against Japan and two Wales games. New Zealand Rugby World Cup: Auckland Auckland Harbour iStockphoto / Thinkstock Auckland, a bustling, cosmopolitan city, is complimented by a wealth of luscious forests, secluded islands and pristine beaches on its doorstep. With its unique urban outdoor lifestyle, the ‘City of Sails’ mixes the buzz of casinos and clubs with relaxing island getaways and wildlife experiences.

Eden Park, where the Rugby World Cup began in 1987 (at which New Zealand were victorious), is currently being redeveloped into a 50,000-seat stadium in preparation for the tournament, where it will host a number of games including the curtain-raiser and the final. The smaller North Harbour Stadium, located 19km (12 miles) from Auckland in Albany, will host current world champions South Africa in two group matches. New Zealand Rugby World Cup: Rotorua Rotorua offers visitors a chance to experience a range of attractions and activities such as geothermal reserves, mineral spas, walking trails and world-class mountain biking. Located 10 minutes from the heart of the city, Rotorua International Stadium has a capacity of 26,000 and has staged New Zealand opera icon Dame Kiri Te Kanawa as well as the Raggamuffin Music Festival during its 100-year history. The stadium will host Ireland, who take on Russia in their third group game. New Zealand Rugby World Cup: Whangarei Maori carving.

Hemera / Thinkstock Surrounded by unspoilt coastline, Whangarei is famed for its first-rate diving and semi-tropical climate, which attracts an abundance of luxury yachts. Situated halfway between Auckland and New Zealand’s northern tip, this region is a melting pot of Maori and European heritage. The ITM Rugby Stadium, once the home of Northland rugby, was replaced by the sparkling new Northland Events Centre last year; which will host two of Tonga’s group matches. New Zealand Rugby World Cup: New Plymouth Situated midway between the major metropolitan centres of Auckland and Wellington, New Plymouth is a modern city set against a stunning backdrop that stretches from the wild Tasman Sea to imposing Mount Taranaki. Thunderous waves, which pummel the coastline around Surf Highway 45, make the area a prime destination for surfers. Stadium Taranaki, half an hour’s stroll from the city centre, has undergone major redevelopment for the tournament, with its 25,000 spectators able to watch Wales and Ireland in action. New Zealand Rugby World Cup: Wellington Wellington cable car.

Hemera / Thinkstock New Zealand’s capital city is nestled between rolling hills and a striking harbour, which provides a gateway to the South Island through the pictureque Malborough Sounds. Wellington houses a plethora of top-quality cultural attractions and nightlife, coupled with fantastic gourmet and wine experiences. Wellington Regional Stadium, home to Wellington Lions and the Hurricanes, is a short walk from the central Wellington Railway Station and will host two quarter finals as well as Wales’ contest with South Africa. New Zealand Rugby World Cup: Napier Widely-regarded as one of New Zealand’s most attractive cities, Napier is located at the south of the Hawkes Bay; about 20 minutes from its neighbour Hastings. Also known as the ‘Art Deco City’, the city has the most comprehensive collection of inner-city art deco buildings in the world. The McLean Park stadium is a short walk from Napier’s city centre with a capacity of 15,000. The stadium has been given a stunning new stand, complete with a corporate entertainment complex and will host two matches during the tournament.

New Zealand Rugby World Cup: Palmerston North Palmerston North showcases Mother Nature at her best, from short walks in splendid native bush to hikes through the spectacular Manawatu Gorge, and tramping in the breathtaking Tararua Ranges. Just a seven minutes stroll from the centre of ‘Palmy’ is Arena Manawatu, which boasts 33 individual indoor and outdoor venues within a 44 acres (18 hectares) site. The complex’s rugby stadium will host two group matches. New Zealand Rugby World Cup: Nelson Abel Tasman National Park, Nelson. iStockphoto / Thinkstock An artists’ paradise, Nelson is an interesting blend of lifestyle and landscape in the northwest corner of the South Island. The city is a haven for culture vultures, with a number of art galleries showcasing New Zealand works as well as local artists’ studios. A short trip from Nelson is the stunning Abel Tasman National Park, where a number of outdoor activities can be explored. Trafalgar Park stadium, which will host two of Italy’s group matches, is a five-minute walk from Nelson’s city centre and has a capacity of 18,000.

New Zealand Rugby World Cup: Dunedin Dunedin, New Zealand’s oldest city, possesses a unique combination of cultural riches, fine architecture, and world-renowned wildlife reserves on the Otago Peninsula. The isthmus is home to the yellow-eyed penguin (one of the world's rarest penguins), and various species of seals, sea lions and pelagic birds. A short distance from Dunedin’s city centre is the 29,000-seater Carisbrook stadium, which once hosted crowds as high as 42,000. Works are currently taking place to improve the stadium in time for kick-off, when it will host matches involving Scotland, England and Ireland. New Zealand Rugby World Cup: Christchurch Christchurch Cathedral. iStockphoto / Thinkstock New Zealand’s second-largest city, Christchurch is situated on the east coast of the South Island, bordered by the turquoise Pacific Ocean to the east and the pancake-flat Canterbury plains to the west. It is known as the ‘Garden City’ for its expansive parks and tranquil public gardens, but sport is also at the heart of the city’s identity. Four minutes from the city centre is Stadium Christchurch, home to the Canterbury Crusaders rugby team.

