Rugby World Cup 2011 - anybody going?

[Edmonsta]

Hey rugby nuts.

For a while now I’ve been thinking of going to the World Cup next year, seeing as I’m just a short swim (maybe a few days) from New Zealand.

I know it’s early days, but you know what they say about early birds and worms, so I thought I’d see who’s thinking of going and bounce ideas.

I expect to be ripped off, but yesterday I looked at a package (there aren’t many out here in Aus yet!) and was quoted well over AU$2000 for – get this – Return flight to NZ, 1 ticket to a random pool game, and that’s it. No accommodation, no food, nothing, just the flights and 1 ticket. WTF?

Can’t seem to find much else from Aus at the moment – they all seem to be taking registrations but it’s too early for prices and actual package details.

I was hoping to spend a week or so in NZ during the World Cup, just to soak up the rugby atmosphere, maybe go to a pool game or two and just take it all in. Judging from the prices above, a week or two will probably cost me my next three unborn children.

Anybody thinking of going to NZ for the World Cup next year? (from Aus or anywhere else)?

If so, do you know of any deals, do you have a plan, or have a ballpark of what you expect to pay for the trip? I imagine flights and accommodation being the most expensive. Oh, and the beer bill. And of course travel insurance with extra cover for Air-Rescue should SA beat NZ in the final.

Thoughts? Comments?

[boards]

iv looked into it - can only book flights a year in advance sadly from here.... got a mate who i worked with in Afghan who has friends in the NZ 7's side so will be organizing box tickets adn seats for us... will do 3 weeks - 2 in NZ and a week in perth. He will also sort us out with accomodation and works in a pub so aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaalll sorted i hope! will only check out the early round games as the semi's and onwards are rather steep and really in my opinion unless AB's make the final well id rather fly to Beijing to see Patson for that shilling!

[Edmonsta]

Nice one. Forgot to mention that I'd be looking at going in the early weeks as well - as you say, finals start getting expensive. And looking at the Boks schedule - all their pool games are in Albany and Wellington, so that's where I'll be headed, I think. Maybe catch another random pool game in Auckland as well.

This is all theory until I find out the prices though. You're right about not being able to book flights a year in advance - same all over.

[barto11]

Unless I get a steep pay rise (and I'm talking, like, a massive one)....no

[Edmonsta]

Can't you sell your body Barto?

[boards]

Barto is a banker - by this time next year he will be flush! then he can buy us a beer in aukland!

[joemac]

I am going to try to go to one of the pool games. possibly featuring Italy, as they are based not to far from us (150 kms or so)

Anyone need a bed, can give me a yell, though I am pretty off the beaten track.

[Shayne]

Be sure to pop in and say "hi" whoever is coming. Got a few mates that will be organising a few free tickets for me for some of the pool games trough corporate sponsorship. Just thought about it - maybe i can make one of the comp prizes some free tickets to a game :) I'm sure as hell not interested.

Watch this space!

PS Should have space if anyone is coming over to Auckland.

[Tricky Nicky]

Unfortunately not - watched some games here in the UK during the 99 world cup which was fabulous.

No, I will be following the fortunes of the Bokke on the Tellie (big big sigh)!

[barto11]

I wouldnt mind being in NZ for the WC, even if I dont go to any of the games...therefore I wont be frowned upon for drinking at unsociable hours when the games are on