Queenstown visitors and residents will have a chance to get up close and personal with the piece de resistance of the Rugby World Cup (RWC) 2011 today, when the Webb Ellis Trophy arrives in the resort.
The RWC 2011 Roadshow is touring New Zealand this month, offering the chance for New Zealanders to celebrate the largest sporting event in the country's history.
The roadshow began in Bluff on Monday and will be open for business in the resort at the Queenstown Events Centre from 6.30am to 9.30am today, with TVNZ's Breakfast show presenter Tamati Coffey broadcasting live.
The custom-designed truck opens into a 72sq m events-style venue, featuring interactive displays and videos on Rugby World Cup history and lore.
Outside the truck in a marquee area will be a preview of some of the Real New Zealand Festival events to be held during RWC 2011.
Those being held in the Lakes District are the Classic All Blacks v Classic France rugby match; the Snow Park 7s at Wanaka; the Central Otago Pinot Experience; Taste Queenstown; Matches Made in Heaven; Queenstown Jazzfest; the Oranges at Halftime Exhibition; and The People's Republic of State Highway 94.
NZ 2011 office director Leon Grice said the roadshow would provide New Zealand communities with a window on to what made them special.
"From oyster-shucking competitions, street performances and bands to rugby culture and food festivals, the uniqueness of every New Zealand region will be on display through the Roadshow's Real New Zealand Festival events.
"This is a great chance for Kiwis everywhere to celebrate our extraordinary country, prepare to welcome our international visitors and find out how to get involved in RWC 2011, whether or not their town is hosting matches."
Visitors and residents can have their photograph taken with the Webb Ellis Cup, win or buy RWC 2011 tickets and find out about ways to get involved in the tournament.
The two best-dressed fans at every location will win two RWC 2011 tickets.
RWC 2011 chief executive Martin Snedden said the roadshow was designed to create a buzz in New Zealand communities ahead of the tournament.
"[It] will help show New Zealanders why this tournament is so much bigger than just rugby.
"It's going to be a lot of fun so I urge people to come along and get a taste of how special this event is going to be and how they can play a part."