The stadium’s major upgrade has generated a permanent capacity of 40,000, making it the country’s second largest stadium; a venue fit for two quarter-final matches. New Zealand Rugby World Cup: Invercargill From cultural attractions to busy city life, Invercargill is the gateway to some of the country’s most beautiful destinations, with vast nature reserves, excellent shopping and lively restaurants and bars. The recently redeveloped Rugby Park, a 20-minute walk south from central Invercargill, has a capacity of 17,000 and will host Scotland’s opener against Romania. RWC 2011 tickets, Otago rugby & issues with NZRU | What if? Dunedin... RWC 2011 tickets, Otago rugby & issues with NZRU Here’s another invitation to go into personal debt for rugby… ### ODT Online Sat, 5 Sep 2009 Rugby: Repayment plan for World Cup tickets Cash-strapped New Zealanders are to be offered interest free repayment plans to assist them to buy top-priced tickets to 2011’s Rugby World Cup.

### ODT Online Sun, 6 Sep 2009 Rugby: Otago pipped at Carisbrook Otago has been beaten 22-18 by Auckland in the national championship game at Carisbrook this afternoon. ### stuff.co.nz Last updated 16:59 06/09/2009 Rugby Heaven: Auckland cling on at Carisbrook Otago fail to convert possession and territory NZPA A late assault inspired by two rugby league converts wasn’t enough as Otago lost 22-18 to Auckland in a fluctuating Air NZ Cup rugby match in Dunedin today. Where the World Cup will be played | Oval Talk - Yahoo Sport Where the World Cup will be played By Eurosport 7 September 2011 22:32   12 different stadia will be used to host rugby matches at the 2011 Rugby World Cup: View gallery .

AUCKLAND: Eden Park (Capacity: 60,000 - Matches: 11) One of the most famous sporting stadia in the world, Eden Park will make history on October 23 when it becomes the first venue to host two Rugby World Cup finals. It also staged the final of the inaugural tournament in 1987 and the first game of the competition on May 22 of that year. The All Blacks won both matches and will be hoping that history repeats itself on a ground where they have not lost since 1994 and where they have won around 80 per cent of their games. Indeed, Eden Park has a long and proud history since opening in 1900. In addition to RWC 1987, the 1950 Empire Games were held there, along with the 1988 Rugby League World Cup final and the 1992 Cricket World Cup. It has already been selected as a venue for the 2015 Cricket World Cup. But it is not just an international staging post for the All Blacks and the country's rugby league and cricket sides.

It has also housed Auckland's cricket team since 1910 and the rugby union side since 1925, with Super 14's Blues franchise and ITM Cup outfit Auckland now both tenants. Following a huge redevelopment that was finished last year and included two new three-tier stands, Eden Park is New Zealand's largest stadium at 50,000, but it will carry 10,000 more spectators at RWC 2011 thanks to temporary seats. When Christchurch was wrecked by an earthquake in February, Eden Park therefore became the natural choice to take over its two quarter-finals on October 8 and 9. Located in the heart of New Zealand's largest city — it has a population of over 438,000 — it is well set up to cope with big crowds. They are likely to experience mild, damp weather during the tournament, with temperatures expected to vary from 9C to 18C. View gallery .

AUCKLAND: North Harbour Stadium (Capacity: 30,000 - Matches: 4) This purpose-built, multi-events stadium was opened in 1997 and is set in 23 hectares of grounds in Albany, which lies around 19 kilometres from the centre of Auckland. It is the focal point of the North Shore Domain, which also includes a large oval field and four other sports pitches. Rugby union, rugby league and football are played in the main stadium, while cricket takes place on the oval pitch. The principle arena, which has four floodlight pylons, hosts the home matches of ITM Cup side North Harbour, while Super 14 franchise Auckland Blues occasionally play there as well. It has also staged games for rugby league side New Zealand Warriors and was a venue for football's Under-17 Women's World Cup in 2008, as well as for the now-defunct New Zealand Knights football team. Normally the capacity is 25,000, but it has been increased for the 2011 Rugby World Cup with the addition of temporary seating for 5,000 fans.

North Harbour was initially granted three pool matches, but it received an additional fixture — Australia v Italy — when Christchurch withdrew from the tournament after the earthquake in February. Albany was a town until recently and with much of the land to its north largely being countryside, it does not really seem like a suburb of Auckland. However, substantial development - including housing and the largest shopping centre in New Zealand — means Albany is now very much part of the country's biggest city. View gallery . DUNEDIN: Otago Stadium (Capacity: 30,000 - Matches: 4) Only recently completed and built specially for Rugby World Cup 2011, this is New Zealand's largest indoor arena with its capacity of 30,000. It is also the country's first fully-covered stadium including natural grass, but because of doubts over whether the turf will have grown enough in time, it has been strengthened with synthetic grass. Two machines have been working 20 hours a day for two weeks pumping a massive total of 48,000 kilometres of artificial fibres into the ground.

They have drilled down 20 centimetres and wrapped the synthetic turf round the natural grass to ensure it is strong enough to endure the pounding it is bound to get during the four pool games. It will be irrigated by recycled rainwater. Although the stadium is fully covered, the pitch will see sunlight, as the roof is transparent. In fact, the temperature will be 2-3C warmer than it is outside during the tournament. The roof has a clearance of 37 metres above the halfway line — so there is no danger of a Garryowen getting stuck in the rafters! While rugby is envisaged as being the stadium's main sport, it has been built as a multi-purpose venue. Two of the stands have variable seating plans so that temporary seats can be brought in according to each event. The stadium is located around two kilometres from the centre of Dunedin, which is on the south-east coast of South Island and has a population of 123,000. It was given an additional pool match after Christchurch's stadium was affected by the earthquake in February. View gallery .

