Ask Phoebe: Plenty of TV coverage for opening ceremony

Auckland bus information can be found at maxx.co.nz Photo / Paul Estcourt

As the opening of the Rugby World Cup draws closer, it has not been possible to answer all the questions we have received regarding transport, parking and access to the various stadiums. However, here is a list of websites that should address most of these concerns.

For Auckland bus, train and ferry services, go to www.maxx.co.nz and use the events drop-down menu.

For other ferry services, go to www.fullers.co.nz.

For travel to Hamilton for games at Waikato Stadium, visit www.nakedbus.com or www.tranzscenic.co.nz and go to their promotions menu.

For traffic and parking plans for Eden Park or North Harbour Stadium, go to www.auckland2011.com and go to the match venues menu.

For more information about the venues, visit www.edenpark.co.nz or www.stadium.co.nz and go to the events menu.

There is also a lot of helpful information at www.aucklandtransport.govt.nz.

Can you tell me if we can expect any live TV broadcasts from the opening activities on September 9?

- Patricia Middleton, Tauranga.

TV One will be carrying live coverage of Auckland's opening celebration from 4.55pm on Friday, September 9.

This will be followed by live coverage of the opening ceremony at 7.30pm, followed by the opening game at 8.30pm, between the All Blacks and Tonga.

Maori Television covers the opening ceremony from 7pm, followed by the first game live.

And Sky Sport 1 starts its live build-up at 6pm, followed by live coverage of the opening ceremony and the first game.

Is there any plan to have an open day at Eden Park for the ratepayers to view the scene before the Rugby World Cup? I'm sure many people would appreciate the gesture.

- Lynley McKenzie, Auckland.

Tracy Morgan, general manager of sales and marketing at Eden Park, said there was an open day for the public when the new stands were opened on October 10 last year.

There is nothing planned before the cup as there is no time to hold one with the additional work Eden Park staff are now undertaking before the opening game.

There are no more matches before the RWC opening on September 9 as the last ITM match was on Saturday, August 20.

* Here is a piece of good advice from John Pirtle for people who plan to park and ride to the rugby matches.

Make sure any valuables you leave in your car are out of sight and that the vehicle is securely locked.

There'd be nothing worse than returning after a great game (or even a really bad one) and finding your car has been trashed. Thanks John.