Otago and Southland regions "Spin it Wide"

The Otago and Southland regions have united to jointly promote the best of the South in a campaign called "Spin It Wide"...

The Stadium of Four Million that is New Zealand has more than 300,000 seats from the Waitaki to Stewart Island. "Spin It Wide" is a campaign that sees city and district councils, regional tourism organisations, and Rugby unions, working together to welcome and entertain international teams, visitors and media for Rugby World Cup 2011.

Plans are underway for a full calendar of events to keep visitors and locals entertained between matches during the Tournament. Famed for its "southern hospitality" the locals are looking forward to showing off all their region has to offer.

All the centres in the region, from Queenstown and Wanaka in the west, Dunedin in the east, Oamaru to the north and Invercargill to the south are creating exciting tour and events packages for before and after the matches, to entice visitors to extend their visit to the region.

During Rugby World Cup 2011, Dunedin alone is expecting more than 10,000 visitors and the city be aiming to showcase its vibrant urban culture, renowned fashion and arts scene, and compelling diverse natural environment.

"Everyone says their city is special and Dunedin is no exception," said Dunedin Mayor, Peter Chin. "We were New Zealand's first city, with the first university, the first daily newspaper, the first women graduates in law and medicine - all this and spectacular scenery and architecture. Rugby only takes 80 minutes - Dunedin offers a lifetime of pleasures, old and new, plus legendary hospitality!"

Said Invercargill Mayor Tim Shadbolt "Southland strongly supports this event and will ensure that visitors to the region will have a positive and memorable experience." He added "Southland is particularly proud to be welcoming the Scottish team and their supporters, given our common heritage, and those from Argentina because of our mutual interests in agriculture."

The smaller towns in the region also recognise the opportunities Rugby World Cup 2011 will bring to the area which offers them a place on the world tourism stage and for the visitors, to experience the warmth and welcome of some of the prettiest small towns in the country.

The Clutha District will be inviting teams to celebrate the local Rugby connection. The Central Otago area will provide opportunities for supporters to make a detour for a day or two. With its strong Scottish connection, Roxburgh is planning a Scottish week to coincide with Scotland's matches in the region and Alexandra's Blossom Festival has also been scheduled during the Tournament.

The Rugby community and local councils are upgrading infrastructure to ensure things work smoothly and business communities are also developing initiatives to link international visitors with particular business interests in the region.

Rugby World Cup 2011 provides a superb platform for visitors to get a real sense of the hospitality, diversity and beauty the lower South Island has to offer, a uniquely southern experience.

For more information, please visit http://www.spinitwide2011.co.nz/.

Rugby World Cup 2011 Matches in the Southern Region