HAMILTON: Waikato Stadium (Capacity: 30,000 - Matches: 3) There has been a rugby ground on the site since 1925, but it only gained the title of Waikato Stadium in 2002 after a complete overhaul. Having not hosted an international match for nine years, the old Rugby Park stadium had deteriorated to such an extent by 1996 that it was decided a replacement was needed. Rugby Park had led a colourful life, though, with the grandstand roof collapsing in 1934 (fortunately with no injuries), Waikato's match with South Africa being called off in 1981 after a pitch invasion by protesters and the Argentina-Fiji match at the inaugural 1987 Rugby World Cup being held there. The stadium was also the scene for one of the most memorable matches in Waikato's history in 1956, when they became the first New Zealand province to beat a touring Springboks team.

A crowd of 31,000 witnessed the 14-10 upset and the capacity will be only 1,000 less for RWC 2011 thanks to 5,000 additional provisional seats. The tournament will continue the Waikato Stadium's record of holding an international match every year since its opening for the Super 12 match between Chiefs and Crusaders. While rugby union is the venue's main sport as the home of Chiefs and ITM Cup side Waikato, it has also staged football — including the 2008 Under-17 Women's World Cup — and rugby league matches The stadium is a 15-minute walk from the middle of Hamilton, a city on the banks of the Waikato River in the centre of North Island. It has a population of over 138,000, but that is increasing rapidly, with half under the age of 30 — no doubt attracted by its mild climate. Temperatures should range from 7C to 18C during RWC 2011. View gallery .

INVERCARGILL: Rugby Park Stadium (Capacity: 17,000 - Matches: 3) Rugby Park is appropriately named, having been the centre for the sport in the Southland region since the early 1900s. However, the current stadium dates back only 10 years, with the old ground being demolished to make way for a brand new 5,000-seater stand and offices in 2001. Rugby Park once housed more than 30,000 fans, but following the opening of the new stand, the capacity has been drastically reduced and only 17,000 will be allowed for the three Pool B 2011 Rugby World Cup games. Invercargill was originally due to host just two matches, but it was granted an extra fixture — Scotland v Georgia — following the earthquake that devastated Christchurch earlier this year. As well as being the home of ITM Cup side Southland, the stadium has staged Super Rugby fixtures for Hurricanes.

Football club Spirit FC have also played there, but when Southland rugby league asked for their club final to take place at the venue in June, their rugby union counterparts turned the request down because of RWC 2011. The stadium is a 20-minute walk from central Invercargill, which is the most southerly city in New Zealand and one of the most southerly in the world. As a result, Invercargill can experience four seasons in a day and frosts are common in winter. In September the average low is just below 4C. With only 93,000 people living in the Southland region, around 50,000 of whom are from Invercargill, it is one of the least populated areas of New Zealand. The Scotland team and their followers should find it a home from home, as many of Invercargill's main streets are named after Scottish rivers. View gallery .

NAPIER: McLean Park (Capacity: 15,000 - Matches: 3) McLean Park is equally famous as a stadium for cricket as it is for rugby, with all major events in the Hawkes Bay region in those sports taking place there. For rugby, it was a venue for the inaugural Rugby World Cup in 1987, for the Canada-Tonga group game, and coincidentally Canada return this year for two of their Pool A matches. In addition, it stages all Hawkes Bay's games in the ITM Cup and has played host to Hurricanes in Super 14. For cricket, McLean Park is better known as a venue for one-day internationals than Test matches and it has been the home of Central Districts since 1952. It was opened in 1911 as Sir Donald McLean Park after a local MP and landowner, and there have been major improvements to the stadium in the past four years. A new stand — including corporate entertainment facilities — was opened in 2009 and the six floodlight towers were upgraded.

The ground can hold around 20,000 spectators, with the embankment itself able to take 10,000, but the capacity has been slashed to 15,000 for RWC 2011. The complex, which also boasts an indoor stadium named the Rodney Green Centennial Event Centre, is a 10-minute walk from Napier city centre. Napier, which has a population of around 57,000, is situated on the east of North Island on the edge of the Pacific Ocean and so is susceptible to the remnants of tropical cyclones that are still of storm strength. It has a mild winter climate, with an average low of 7C and high of 19C in the RWC 2011 months. View gallery . NELSON: Trafalgar Park (Capacity: 18,000 - Matches: 3) Trafalgar Park was initially known as a cricket ground, being employed as such in the 1880s, but it is very much a rugby venue now and has been recognised as that since the stadium was built in the 1950s.

There was very little further development on the site, though, until the 1980s, when another sports field was added, and then in 1996 the pavilion was constructed. A year later floodlighting was installed and in 2008 two new grandstands were built in preparation for the Rugby World Cup. Initially only two RWC 2011 matches were due to be played in Nelson, but following the earthquake in Christchurch in February, Trafalgar Park was awarded a third — Australia v Russia. Some of Crusaders' Super 14 matches have also been switched to the stadium because of the earthquake. Otherwise, Trafalgar Park is regarded as the home of ITM Cup side Tasman. The Central Districts cricket team use it occasionally as well and football has been played there. Since the site is only a five-minute walk from Nelson city centre, it has also been used as a concert venue. Nelson is the oldest settled city on South Island, having been founded in 1841, and is the geographical centre of New Zealand.

