Fans on Eat Streat. Photo/Ben Fraser
Lions fans are in town and ready for a big weekend in Rotorua.
And in preparation for the thousands of revellers expected around the town before and after tomorrow night's Maori All Blacks v British & Irish Lions game, emergency services are putting on extra staff to ensure everyone has a safe experience.
At Our Backyard pub this afternoon Bruce Simpson, 55, was buzzing in anticipation of the game.
"I'm extremely excited, the town is buzzing, people are friendly ... [after the game] I'm planning to go tramping on Monday and go to the spas."
He said Kiwi friends had got him tickets to all games, bar two and he was using public transport to get around the country.
At Hennessy's Bar it was a rugby love story for Irishman Daragh Norman, 34, and Kiwi Amanda Ferris, 27, though they are adamant the result won't change anything.
The couple, who live in Wellington, met during the Rugby World Cup in New Zealand in 2011 and travel around the world for rugby games.
Mr Norman was backing the Lions to win, while Ms Ferris was behind the Maori All Blacks.
At Hennessey's Bar Graham McCluggage, from Belfast, and Scotsman Colin Service, were both enjoying their first visit to New Zealand.
They were part of a tour of 77, and had arrived in Rotorua today.
Mr McCluggage said he was having a fantastic time in New Zealand.
"I'm backing the Lions to win, [captain] Peter O'Mahony will lead by example."
Bob and Sue Woolford, from South Wales, are travelling around New Zealand in a campervan, following the Lions.
"The Lions will win. [Head coach] Warren Gatland has picked a test side. The provincial games can't judge the team," Mr Woolford said.
Mrs Woolford said she had found New Zealanders friendly and welcoming.
"They are helpful. Always a smile and a hello from everyone, sound advice for travellers."
With them, was Jamie Little from Scotland, who had just arrived in Rotorua after driving up from the game in Dunedin.
"I think the Lions will score a few good tries, I'm predicting they will win by 10 points."
While the number of red jerseys had started to swell in Rotorua, Kiwi fans were out and about.
Phill Dunne, from Dunedin, had come to Rotorua as part of the "Wives don't know tour"; a bunch of 12 friends from all over the country.
He said they would be going to tomorrow night's game and the last test in Auckland.
"I'm picking the Maori All Blacks, they've never let us down before."
Bay of Plenty operations support manager Inspector Kevin Taylor said police had extra staff working this weekend.
"One of the major focus areas is road safety. We are aware that 75 per cent of those attending the game are coming from outside of Rotorua.
"We ask that all drivers in particular would work with police to ensure everybody has a safe and enjoyable weekend."
A St John spokesman said they would have significant presence at the game, and additional resources before and after.
Meanwhile, a moment's silence will be held before both matches at the stadium to remember those affected by the Grenfell Tower tragedy.
New Zealand Rugby general manager of the DHL NZ Lions Series, Nigel Cass, said it was important to remember those affected by this week's fire, with officials fearing the death toll could rise to 100.
"It's important that we stand with our rugby friends from the Northern Hemisphere to pay tribute to those affected by the awful tragedy in London," Mr Cass said.
Those heading to the game and needing mobility parking with general admission tickets can access public parking via Thebes St.
For those with a grandstand ticket, they will need a NZ Mobility Card for display on their dashboard. This will get them through the road closure on Devon St (quickest to approach from Pukehangi Rd end), and they will be able to park in the yellow carpark opposite gate two.