Real New Zealand Festival launched in Hamilton

Hamilton’s Rugby World Cup organisers say the REAL New Zealand Festival, launched today, will put the beauty, thrills and spills of the Waikato River on show to the world during September and October next year.

The name of the festival was unveiled at an event at Eden Park in Auckland today, marking the milestone of ‘One Year To Go’ until the kick off of Rugby World Cup 2011 (RWC 2011). The festival will run from 9 September – 23 October, and will complement the match and team hosting schedule for RWC 2011. But it will go well beyond the 23 centres hosting teams and games, and will include every part of the country.

Hamilton events and sponsorship executive Karen Watkins says locals are determined to make the most of the opportunity the REAL New Zealand Festival presents to showcase the region.

“Rugby World Cup spectators can expect a super-charged festival atmosphere when they arrive in Hamilton next year. Running right through the heart of Hamilton, the Waikato River is a beauty which the festival will truly make the most of with everything from adrenalin hits to ‘pied pipers’ and family fun.

“New festival features come online every week and as we count down the days and we’re encouraging all our visitors to go to www.whatsonhamilton.co.nz and see what is in store!”

The launch of the festival name coincides with the start of the second phase of Rugby World Cup ticket sales, with applications for individual tickets opening on 10 September.

Festival Director Briony Ellis says the regions will be the heart and soul of the festival.

“The festival will include hundreds of events and experiences celebrating our arts, food and wine, heritage, culture, entertainment, industries and business, experiences and lifestyle,” she said.

“Every region of New Zealand has something special and unique about itself to celebrate and Hamilton will play an important part in offering visitors during RWC 2011 an authentic Kiwi experience.”

The calendar of events in Hamilton is building all the time, but a number of cultural, family and sporting events have already come onboard to offer a slice of something special in September and October 2011:

• The newly launched River Festival
• Legendary high-speed Bridge to Bridge Waterski Classic
• The 71 year running Round the Bridges Fun Run
• SBS Half Marathon
• And the Cambridge to Hamilton Kayak, a fun filled river journey for all-comers

To find out more about REAL New Zealand Festival events go to www.realnzfestival.com or www.whatsonhamilton.co.nz.