Set on the eastern shores of the Tasman Bay, it is the economic and cultural capital of the Nelson Tasman region, and is one of the least populated in the country at around 90,000. Boasting more than 2,400 hours of sun a year and only 940mm of rain, it is the sunniest city in New Zealand, although temperatures do drop to 5C in September. View gallery . NEW PLYMOUTH: Stadium Taranaki (Capacity: 26,000 - Matches: 3) Previously known as the Yarrow Stadium after local businessman, philanthropist and avid rugby fan Noel Yarrow, whose legacy it is, the venue has a new title for Rugby World Cup 2011. The sports, entertainment and conference facility — which includes four pitches — is now named after the provincial team who play there in the ITM Cup. Its first incarnation as a rugby ground was in 1931, although it was not until 16 years later that a grandstand was built.

The stadium underwent an extensive revamp in 2002 with the construction of two new grandstands and the capacity was boosted to 26,000 with further redevelopment last year. As well as being Taranaki's home, the complex has staged matches for the All Blacks, New Zealand Maori and Super 14 franchise Hurricanes. It was also a venue in the 2006 Pacific Nations Cup and has played host to rugby league matches for NZ Maori and the NZ Warriors. Stadium Taranaki is situated a half-hour walk from the middle of New Plymouth, a city on the west coast of the North Island and about halfway between Auckland and Wellington. It is said to be one of the few cities in the world where you can surf and ski the same day, the skiing being available at Mount Taranaki, which is 30 minutes' drive away from the centre of New Plymouth. It is the main city of the Taranaki region and has a population of over 52,000. During the World Cup the temperature is likely to vary from around 8C to 16C, as the region has a mild and moist climate.

View gallery PALMERSTON NORTH: Arena Manawatu (Capacity: 15,000 - Matches: 2) The Arena has earned a reputation as New Zealand's busiest and most versatile recreational complex. As well as taking around 8,000 bookings annually, the 18-hectare site stages 36 different sports, exhibitions, conferences, festivals and concerts. However, rugby, not surprisingly, is the main sport. The venue is the home of ITM Cup side Manawatu Turbos, but with the FMG Stadium limited to just 15,000 spectators for Rugby World Cup 2011, it will be hosting only two pool games. However, the FMG did have the honour of staging the first ever Super 12 match between the Wellington Hurricanes and Auckland Blues in 1996. It also held the 1987 RWC match between Wales and Tonga and welcomed the British and Irish Lions for their game against Manawatu in 2005. Football has been played at the FMG Stadium as well and since the pitch is surrounded by a dirt track, Robertson Holden International Speedway has made its home there.

In addition to the outdoor FMG Stadium, whose rebuilt grandstand was opened in 2005, the complex boasts three other sports grounds and four indoor stadia. The main indoor venue, which was redeveloped in 2004, has staged netball internationals, basketball matches, motor shows and equestrian events. The complex is located only seven minutes' walk from the centre of Palmerston North, which is the principal city of the Manawatu-Wanganui region of North Island. It has a population of around 80,000 and has a temperate climate, with September having an average low of 7C and October an average high of nearly 17C. Palmerston North is the base of the New Zealand Rugby Museum, which houses the country's largest collection of rugby memorabilia, including some of the sport's rarest artefacts. View gallery . ROTORUA: International Stadium (Capacity: 26,000 - Matches: 3) The Rotorua International Stadium already has a Rugby World Cup history, having hosted the third-place play-off between Wales and Australia in the first edition of the tournament in 1987.

The venue was first built in 1911, but has undergone many makeovers since, although it still has only one covered stand, which seats around 4,000. The stadium has been known to hold 40,000 for concerts, with the likes of opera superstar Dame Kiri Te Kanawa and pop group UB40 having sung there. However, 35,000 is the norm for rugby matches, although that figure has been cut to 26,000 for its three games at RWC 2011. The venue is used for rugby union and rugby league matches, with Bay of Plenty the 15-a-side residents. It is one of their two homes, the other being Baypark Stadium in Tauranga. Bay of Plenty have entertained the British and Irish Lions at the RIS, while international rugby league has been played there as well between New Zealand and Australia. The arena, which is located a 10-minute drive from the centre of Rotorua, has also staged softball and football matches, along with the Searchlight Tattoo and the Raggamuffin reggae festival.

Rotorua is an inland city on the North Island with a population of over 68,000 and is situated on the southern shores of Lake Rotorua in the Bay of Plenty region. The region, whose main industry is tourism, is a Maori culture centre and the name Rotorua is Maori for 'second lake'. Temperatures vary from an average low of 6C in September to an average high of nearly 17C in October. View gallery . WELLINGTON: Regional Stadium (Capacity: 40,000 - Matches: 8) Also known as the Westpac Stadium and nicknamed 'The Cake Tin' (because of its circular shape and silver colour), this arena was opened in 2000. It was a replacement for the dilapidated Athletic Park and was also constructed as a concert venue and a larger home for one-day international cricket matches in the city, since the Basin Reserve was no longer attracting the latter. Its inaugural year was marked by the staging of the Edinburgh Military Tattoo — the first time it had been held outside Scotland — but the stadium is largely used for sport and concerts.

