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 RUGBY IN THE HEARTLAND OF NEW
ZEALAND.
WORLD VINTAGE RUGBY CARNIVAL
September 14 - 20 2008, Christchurch, New Zealand.
WHAT MAKES CHRISTCHURCH SO SPECIAL ?
A great bastion of Rugby....
Christchurch is famous for many things including its wonderful
sporting tradition as one of the great bastions of Rugby. It is the
stronghold of Rugby in the most rugby-mad country in the world. Rugby
permeates the lives of Cantabrians and is everyone’s sport – locals are
remarkably knowledgeable about the game and are passionate in their support
of their chosen club.
Canterbury people love their rugby and graciously welcome visitors to share
their fervour for the game, both on and off the field. With 80 teams from
over 20 countries expected to be at the Carnival, the international language
of Rugby will resonate around the playing fields and in the Canterbury pubs
and rugby clubs (did you know that there are 18 rugby clubs in metropolitan
Christchurch ?) and visitors can expect to create as many memorable moments
off the field as on for the participants whose only requirement is to be
aged over 35, and have a love of the game.
Click this image to take a close-up view of Jade Stadium.
Home to just 400,000, Christchurch is the home of many All Blacks and the
Canterbury provincial rugby side. Christchurch is entrenched in a proud
rugby heritage. Players such as Daniel Carter and Richie McCaw reside in the
city which boasts past players such as ex-All Blacks coach Robbie Deans,
Andrew Mehrtens and Todd Blackadder.
So easy to get around....
 At
the heart of Christchurch is Cathedral Square, a busy pedestrian area well
known for its market days and lunchtime concerts. Nearby, the gently flowing
Avon River meanders through the city offering grassy banks lined with poplar
trees and weeping willows.
 Getting
around Christchurch is also very simple. There is relatively little traffic
and streets are wide and flat. There are many other attractions in
Christchurch including the Port Hills to hot air ballooning, shopping to
dining, jet-boating to punting on the Avon River, something for everyone
really.
Christchurch has successfully hosted many international sporting events in
recent times, including the the FINA World Masters Swimming Champs, the
World Firefighters Games,the World Wheelchair Games and the 2005 world
maxibasketball championship.
Where is it ?....
 Known
in New Zealand as the Garden City, it is situated on the east coast of the
South Island, and is just a one hour drive from the spectacular Southern
Alps which houses many ski fields, much native fauna and incredible vistas.
To the east lies Banks Peninsula which features sheltered bays, sandy
beaches, bush clad valleys and rocky coastlines. Boating, fishing, many
wineries and French-settled harbour-side village of Akaroa are key
attractions of the peninsula.
 A
quick journey north reveals rolling hills, forests and long deserted beaches
with the whale-watching centre of Kaikoura only tow hours drive away. Inland
is Hanmer Springs, an alpine resort featuring geothermal outdoor hot pools
and 17,000ha of indigenous foliage.
Throughout the province, there are numerous attractions and activities too
good to miss. For the overseas traveller, the area is a Mecca of adventure
and opportunity so be sure to plan for a long stay and enjoy the region's
world renowned scenery and hospitality.
There is so much to do in Christchurch....
 There
is nowhere else in the world where, within two hours of an international
airport, you can ski at a world-class alpine resort (the Mt Hutt ski
field will still be open during the 2008 Carnival), play golf on 37
courses, bungy jump, go rafting, mountain biking, wind surfing, whale
watching and visit world-class wineries and gardens.
 Christchurch
is bordered by hills and the Pacific Ocean. On the edge of the Canterbury
Plains, which stretch to the Southern Alps, the city is at the centre of an
area of tremendous geographical contrast. It’s the perfect location for the
2008 World Vintage Rugby Carnival.
Make sure you plan for plenty of time in Christchurch and Canterbury – there
are more varied attractions here that most parts of the world ! Ride a
Gondola (cable car) up 500 metres for 360 degree panoramic views of
Christchurch, Banks Peninsula, Pacific Ocean coastline,
 Canterbury
Plains and Southern Alps. Find out first hand what life is like on the
coldest place on earth at the International Antarctic Centre or sink into
therapeutic hot pools at Hanmer Springs. See and feed indigenous and exotic
animals at the wildlife parks. View kiwis and marine life at the Southern
Encounter Aquarium, explore classically restored historic homesteads, savour
tastings and a tour at a working brewery, experience life on a New Zealand
farm. The experiences and variety go on and on…!
Some Facts About Christchurch
Latitude: 43º 31 Mins, 48 Secs South
Longitude: 172º 37 Mins, 13 Secs East
Geographical position: East Coast, South Island.
Area - Christchurch City: 45,240 Hectares
Population: 341,000
Climate
 Sunshine
Mean average bright sunshine: 2,040 hrs per annum
Rainfall
Average rain days of 1mm or more
87 days per annum
Average annual rainfall: 655 mm
The following useful Christchurch websites will give you many more
reasons to come to Christchurch for the 2008 World Vintage Rugby Carnival.
www.sportsdestination.christchurch.org.nz
www.christchurch.org.nz
www.christchurchnz.net
www.bethere.org.nz
Gallery of Images...
We have put together a gallery of images taken in
and around Christchurch and the Canterbury region.
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