Welcome & Enjoy the Events

Rugby World Cup 2011 has opened to great fanfare, the games have started, the events are in full swing, and Wellington is buzzing with international visitors and a fantastic atmosphere.

This week visitors and locals alike can get into the action by welcoming any of the five teams arriving at the airport or watching teams take part in open training sessions around the region (see below for more details).

You can also check out some of the fantastic Festival of Carnivale events taking place around the waterfront and throughout the city and region. Highlights for this week include the Festival of Sails which kicks off this Saturday at the Royal Port Nicholson Yacht Club where you can see the best sailors in action - or have a go at sailing yourself.

There is also the opportunity to see visiting French caricaturist Gerard Gargouil draw portraits of the French team and the All Blacks live in the Town Hall.

There is also a South African Cultural Festival happening this weekend from 10.00am to 5.00pm in Civic Square including food, arts, craft and music.

The Rugby Village FANZONE by the wharewaka will have entertainment and live screenings of all rugby matches on the big screen. And remember, if the weather isn't the best you can always head to the warmth of the Town Hall for weekend screenings of matches.

Whether you're into rugby or not, there's a wealth of entertainment and sights to check out over the next few weeks so don't miss out.

Team Arrivals

• 1.25pm, Thursday 15 September - Scotland
• 1.30pm, Sunday 18 September - Argentina
• 3.30pm, Sunday 18 September - Australia
• 10.45am, Monday 19 September - Georgia
• 1.20pm, Monday 19 September - USA

Public Training Sessions

• 9.30am - 10.30am, Tuesday 13 September, Fiji at Porirua Park
• 10.00am - 11.30am, Tuesday 13 September, South Africa at Rugby League Park
• 10.00am - 11.30 am (TBC), Sunday 18 September, Scotland at Hutt Recreation Ground
• 3.00pm - 5.00pm (TBC), Monday 19 September, Australia at Rugby League Park