The Rolling Stones, Police, Kiss, AC/DC, Bon Jovi and Ozzy Ozbourne are among rock stars to have performed in 'The Cake Tin'. Otherwise, it is a regular port of call for the All Blacks and New Zealand's rugby league, football and one-day cricket teams. It is also the home of Super Rugby's Hurricanes franchise, ITM Cup side Wellington Lions, cricket team Wellington Firebirds and football outfit Wellington Phoenix. During the Black Caps' cricket match against England in 2002 Kiwi film director Peter Jackson recorded 30,000 fans chanting in 'Black Speech' — JRR Tolkein's fictional language — for his film 'The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers'. Normally its capacity is 36,000, but it will be boosted to 40,000 for its eight matches at the Rugby World Cup thanks to temporary seating. That is one more game than originally scheduled due to the Christchurch earthquake, with Argentina v Scotland now being held in 'The Cake Tin' as well. It is one of only two RWC stadia hosting knockout ties, Auckland's Eden Park being the other, but Wellington has been granted just two quarter-finals.

The stadium is a short walk from the central railway station of New Zealand's capital city and centre of government. Located on the southern tip of North Island, the city is renowned for its strong and cold winds. View gallery Tours in Dunedin 0800 TAXI SERVICE (0800 829473 or online contact form ) "We are so glad we caught HOPPIT, at the PORT ...", American couple from radiance of the Seas | more quotes Tours in Dunedin We believe in creating your own tour. A customized tour where you choose what you want to do, see and experience while we worry about the rest. We will take care of the timings and coordination of it all. We have put together all the great things Dunedin and its coastal region have to offer in a simple searchable list below. Just choose the categories you are interested in and make your selection. We also offer a couple of pre-defined tours that are our most popular. You can view them here: Pre-defined tours in Dunedin Did you know you can save 15% with all bookings?

Click here to find out more Custom tour builder Tour Categories - choose the tour categories you are interested in Children Selected tours: Currently no tours selected Tour Selected Aramoana Spit Aramoana, also known as "The Spit" to locals, is a small coastal settlement, 27 kilometres north of Dunedin city, in the South Island of New Zealand. The settlement's permanent population in 2001 Census was 261. Supplementing this are seasonal visitors from the city who occupy cribs. The name Aramoana is Maori for "pathway to the sea". Spit Beach is a safe, popular beach, memorable for its stunning scenery. Spit Beach is also a constant resort for a small number of the yellow-eyed penguin or hoiho. Children, Family, Free, History, Nature, Other, Views, Walks, Wild Life Tour Selected Baldwin Street Baldwin Street is recognised by the Guinness Book of Records as the steepest street in the world. The street runs up the northern side of Signal Hill, a prominent hill overlooking Otago Harbour, at slopes of up to 1:2.86 (for 2.86m horizontal distance, a rise of 1m).

There are a couple of annual events held at Baldwin street, one being the Jaffa Race at the annual Cadbury Chocolate Carnival, where 30,000 Giant Jaffas, hard orange candies with a chocolate centre, are rolled down the street. Each Jaffa is numbered, and sponsorship is sold by various local and nationwide beneficiaries who get to keep the money raised. At the bottom of Baldwin St the Jaffas are funnelled into the finishing chute to decide the winners. Children, Family, Free, Fun, History, Popular, Shopping, Walks Tour Selected Bird Avery There are over 200 birds spread over 4 large flights in the Aviary, mostly exotic species. The Aviary is open to the public at no charge 365 days a year. All native birds are part of the co-ordinated captive breeding programmes. The breeding season is from August to mid-January. During the breeding season some birds will be on nest duty, out of view. Children, Family, Free, Gardens, Nature, Walks Tour Selected Butterfly House A lush, living, tropical environment, the Tropical Forest brings visitors face to face with some of nature’s most beautiful butterflies.

Hundreds of these enchanting creatures roam free – some even stopping (on you) to say hello! Visitors will experience a hot and steamy rainforest from above and below, encountering an amazing array of flora and fauna within. Children, Family, Fun, Nature, Popular Tour Selected Cadbury World The Cadbury World tour is a chocolate-lover’s dream that overwhelms the senses! As you walk into the factory, the enticing scent of Jaffas, Turkish Delight, or cocoa welcomes you in, causing most visitors to let out a satisfied, “Ahhhh.” But that’s nothing compared to the all-encompassing chocolate scent wafting through the kitchen. Not only will your nose be working overtime, but with hundreds of buttons being made as you walk by, thousands of Roses being packaged, and one tonne of melted chocolate cascading down five stories, your eyes will have a feast to gaze upon as well. But don’t worry, your taste buds will have their chance too! In addition to receiving a bag full of samples, you’ll also have the pure liquid joy of tasting melted, still-warm chocolate.

Children, Family, Fun, History, Popular, Shopping, Tasting Tour Selected Cargill's Castle Cargill's Castle, known as The Cliffs, was built by Edward Bowes Cargill, a member of the founding Cargill family, prominent Dunedin business man and political leader. Cargill's Castle was designed by Frances William Petre, a leading New Zealand architect, and its location on the St Clair clifftops has ensured that it remains a Dunedin landmark.Cargill's Castle is one of the most significant historic structures in Dunedin and one of only two castles in New Zealand. Chinese Garden Dunedin Chinese Garden is based in the city of Dunedin, in southern New Zealand. It is located on a site next to the Toitu Otago Settlers Museum close to the centre of the city, and close to other numerous city tourist attractions, including the Dunedin Railway Station and the Queen's Gardens.The garden is named Lan Yuan. This name was specifically chosen to be significant on a number of levels.

