Rugby World Cup: Off-field fun for rugby teams

Visiting teams will enjoy jet boating. Photo / Supplied

New Zealand will roll out the red carpet for its visiting international rugby stars, providing them with five-star treatment during the World Cup.

The first teams will fly in at the start of September to official welcomes in Maori and English - the first experience of a hongi for many of the hulking overseas sportsmen.

And then they will climb on the bus to their hotels. With only 68 days until kick-off, teams have locked in some of New Zealand's best hotels and have already planned extracurricular activities off the field.

Our neighbours across the Tasman have their sights set on an adventurous getaway to the picturesque South Island town of Hanmer Springs.

The squad will spend four days between games at the 4 star Heritage Hotel with "the Southern Alps as their constant backdrop".

Despite the luxurious comfort indoors, coach and Cantabrian Robbie Deans has planned to take the team out on his much-loved jet boat.

"He's jet boat mad, so the jet boat will come out at some stage," said Matt McIlraith, the Wallabies spokesman. "Hopefully he doesn't drown some of our players."

It was important for players to be rested and refreshed during the competition's down-time, he added.

Ireland spokesman Karl Richardson said they would be making the most of their time in New Zealand, revisiting hot spots they enjoyed during last year's visit.

"I do remember a greyish picture of the team Zorbing [in Rotorua] on Wayne Shelford's book shelf ... [also] mud baths and white water rafting."

Whether the big front row forwards can squeeze into the hole on a Zorb inflatable ball remains to be seen.

The Irish team also plan to go fishing in the wilderness of New Plymouth - the hometown of one of their coaches, former All Black Greg Feek.

Russia will enjoy 180 degree views of Tauranga when they stay at The Sebel Trinity Wharf, a four-star hotel built over the water. They will have the luxury of a waterfront bar, an outdoor swimming pool and fully-equipped gymnasium.

Russian spokeswoman Ilya Nechaev said the team was looking forward to returning to New Zealand after they played two friendly matches against Taranaki and South Canterbury in January.

Further north, Japan, Samoa and Fiji are hoping for a more natural experience by visiting the volcanic rock formations in Kerikeri and sailing the seas.

Samoa's team manager Matthew Vaea said they planned to take the Spirit of New Zealand, a ship more often used to develop teenagers' leadership qualities, to Waiheke Island.

But not all teams will be seeking adventure.

Argentinian Rugby Union media manager Rafael Laria said their main focus was rugby.

"Once a week we will make an Argentinian barbecue, an 'asado'. The players are here for the World Cup, so on rest days they will prefer to do quiet activities," Laria said.

Players at play

Australia

Hotels: Crown Plaza, Auckland. Intercontinental, Wellington. Heritage Hotel, Hanmer Springs

Activities: Out on Robbie Deans' jetboat. Visit to Christchurch.

England

Hotels: SkyCity, Auckland.

Canada

Hotels: Bluewater Hotel, Napier.

Italy

Hotels: Rutherford Hotel, Nelson. Pullman Hotel, Auckland. Mercure Leisure Lodge, Dunedin.

France

Hotels: Spencer on Byron, Takapuna.

Tonga

Hotels: Novotel Ellerslie, Auckland. Kingsgate, Whangarei. James Cook, Wellington.

Russia

Hotels: The Devon Hotel, New Plymouth. Chateau Marlborough, Blenheim. Monaco Resort, Nelson. The Sebel Hotel Trinity Wharf, Tauranga. Heritage Hotel, Rotorua.

South Africa
Hotels: Intercontinental, Wellington. Bayview Wairakei Resort, Taupo.

Japan

Activities: Visit volcanic rock formations in Kerikeri. Plan to go fishing, off-road driving, bungy jumping, cycling and mountain biking, in Auckland, Whangarei, Napier and Hamilton.

Fiji

Activities: White Island Cruise in Whakatane. SkyTower Walk in Auckland.

Samoa

Activities: Spirit of New Zealand from Auckland to Waiheke Island (tbc). Visiting Samoan churches around the country.

Ireland

Activities: Zorb in Rotorua, white-water rafting, bungy jump in Taupo, fishing in New Plymouth.

Scotland

Hotel: Kelvin Hotel, Invercargill.

In the mood

There are fewer than 70 days to the Rugby World Cup. So what are you doing to get into the mood? The Herald on Sunday wants to hear from readers who reckon they're doing something unique around World Cup time. Built a grandstand? Bought a bus to tour the country? We want to feature Kiwis' passion for our national game in coming weeks. Email your story to editor@heraldonsunday.co.nz