Cricket World Cup trophy coming to Rotorua

The ICC Cricket World Cup trophy is displayed at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on January 11, 2014. Australia and New Zealand will host the cricket world cup from February 14 to March 29, 2015. AFP PH

The ICC Cricket World Cup trophy is about to begin a nationwide tour of New Zealand, including stops in Rotorua and Taupo.

The tour includes a stop for every one of the 22 years since the tournament was last in New Zealand in 1992.

The eighth day of the tour the trophy will be in Rotorua, with an event to be held at the Lakeside Reserve from 7.30am to 11.30am on Thursday 13 November.

It will then be at the Tongariro Domain in Taupo from 10am to 2pm on Saturday 15 November.

The tour will feature an interactive exhibition on the history of the tournament, cricket skills challenges, giveaways and the chance to have a free photo with the ICC Cricket World Cup Trophy.

Fans are invited to share their photographs on Twitter and Facebook using the hashtags #cwc15 and #cwctrophytour.

Head of New Zealand for ICC Cricket World Cup 2015, Therese Walsh, said the tour was the ideal way to give as many Kiwis as possible a chance to help kick start our biggest ever summer of cricket.

"Cricket is our summer game and a national passion. We will have waited a generation for the return of what has grown to be one of biggest sporting events in the world, and this is the perfect way to show New Zealanders what the tournament is all about.

"For this trophy tour we've designed something really special that I believe will appeal to fans of all ages. Rotorua has got into the spirit of the tournament by embracing the opportunity to be part of the tour, so keep an eye out for our convoy and help us gear up for what will be a fantastic event on 13 November and an amazing summer of cricket."

Mayor Steve Chadwick said Rotorua was delighted to be one of the cities to host the ICC Cricket World Cup Trophy Tour.

"With just over three months to go, it's time to start getting excited about New Zealand's co-hosting of the ICC Cricket World Cup in 2015.

"With the New Zealand Trophy Tour coming to Rotorua next month, locals are going to get a taste of what to expect and it's sure to kick-start a surge of excitement about the big event.

"History tells us New Zealanders will get right behind the World Cup and Rotorua sports fans will be no exception. So I'm urging people to gather the family together and get on down to the Village Green on November 13 to enjoy the interactive road show. There's going to be a lot of local interest and something for everyone on offer."