The character lan () is the third character in the Chinese name for New Zealand (Xin xi lan, R), as well as being part of the name of the Yulan magnolia, popularly thought of as the flower of Dunedin's sister city Shanghai.The garden commemorates the contribution of Chinese people to the history and culture of Dunedin. Dunedin has had a long history of Chinese settlement, with many Cantonese people settling in and around the city at the time of the Central Otago Gold Rush in the late 1858 to1860s, only some 15 years after Dunedin was founded. Over two percent of the city's population is of Chinese descent as a result.The first Chinese Mayor of the City Mr Peter Chin, who was elected in 2004, was the driving force behind assuring the Chinese Gardens was built as a treasure and asset to this city and the future generations of all people. Of course most of the chinese heritage naturally belongs to its own peoples. Children, Culture, Family, Gardens, Heritage, History, Popular Tour Selected Discovery World It's science with a difference in Discovery World!

Experience heaps of hands-on science at its best in Otago Museum's interactive science centre, Discovery World! There's so much cool stuff that you won't know where to start! Encounter a rainforest teeming with tropical life... The Tropical Forest is a magical must-see! Enter a lush, living, tropical environment and come face to face with some of nature’s most beautiful butterflies. Hundreds of these enchanting creatures roam free all around you – some even stopping (on you) to say hello! If you love getting active you can engage yourself in Discovery World with the IBM TryScience Kiosk, challenge your friends to a game of air hockey or table soccer, inflate a hot air balloon, warp yourself with the trick mirror, stomp out a tune on the giant foot piano or test your skills with our tricky puzzles! Plus, don't miss our great science shows in Discovery World - they'll entertain you every Saturday and Sunday (and every day during school holidays) at 11am, 1pm and 3pm. With so much to do in Discovery World and the Tropical Forest you'll want to spend all day and all night there - and guess what? You can!

That's right, we have sleepovers right here in the science centre! Dunedin Art Gallery The Dunedin Public Art Gallery’s collection includes an excellent selection of British and European paintings and works on paper, gifted by generous benefactors or purchased by the Gallery’s founding organisation, the Dunedin Public Art Gallery Society. Many of the major figures in Western art since the 15th century are represented, with high points including paintings by Machiavelli, Claude Lorraine, Rosa, Monet, Pissarro, Reynolds, Gainsborough, Turner and Burne-Jones. Other international aspects of the collection include Japanese prints, a small selection of 20th century Australian art, and much of the decorative arts collection, which ranges across costume, textiles, ceramics, glass and furniture. Dunedin Botanic Gardens Established in 1863, the first in New Zealand, the Garden was originally located on the site now occupied by the University of Otago. After flooding in 1867 the Garden was relocated to its present 32 hectare position. Since the turn of the century the garden plant collections have been developed along generic, thematic and geographical lines.

They now include an impressive rock garden, four hectares of rhododendron dell, an Edwardian conservatory and extensive native plant collection. Dunedin Botanic Garden is a botanical, conservational and educational resource. It also provides a place for recreation and aesthetic pleasure. Children, Family, Free, Gardens, Nature, Walks Tour Selected Dunedin Central City Dunedin’s central city is a bustling hub which provides a focal point for residents and visitors. As the main business and retail area in Otago, the central city provides a huge range of facilities, such as shops and offices, civic and community services, restaurants and bars, museums, galleries and movie theatres. Children, Family, Free, History, Popular, Shopping Tour Selected Dunedin Train Station In its early days, the station was the country's busiest, handling up to 100 trains a day, including suburban services to Mosgiel and Port Chalmers, Railcars to Palmerston and the Otago Central Branch and other trains to Christchurch and Invercargill. The city's economic decline and the reduction in the prominence of rail transport mean that only a handful of trains use the station today.

Children, Culture, Free, Gardens, Heritage, History Tour Selected Evansdale Cheese Mass produced cheeses lack the charm, delicacy and appeal of a hand made cheese. Interest in price, shelf life, and uniformity of flavour are the very opposite of fine cheeses made in small quantities by artisan producers. Artisan producers such as Evansdale Cheese who now make the best cheeses, doing as little as possible to interfere with nature and with more interest in preserving the flavour of the elements within the milk, in order to produce a cheese of character. Evansdale Cheese, recognizing that cheeses thrive on care and consideration, look after and mature their cheeses so that you can enjoy them at their best. Children, Free, History, Shopping, Tasting Tour Selected Famous Hokey pokey ice cream Hokey pokey is a flavour of ice cream, consisting of plain vanilla ice cream with small, solid lumps of honeycomb toffee - known as "hokey pokey". It is the most popular flavour after plain vanilla in New Zealand,[5] and a standard example of Kiwiana. First Church of Otago 1848 marked the beginning of Dunedin as a Free Church of Scotland ( Presbyterian) settlement.

The early settlers formed the beginning congregation or First Church of Otago with The Reverend Thomas Burns as their Minister. In 1998 First Church of Otago and Dunedin celebrated 150 years of settlement. 1998 also marked 125 years since the opening of this fine church in November 1873. Visitors approaching First Church from Moray Place scarcely realise that the spacious grounds were created by hundreds of men. Convicts worked with pick and shovel to lower Bell Hill 40 feet. The setting of lawns and trees is thus a raised platform with cliff faces on three sides; the spoil from the hill top was used for reclamation of the inner harbour area. The First Church of Otago, designed by the architect R A Lawson, was opened on 23 November 1873, just 25 years after the first settlers arrived in Dunedin. It had taken six years to complete. Built of creamy Oamaru stone with a base of Port Chalmers stone the church has weathered well. Extensive repairs and reinforcing were necessary in the 1950's.

