Vickery, the former England prop, who was in the World Cup winning team in 2003, and also went to two others, was in Dunedin yesterday doing some work for a British television station and also Tourism New Zealand.
He was impressed with what he saw and was looking forward to the tournament.
"I've always liked coming here. I came out here in 1998 and that was the real making of me. I got a real crash course in rugby and it was a phenomenal experience," he said.
"I really enjoy the people down here. They're well grounded and totally honest in giving their opinions."
He said interest in the tournament was high in Britain and he expected many people to come to New Zealand.
The recession had hit many people hard but the World Cup would be a way to escape all the doom and gloom and something for a lot of people to look forward to, Vickery (35) said.
Asked what was the thing needed to win a World Cup his first answer was "a bit of luck".
"You do, really. Obviously, you have to have a good team.
But at the end of the day the different thing about the World Cup is it is a knock-out tournament. You can rip up the form book. Once you get to the quarterfinals, then it is three finals in a row.
"The thing is you need a game plan and a game where you may not be playing that well but are still able to win. Injuries are also a factor. But it is a tough ask and that what makes the tournament so special."
Vickery said the All Blacks were the unquestionable favourites.
"The thing about the countries in the northern hemisphere is that none of them have really put on good performances.
"England has got the talent there but just need to put it together. Ireland has some good performers with plenty of experience and some good young players coming into the team."
