Cup opening night revelry comes at $2.7m price

Fireworks will light up the night sky as the Rugby World Cup tournament officially opens. Photo / Supplied

Auckland will spend $2.7 million on its opening night celebrations for 50,000 people and the international media.

The money comes out of a $35 million council budget for Rugby World Cup operating expenses, and $100 million overall cost including infrastructure upgrades.

The Herald yesterday revealed how the celebrations will span the waterfront from the Viaduct Harbour to Queens Wharf on September 9, featuring Dave Dobbyn, the Finn Brothers and a huge fireworks display.

Mayor Len Brown said they were a way of saying thank you to Auckland for its investment in the tournament.

"It's a once-in-a-lifetime extraordinary spectacle, and it's an extraordinary opportunity to portray the natural beauty and the excitement of this place," Mr Brown said.

"We've invested a lot but this is a bit of a thank you for Aucklanders. Everyone has worked in a collaborative fashion to get to a point to deliver this. We just want all Aucklanders to come down to be part of it."

For 12 minutes before the opening match kick-off, cameras from around the world will focus on Auckland cityscapes as they are lit up by fireworks and lighting displays on buildings and landmarks in the biggest pyrotechnics show ever seen here.

"It will present Auckland and our country... as a place you just can't ignore in your international travel aspirations," Mr Brown said.

Organisers said disruptions to the city on the day could be significant and people should arrive early at the waterfront as only 50,000 would be allowed to take part in the festivities.

Ticketholders to the 8.30pm opening game at Eden Park should skip the party and go directly to the stadium.

Up to 2000 volunteers and staff will be helping to run the Cup programme which begins at 4pm when 20 carved waka each carrying 30 people will paddle into the Viaduct Harbour. Dave Dobbyn will sing Welcome Home on acoustic guitar as the waka arrive.

A mass haka by the 600 waka paddlers will be followed by an 80-minute concert by the Finn Brothers on Queens Wharf.

Big screens will line the waterfront area to show what's going on in other places, including Eden Park.

Dane Rumble and Midnight Youth will feature in post-match entertainment, finishing about 2am.