Major restoration was undertaken in 1991-92 after a nation-wide appeal raised $1,500,000. Forsyth Barr Stadium The Forsyth Barr Stadium is a multi-purpose stadium in Dunedin, New Zealand. At various stages of development it was also known as Dunedin Stadium, Awatea Street Stadium, New Carisbrook[citation needed], or its non-commercial official name during the 2011 Rugby World Cup, Otago Stadium. It is also known colloquially as 'The Glasshouse' due to its resemblance to a horticultural hot house. The stadium was opened by New Zealand Prime Minister John Key on 5 August 2011, replacing Carisbrook as the home stadium of the Highlanders team in Super Rugby and the Otago in the domestic ITM Cup. The stadium hosted four matches of the 2011 Rugby World Cup, and after hosting Elton John in November 2011 will host its second major music event in April 2013, when Aerosmith perform in New Zealand for the first time.

Family, Free, History, Other, Popular Tour Selected Glenfalloch Woodland Garden Glenfalloch Woodland Garden where nature reigns supreme. Glenfalloch Woodland Garden, Gaelic for 'hidden valley' is an historical garden, established from 1871 - tranquil, beautiful, much loved and classified as a Garden of National Significance by the NZ Gardens Trust. Enjoy the peace and tranquillity and the panoramic harbour views; listen to the ripple of Russell Creek and the harmony of a native birdlife symphony. Walk among the rhododendrons, azaleas, magnolias, fuchsias and a profusion of other flower species which integrate with native ferns, exotic imports and indigenous New Zealand trees. Meet a 1000 year old Matai Tree and admire our stunning autumn colours. Located on the Otago Peninsula, Glenfalloch Woodland Garden is only a 15 minute scenic drive from Dunedin City. Glenfalloch enjoys a microclimate that extends the seasons and nurtures growth. Take time to enjoy the garden and visit our artists in residence.

Family, Gardens, Nature, Other, Walks Tour Selected Larnach Castle Discover New Zealand’s only Castle, built 1871 by William Larnach, merchant baron and politician, for his beloved first wife Eliza. It took more than 200 workmen three years to build the Castle shell and master European craftsmen spent a further 12 years embellishing the interior. Larnach spared no expense on his dream home, which features the finest materials from around the world. The Castle is still privately owned and cared for by the Barker family who purchased it as their home in 1967. Decades have been spent on the Castle's restoration, with the family having restored empty buildings from ruin and assembled a large collection of original New Zealand period furniture and antiques. Open to the public throughout, this conservation project has been funded through admission fees. The family has always been committed to opening their home and sharing this significant period of Dunedin and New Zealand's history. Scandalous and tragic stories, spectacular tower views and a Garden of International Significance complete this enjoyable award-winning experience. Boutique Lodge accommodation is available in the Castle gardens.

Weddings, Balls, Conferences and Celebrations are held in the beautiful 3000 square foot Ballroom. High Tea is also now served daily in the Ballroom at 3pm. Culture, Gardens, Heritage, History, Views Tour Selected Children, Family, Free, Nature, Other, Views, Walks, Wild Life Tour Selected Moeraki Boulders The Moeraki Boulders are a group of very large spherical “stones” on Koekohe Beach near Moeraki on New Zealand’s Otago coast. These boulders are actually concretions that have been exposed through shoreline erosion from coastal cliffs that back the beach. They originally formed in ancient sea floor sediments around 60 million years ago. Some of the boulders weigh several tonnes and are up to 3 metres in diametre! Maori legend tells that the boulders are remains of calabashes, kumaras and eel baskets that washed ashore after the legendary canoe, the Araiteuru was wrecked at nearby Shag Point (Matakaea).

Children, Family, Free, History, Nature, Popular Tour Selected Mount Cargill Lookout Mount Cargill', known in Maori as Kapukataumahaka,[1] is a 680 metre high volcanic outcrop which dominates the skyline of northern Dunedin, New Zealand. It is situated some 15 kilometres north of the city centre. The peak is named for Captain William Cargill, an early leader of the Province of Otago. It is one of the youngest parts of the massive extinct Dunedin shield volcano and was formed some 10 million years ago. From the summit, views can be obtained of the entire Dunedin urban area, as well as a considerable stretch of open countryside and much of Otago's coastline, from Shag Point near Palmerston to Nugget Point in The Catlins. Particularly notable is the view of the Otago Peninsula and Otago Harbour, the entire length of which can be seen from the summit. New Zealand Sports Hall of Fame Here you will find a full listing of all sports people inducted into the New Zealand Sports Hall of Fame. To view these listings, visit the Inductees section.

We also sell a large range of sporting merchandise through our online shop. There is rugby memorabilia, cricket apparel, items from the Bruce McLaren Trust, along with a wide range of other sporting items. Children, Family, History, Other, Shopping Tour Selected Octagon The Octagon is an eight sided plaza bisected by the city's main street, which is called George Street to the northeast and Princes Street to the southwest. These form the axis of Dunedin's central business district. Several of Dunedin's significant buildings and institutions face this plaza or closely adjoin it. They include the Dunedin Municipal Chambers (Dunedin Town Hall), Civic Centre and Public Library, the Regent Theatre (Dunedin's largest live theatre), Dunedin Public Art Gallery, and St. Paul's Cathedral. Other buildings are the Athenaeum and Mechanics Institute and a multiplex cinema. Several restaurants and bars are located here. There is also provision for open-air dining. Children, Family, Free, Heritage, History, Shopping Tour Selected Olveston Olveston is an eloquent expression of one man's dream. A tour of Olveston allows an intimate glimpse of the lifestyle of a privileged family in the early 1900's.

