Take the long way round for a REAL experience

In 2011, domestic and international visitors will be offered a genuine taste of the country through the REAL New Zealand Festival....

The REAL New Zealand Festival will bring the Rugby world cup 2011 experience alive with a nationwide celebration of New Zealand arts, food and wine, heritage, culture, entertainment, business and lifestyle.

With events all over the country, there'll be plenty of reasons to take the long way round as you travel from match to match.

If it's quintessentially Kiwi, chances are it'll be there. The Festival is for visitors and locals alike - whether you're dropping in to catch some world-class Rugby or simply taking the opportunity to explore your own backyard. 

The REAL New Zealand Festival will run from September 9 - October 23 and will complement the match and team hosting schedule.

There are currently more than 300 events on the festival programme and it will continue to build over the next year, so keep checking back for REAL New Zealand Festival updates as we build up to the biggest festival New Zealand has ever seen