Dan Carter back to terrorise Lions fans

Queens Wharf will be the Auckland fanzone hub during the Lions tour.

If Lions fans thought they had seen the last of Dan Carter, they can think again.

The All Black legend is back in New Zealand to reminisce on his masterclass performance against the Lions in 2005. He will be speaking to fans at the Queens Wharf fanzone ahead of Saturday's test between the tourists and the All Blacks at Eden Park.

Carter scored 33 points in the second test at Wellington as the All Blacks dominated the Lions, winning 48-18.

He will be talking to TV presenter James McOnie before a replay of the game is shown to the crowd at the fanzone.

Queens Wharf will be Auckland's entertainment hub while the Lions are in the city.

It will open at 3pm on Thursday, with a weekend-long programme of entrainment, activities and live plus classic match screenings.

TV reporter and former Black Fern Melodie Robinson will host Thursday evening's entertainment, chatting to Provincial Barbarians players Bryn Gatland and Sam Anderson-Heather. Those in attendance will be hoping Bryn might let some secrets slip about the visitors, given his dad Warren is the coach.

The first test will be screened live at Queens Wharf and at the west fanzone at Trusts Stadium in Henderson. Both fanzones will have free entertainment, activities and food and drink for sale.

For the second test a fanzone will be in operation at Vodafone Events Centre in Manukau, while a fanzone for the third test will be set up at North Shore Events Centre.

A few All Blacks will visit the Queens Wharf fanzone on Friday to catch a touch rugby tournament involving some of the country's most talented young rugby players.

Eight trophies will also be on display having been flown up from the NZ Rugby trophy cabinet, as well as a rugby photo exhibition from legendary photographer Peter Bush.

The fan trail that was introduced for the Rugby World Cup in 2011 is back, and will take fans along a 4.2km route from Queens Wharf to Eden Park.

The trail will feature street performers including fire dancers, circus performers, drag queens, Celtic and samba drummers, live music and face painting.

Fans who are keen for the hustle and bustle and the buzz of a crowd are encouraged to head along the Queen's Wharf fanzone, while those who prefer smaller crowds and want to avoid the city centre are advised to head to the fanzones outside the central city.

Travel on trains and special events buses is included with match tickets.

Auckland is expected to host more than 20,500 international and 14,000 domestic visitors during the Lions series, according to Auckland Tourism, Events and Economic Development (Ateed).

Ateed projects the tour will bring $26.7 million into the Auckland economy.