With the 2017 Lions Series taking place in seven cities across New Zealand, tourists and locals can hit the road to check out some of the country’s most iconic tourism activities.
Whangarei and Northland
The opening game of the British and Irish Lions Series takes place in Whangarei with the Lions taking on a New Zealand Provincial XV. Whangarei is the base to explore the far north of the North Island. Visit the Bay of Islands, cruise with the dolphins, and sail through the famous Hole in the Rock.
Auckland—City of Sails
Auckland, New Zealand’s largest city, will host the British and Irish Lions three times during the Series, including two All Black matches. With two harbours on two oceans, Auckland has perfect sailing conditions. So jump onboard a boat and take in the city sights from the Hauraki Gulf. Ferry to Waiheke, sail aboard an America’s Cup yacht, or take a spin on a jet boat to see the city from the harbour.
Hamilton Waikato—underground marvels
The Chiefs take on the Lions in Hamilton. Visit Matamata, home to the Hobbiton movie set or head south to Waitomo for a massive underground experience at Waitomo Glow Worm Caves.
Central North Island
When the New Zealand Maori take on the British and Irish Lions, they will be in the midst of a geothermal and cultural hot spot. Rotorua is New Zealand’s oldest tourist destination and the best place to experience Maori culture and natural thermal wonders. Just south of Rotorua the bustling tourist town of Taupo sits on the shores of New Zealand’s largest lake. This is a sporting mecca and a fisherman’s dream destination with a lake and rivers full of trout.
Palmerston North
True pilgrims on the rugby trail won’t want to miss out on a visit to Palmerston North and The New Zealand Rugby Museum. Just north of Wellington (two hours by car from the capital), Palmerston North is a university city, the main centre of the Manawatu region, and the final resting place of some of the world’s rarest rugby artefacts. The museum’s collection includes everything, from New Zealand’s earliest rugby ball to the original All Black jersey.
Wellington
New Zealand’s capital city is known for its love of coffee, craft beer and, of course, rugby. The local heroes of Super Rugby, The Hurricanes, will take on the Lions and the city will also host the second test against the All Blacks. Wellington is a great place to tee off on one of several great golf courses including the regal Royal Wellington Golf Club and the Paraparaumu Beach Golf Club.
Christchurch
The British and Irish Lions will tackle the Crusaders, the most successful team in Super Rugby history, when they visit Christchurch. Explore the immersive landscapes of the Canterbury region to see where some of New Zealand’s most hardened rugby battlers come from.
- life on the wild side
In southern Dunedin, The Lions will take on the Highlanders inside New Zealand’s only covered rugby stadium, Forsyth Barr. The city has a vibrant arts and student culture (and all that goes with that)It’s also famous for wildlife—the royal albatross, yellow-eyed penguins, and sea lions that frequent nearby Otago Peninsula.
Source: Tourism New Zealand
