At 9.30am on Friday, the New Zealand Rugby Union announced the team-hosting venues for the 20 teams participating in the event, which will be based in 23 centres across the country - one of those centres being Queenstown.
The resort will host the Irish rugby team from September 2-7, the English team - 2003 World Cup champions - from September 19-21; and a yet-to-be-named European playoff winner from September 11-14.
All the teams will train at the Queenstown Events Centre.
Meanwhile, Dunedin will host Europe 1; Scotland; England; Ireland; Italy; and a play-off winner between September 5 and October 2.
Invercargill will host Scotland; Argentina and two playoff winners between September 7-17.
Each team averages 45 people, made up of players and support staff.
The English and Irish should bring with them huge public support - as happened during the 2005 Lions tour in New Zealand.
Queenstown Lakes District Mayor Mr Geddes said the news was "fantastic" - particularly given it was the English and Irish who would be in Queenstown.
"The communities I represent have strong historical links to both Ireland and England and I know these teams will be made to feel extremely welcome."
"We are a district of relatively small communities that are being given a tremendous opportunity to play a big part in the Rugby World Cup.
"It's a big positive," Mr Geddes said.
Destination Queenstown's Graham Budd was also thrilled with the announcement, which he said would give the resort a huge boost in visitor numbers during an ordinarily quiet time of the year.
Mr Budd is part of Queenstown's Rugby World Cup 2011 committee which has been working behind the scenes for more than a year as part of a wider regional approach.
Co-ordinated by Lakes Leisure Events manager Karen Gemmell, the committee represented the interests of various local organisations and so far comprises members of QLDC, Destination Queenstown, Lakes Leisure, Lakes Environmental, Queenstown Airport, Chamber of Commerce, Lake Wanaka Tourism, Southern PR, and local rugby representatives.
Ms Gemmell said there had been plenty of speculation following reconnaissance visits from the different teams.
"It's great to finally get the official nod after being on tenterhooks for so long.
"We will now be full steam ahead with the planning.
"Queenstown has superb sporting facilities including an integrated Health & Fitness, swimming complex, indoor stadium and outdoor fields, which are maintained to the highest levels and well suited to this use."
The Queenstown RWC 2011 committee would work on Queenstown's business and community plans for the event and make information available to both sectors on a regular basis.
The committee was also part of the wider Spin It Wide group, which was working to ensure a co-ordinated approach to regional tourism, business and community promotional strategies and was committed to sharing the benefits of the event throughout the south.
"Spin It Wide will concentrate on getting the communities of the south involved in the cup and ensuring our region is showcased at its best before and during the tournament," Ms Gemmell said.
The first teams are to arrive in New Zealand on August 31, 2011