It reflects a lifestyle enjoyed by just a few, but represents a most important piece in the mosaic of early New Zealand life as a whole.Visitors are very conscious of the family throughout the home, enjoying and experiencing the many treasures that were an integral part of the family's day-to-day life. Olveston captures this lifestyle completely. There is no more accurate or definitive example in New Zealand. Orokonui Ecosanctuary Our 307-hectare Cloud Forest is the largest area of native forest in mainland South Island where indigenous plants and animals can live in the wild without threat from most introduced pests. It is home to some of New Zealand's most fascinating and rare forest wildlife. Visit us and explore the Ecosanctuary's protected habitat where you will experience a natural encounter with South Island forest wildlife in a regenerating forest ecosystem. By visiting you will be supporting the preservation of biodiversity today and contributing towards a better tomorrow for our natural heritage. Children, Family, Fun, Nature, Other, Shopping, Views, Walks, Wild Life Tour Selected Otago Farmers Market Each Saturday morning thousands of people flock to the Dunedin Railway Station north car park to purchase local food directly from the people who made it.

Our customers love the friendly atmosphere, the fresh produce and the bargains that can always be found. With vendors all selling different products it is easy to see why so many local people choose to shop here. There is food to eat on site, buskers and weekly cooking demonstrations. Children, Family, Free, Popular, Shopping, Tasting Tour Selected Otago Museum The Otago Museum was founded in 1868 and has undergone many changes over the years. It is the largest cultural and heritage institution in Otago and has a collection of over two million natural science specimens and human history artefacts. The Museum is Dunedin's most visited attraction, currently welcoming over 300,000 visitors per year. Children, Culture, Family, Fun, History, Shopping Tour Selected Penguin Place Penguin Place is a private conservation reserve dedicated in helping this endangered species survive. The project is entirely funded by the guided tours. This funding provides habitat restoration, predator control, a research programme and on-site rehabilitation care, for the sick, starving and wounded. The tour begins with a short talk outlining the issues Yellow Eyed penguins are facing, the lifecycle and how the project is carried out.

A short bus trip over the farm takes the small groups to the reserve. While in the reserve your guide will lead you on foot through a unique system of covered trenches into viewing hides. Allowing access to the living areas and breeding grounds of this shy penguin, which provides the opportunity to witness and photograph undisturbed activity at close range. Children, Family, Fun, Nature, Views, Wild Life Tour Selected Royal Albatross Centre Taiaroa Head is alive with wildlife species, many of them scarce nesting seabirds. Our jewel in the crown is the Northern Royal Albatross. To view this majestic seabird flying at speeds up to 120kph is an exhilarating sight. Experience it for yourself by taking a guided tour through the Nature Reserve into the viewing Observatory. The Royal Albatross Centre is located on the tip of the Otago Peninsula, about a 45 minute drive from Dunedin. We are owned by the Otago Peninsula Trust, a charitable trust formed in 1967 for the protection of the local natural environment. The Nature Reserve on Taiaroa Head is managed by the Department of Conservation. Taiaroa Head is also famous in New Zealand history.

From a small Maori camp in the 1300s to a fortified pa where the Treaty of Waitangi was signed in 1840; from a wooden flagstaff to 1864 lighthouse to radar entrance for Otago Harbour; from an 1880s underground fortress to a large defence base in WWII. Taiaroa Head is today a Nature Reserve and iconic wildlife attraction. Children, Family, History, Nature, Popular, Views, Wild Life Tour Selected Speight's Brewery The Speight's Tour is an award-winning, informative and interactive tour through a working brewery and heritage centre. This is a fully guided tour which takes about 90 minutes. You'll see, smell, touch and taste the ingredients that go into making Speight's beers and discover how Speight's became a legend in the south. Learn the history of beer making, the brewing process and how to make traditional wooden beer casks. You can also visit the Speight's shop, which is open to the public. There's genuine Speight's beer gear - so you too can become part of the southern man legend.

Heritage, History, Popular, Shopping, Tasting Tour Selected St Clair Esplanade St Clair Beach is a popular summer destination for Dunedinites. It is one of the South Island's more popular surfing venues and is also home to the St Clair Surf Life Saving Club. At the western end of the beach, under the shadow of Forbury Hill, lies the St Clair Hot Salt Water Pool, an open-air public swimming pool nestled within rocks a handful of metres from the sea. The beach is also the site of the city's annual "midwinter plunge", which sees residents brave the chilly waters every year at the winter solstice. The beach's sea wall, esplanade and oceanway were rebuilt and renovated in 2004. In recent years the Esplanade area has become a hub of culture with many cafe's, restaurants and bars including the casual Swell Cafe-Bar and Pier 24 Restaurant and Bar with award winning Celebrity Chef - Michael Coughlin. In 2009 the face of the Esplanade changed significantly with the opening of the luxury St Clair Beach Resort hotel.

Children, Family, Free, Nature, Popular, Views Tour Selected Taieri Gorge Railway The Taieri Gorge train is a sightseeing train trip travelling through spectacular scenery and departing from the historic Dunedin Railway Station in downtown Dunedin. Departing daily it takes you on a journey through the rugged and spectacular Taieri River Gorge, across wrought iron viaducts and through tunnels carved by hand more than 100 years ago. Children, Family, Fun, Heritage, History, Nature, Popular, Views Tour Selected Finest coffee and homemade delights in Dunedin Central City. Organic foods and drinks... Relaxed environment yet right in town... Friendly helpful staff...

Question: The Otago Stadium is staged some of the 2011 Rugby World Cup matches, in which city can it be found?
Answer: DUNEDIN